Tobacco
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by at least age seven or sooner if something is obviously wrong before age seven. Fortunately, most young patients don’t need anything more than observation while the permanent teeth are growing into place.
Many young patients have problems, which will not, or should not wait. Most orthodontic problems are inherited and cannot be prevented; however something can usually be done before these problems become more difficult and more expensive to manage.
It is recommended you consult with an orthodontist prior to having your dentist remove any baby teeth or permanent teeth. To ensure the best overall dental and facial development, all patients should have an orthodontic consultation sometime between the ages of four and seven.
Dr. Montoya offers early examinations and observation consultations. Contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Classifications of Teeth
The classification of bites is divided into three main categories: Class I, II, and III. This classification refers to the position of the first molars, and how they fit together.
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Class I Class I is a normal relationship between the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws or balanced bite. |
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Class I normal |
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Class I crowding |
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Class I Spacing |
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Class II
Class II is where the lower first molar is posterior (or more towards the back of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the upper front teeth and jaw project further forward than the lower teeth and jaw. There is a convex appearance in profile with a receding chin and lower lip. Class II problems can be due to insufficient growth of the lower jaw, an over growth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. In many cases, Class II problems are genetically inherited and can be aggravated by environmental factors such as finger sucking. Class II problems are treated via growth redirection to bring the upper teeth, lower teeth and jaws into correct position.
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Class II division 1 |
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Class II division 2 |
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Class III
Class III is where the lower first molar is anterior (or more towards the front of the mouth) than the upper first molar. In this abnormal relationship, the lower teeth and jaw project further forward than the upper teeth and jaws. There is a concave appearance in profile with a prominent chin. Class III problems are usually due to an overgrowth in the lower jaw, undergrowth of the upper jaw or a combination of the two. Like Class II problems, they can be genetically inherited. Class III problems are sometimes treated via surgical correction of one or both jaws.
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Class III functional or dental |
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Class III skeletal |
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Orthodontic Problems
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Overjet Upper front teeth protrude |
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Deep bite |
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Underbite |
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Open bite |
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Crowding |
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Excess Spacing |
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Mid-Line Misalignment |
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Crossbite |
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Phases of Treatment
Phase1: Treatment usually takes 12 to 18 months and is done between the ages of 7-9. A variety of appliances may be used to correct specific problems.
Maintenance Phase: During the time between the first and second phase the patient will be seen every few months per year. This is to monitor the eruption of the permanent teeth and loss of primary teeth.
Phase2 (if required): During the first phase of treatment Dr. Montoya has no control over 16 unerupted permanent teeth. If they grow in and problems still exist, further treatment, known as Phase 2, will be required. A separate fee will be quoted at that time. Treatment usually takes 12-24 months.
Full Treatment: If you decide to wait, treatment will be started when all permanent teeth have erupted. Full treatment usually takes 18-30 months. The length of treatment depends on the severity of malocclusion and orthodontic problems.
Proper Braces Care and Brushing Techniques
Brushing and flossing your teeth can be challenging when wearing braces but it is extremely important that you do both consistently and thoroughly.
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Foods to Avoid During Treatment: Eating proper foods and minimizing sugar intake are essential during orthodontic treatment. Your braces can be damaged by eating hard, sticky, and chewy foods.
- Hard foods : Nuts, Candy, Hard Pretzels
- Crunchy food: Popcorn, Ice, Chips, etc.
- Sticky foods: Gum, Chewy Candy (Skittles, Taffy, Gummy Bears, Caramel, etc.)
- Chewy food: Bagels, Hard Rolls, etc.
- Foods you have to bite into : Corn on the Cob, Apples, Carrots (cut these foods up into smaller pieces and chew on back teeth)
- Chewing on Hard Objects (for example, pens, pencils or fingernails) can damage the braces. Damaged braces will add time to your treatment.
Dentistry health care that works: tobacco
The American Dental Association has long been a leader in the battle against tobacco-related disease, working to educate the public about the dangers inherent in tobacco use and encouraging dentists to help their patients break the cycle of addiction. The Association has continually strengthened and updated its tobacco policies as new scientific information has become available.
Frequently asked questions: tobacco products
What effects can smoking have on my oral health? Are cigars a safe alternative to cigarettes? Are smokeless tobacco products safe? The American Dental Association has some alarming news that you should know.
Smoking and Implants
Recent studies have shown that there is a direct link between oral tissue and bones loss and smoking.
Tooth loss and edentulism are more common in smokers than in non-smokers. In addition, people who smoke are more likely to develop severe periodontal disease.
The formation of deep mucosal pockets with inflammation of the peri-implant mucosa around dental implants is called peri-implantitis. Smokers treated with dental implants have a greater risk of developing peri-implantitis. This condition can lead to increased resorption of peri-implant bone. If left untreated, peri-implantitis can lead to implant failure. In a recent international study, smokers showed a higher score in bleeding index with greater peri-implant pocket depth and radiographically discernible bone resorption around the implant, particularly in the maxilla.
Many studies have shown that smoking can lead to higher rates of dental implant failure. In general, smoking cessation usually leads to improved periodontal health and a patient’s chance for successful implant acceptance.
Orthodontist - Keller
1730 Rufe Snow Drive
Keller, TX 76248
817-427-2237
