Braces in Camarillo

First Phase Treatment

Orthodontists can treat smiles at any age, but there is usually a best age for treatment to begin.  An early examination allows the determination of how and when a child's particular orthodontic problems should be treated for maximum improvement.  Early treatment may achieve results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. 

This treatment approach is considered interceptive or preventive. 

Children sometimes exhibit early signs of jaw problems as they grow and develop.  An upper jaw that is too narrow for example, can be recognized at an early age. 

Since children are growing rapidly, they can benefit enormously from the first phase of orthodontic treatment because specific appliances can be prescribed that direct the growth of their upper and lower jaws toward an ideal relationship. 

Thus, a good foundation can be established providing adequate room for eruption of all permanent teeth.

The goals of the fist phase of treatment are:

• influence jaw growth in a positive manner
  
• harmonize the widths of the dental arches
  
• improve eruption patterns
  
• decrease the risk of trauma to protruding upper front teeth
  
• correct/eliminate harmful oral habits
  
• improve esthetics and self esteem
  
• simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
  
• reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
   

The first phase of treatment lasts approximately one year.

Resting/Observation Period

After Phase one treatment is completed, all appliances are removed and the eruption of your child's permanent teeth is monitored at office visits every 4 to 6 months.  Retainers are usually worn on a nightly basis for part of this observation period. 

Second Phase Treatment

It is important to understand that at the end of the first phase of treatment, the teeth are not in their final position.  This will be accomplished in the corrective, second phase of treatment. 

The second phase of treatment is initiated when most of the permanent teeth have erupted and usually requires braces on all teeth. 
 

Functional Appliances

Functional appliances are used to influence growth of the jaws in order to effect changes in facial structure. In addition, they are often used before and in conjunction with fixed appliances. Timing of such therapy also is very important.

Elastics

Attached to your braces, elastics (rubber bands) exert the proper force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth. In order for this force to remain constant, elastics must be worn all the time and changed every day. Any time missed in wearing your elastics will only make your treatment take longer, so remember these things:

You are responsible for placing the elastics on your braces between appointments. Make sure to wear them as instructed. Remove them only when brushing your teeth, gums and braces after meals. Then put them back on immediately.

Always carry a few elastics with you, so if one breaks you can replace it right away. If your supply is low, call the office and we will mail you an additional supply of elastics.
If you forget to insert your elastics one day, don't double up the next day — just follow your regular instructions.

Elastics become worn out. When they lose their elasticity, they don't provide the proper pressure on your teeth and jaws. It is very important to change them as directed, even when they are not broken.

Headgear

Orthodontic headgear is a very important part of the treatment for some patients. Headgear creates forces that guide the growth of the face and jaws. It also is used to move teeth into better positions or to prevent teeth from moving.

Maintaining constant use of your headgear will achieve the best results. If instructions on usage are not followed, treatment will take longer and our treatment plan may have to change.

Take caution in removing your headgear and do not wear while playing sports.

Take your headgear with you to every appointment. If it becomes soiled, Dr. Zoka will tell you how it should be cleaned.

Your teeth may be tender for the first few days of wearing your headgear. This tenderness will disappear as you adjust to the new pressures.

Let Dr. Zoka know if you continue to be uncomfortable for more than a few days. Wearing headgear is necessary for your treatment. Follow the instructions exactly, and you will complete your treatment without any changes in your treatment plan.

Expansion Appliances

 An expander has been fitted in order to expand your upper jaw. The expansion appliance helps achieve a better bite and in the process, creates more room for the teeth.  It works by gently widening the two parts of the upper jaw. 

After Dr. Zoka has placed the expander in place, the patient will be required to turn the screw as instructed.  Parents usually do this for the younger ones.  This procedure is very comfortable for most patients.  However, the pressure of the screw turning may cause a tingling sensation at the bridge of the nose for approximately one minute.