James Nudera,
DDS, MS
Robert Nudera, DDS, MS
81 S. McLean Blvd. Unit B
South Elgin, Illinois 60177
TEL: 847.760.6353
Fax: 847.760.6356
nuderaorthodontics@gmail.com
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Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the
diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced
education program following dental school to learn the special
skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development
years
- Better function of the teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guides permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduces the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aids in optimizing other dental treatment
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth,
or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when
biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth
(underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together
(open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth
- The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or
seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic
problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before
jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient
can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American
Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first
visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected
by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician.
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic
treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent
teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of
six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more
space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites,
and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also
called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces
when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the
ages of eleven and thirteen.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants
a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of
orthodontic patients today are adults.
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into
their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth
and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When
the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to
its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move
your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average
time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected
by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment
length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good
oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in
keeping treatment time on schedule.
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt.
Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you
may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your
lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces
on your teeth.
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles
by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity.
Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety
of colors and patterns.
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In
addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six
months for cleanings and dental checkups.
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