How soon will my orthodontic treatment finish?

27/11/2013

Point-Counterpoint:

How soon will my orthodontic treatment finish?

By far the most frequently asked question in every orthodontic practice is, “When do I get my braces off?” In the fast-paced, busy lives of patients, there is little time to spend on lengthy orthodontic treatment. In the ever-advancing field of orthodontics, many barriers have been overcome, leading to healthier results and more beautiful smiles. Now, the focus is on reducing treatment time.

There are many advantages of reducing the overall time in braces, without sacrificing the quality of treatment. Below are several points Dr. Harman wants to share with all.

Many orthodontic patients use over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics (pain relievers) to control the discomfort associated with tooth movement, unaware that many of these pharmaceutical agents are known to systemically influence bone and the velocity of tooth movement. Research has shown non-steroidal (NSAID) anti-inflammatories/ “pain relievers” such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin etc. slow down orthodontic tooth movement. The chemicals in these medications pass through the blood stream reach the mechanically stressed tissues and interact with local cells, which inhibit orthodontic tooth movement. Acetaminophen, (Tylenol) is an inactive inflammatory agent and it has no effect of the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Therefore, Acetaminophen should be considered the drug of choice in treating mild to moderate discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment, unless contraindicated by the patient’s medical history or physician.

Some additional factors that can slow down orthodontic tooth movement include poor oral hygiene, lack of compliance with rubber bands, and poor appointment compliance. Understanding the frustrations of “waiting on teeth to move” Heidi Harman Orthodontics offers SureSmile, an advanced treatment option that can reduce the amount of time in braces.