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Problems & Procedures

Good preventive dental habits, such as brushing and flossing, regular cleanings and checkups, and well-balanced nutrition, will help keep your teeth healthy and problem free. However, unexpected dental emergencies and other unforeseen problems can threaten the health and beauty of your smile. Fortunately, your dentist can provide the professional help you need when these problems occur.

Dentistry's first goal is to protect and restore the teeth and gums. Specialized procedures, like the ones explained in this section, can help safeguard your smile. If you have a dental problem or emergency, schedule a dental appointment immediately. Your dentist will diagnose and treat any problems, so you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth.

Dental Emergencies

If you have a serious dental emergency and you need urgent help, contact a dentist immediately to get further emergency instructions.

What constitutes a true emergency varies. However, for most situations there is little a dentist can do until he/she has a chance to see you. It is extremely important that you schedule a dental appointment. A dentist will diagnose and repair any problems before the situation becomes compounded.

What to do:

Bleeding after extraction

Slight bleeding after having a tooth extracted is normal. A clot will usually form within one hour.

If bleeding continues, place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site. Apply pressure to the area to control the flow of blood.

If bleeding still persists, you may try soaking a tea bag in water, placing it inside a thin gauze pad, and applying pressure for one hour. The tea leaves contain minerals which may aid in the clotting procedure.

If bleeding has not stopped after a few hours, it is important that you contact your Dentist.

Bleeding gums

Gums that bleed often and easily can mean serious dental problems. If your gums are red, swollen, inflamed, or bleed while brushing, you may have an early sign of periodontal disease. (See Gum Disease)

The swelling and bleeding may be evidence of infection caused by the buildup of bacteria around your gums. Slight bleeding can be remedied by rinsing with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or warm salt water.

Excessive bleeding may be caused by advanced gum disease or other types of oral diseases. If you experience any of these symptoms it is extremely important that you make an appointment with your Dentist for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Broken or chipped tooth

Chipped teeth are common and can appear very unsightly. If the chipped tooth is left untreated, it may be more susceptible to fractures or further chipping in the future. If you have chipped a tooth, it is important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist.

If a tooth has been broken to the point that the pulp chamber (the center of the tooth containing the nerve and blood vessels) is exposed, call your dentist immediately.

Because the early stages of tooth decay are relatively painless and often go unnoticed, it is extremely important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.

Lost crown or broken filling

Usually there is not a great deal of pain when a crown is lost. However, it is very important to make an appointment with your dentist to have this problem fixed as soon as possible.

A broken filling is often a sign that tooth decay has reached beneath the original filling or the filling has cracked and is too large to withstand ordinary biting pressure.

If there is pain, this may be an indication that there is infection in the tooth. To help alleviate the pain, place a small amount of Oil of Cloves on a cotton pellet and place into the hole.

It is extremely important that you call your dentist for an exam, evaluation, and treatment.

broken jaw Jaw injuries

If, after experiencing trauma to the jaw, you find that you are not able to close your mouth in a normal fashion, your jaw may be dislocated. Remain calm and relaxed — quite often a dislocated jaw will slide back into place by itself. If the pain persists or the jaw does not slide into place, you should contact your dentist for an examination.

If you find that your jaw hurts when it is moved or if you cannot close your mouth, it is likely that you have fractured your jaw. Seek professional medical help at a hospital emergency room. The hospital will be able to treat your injury as well as advise you whether you need to schedule an appointment to see your dentist.

Knocked out tooth

Teeth that are knocked out of the sockets can sometimes be saved. The likelihood of success depends on the amount of time before the tooth is re-implanted. Re-implantation is most successful when it is performed within 60 minutes of the time of loss.

If a tooth is knocked out, you should put the tooth into a cup of warm milk and immediately call your dentist for special instructions.

Mouth Sores

Canker sores are those very small and painful sores that occur inside the mouth. They can be caused by stress, biting the inside of the mouth or by a reaction to certain foods.

If you find that you have developed a canker sore on the inside of the mouth, apply an over-the-counter medicine like Orajel or Campho-Phenique. This will produce a bandage-like film over the sore.

Cold sores or fever blisters are different than canker sores in that they are caused by a chickenpox-like virus. These sores are very contagious when a breakout occurs. Once you contract the virus it remains in the body forever. Certain things such as stress, fatigue, illness or fever can cause a breakout.

The sore begins as a blister and then becomes an open sore. It will eventually scab up and fall off. Use a topical ointment such as Zilactin to relieve pain.

Sensitive teeth (Hypersensitivity)

Sensitivity to hot and cold substances is a common dental problem. It occurs when the dentin (the second layer of the tooth) loses a portion of its hard enamel protective coating. This exposes some of the odontoblasts (threadlike cells that extend throughout the dentin in the tooth) that are sensitive to temperature and touch. Their job is to regenerate new dentin from the nutrients delivered by the blood cells. When the dentin is damaged, the odontoblasts relay responses to the nerves, which usually register feelings from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Fortunately, if hypersensitivity becomes an increasing problem and prohibits a person from enjoying the foods or drinks they like, it can be remedied.

The dentist can recommend certain toothpastes that are designed to reduce sensitivity. Another solution is to apply a chemical sealant with bonding agents to form a protective layer on the tooth.

Hypersensitivity may also be a signal of more serious dental problems. If you are experiencing chronic hypersensitivity, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation.

Toothache

An aching tooth is a very common dental emergency. A toothache is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth.

Tylenol or aspirin can sometimes be effective in relieving pain. Antibiotics can relieve pain by reducing the effects of swelling and infection.

If there is a hole in the tooth, you may place Oil of Cloves on a small cotton pellet and place it in the site to relieve pain.

Some toothaches have bacterial infections that can spread. For this reason, it is extremely important that you schedule a dental appointment. A dentist will diagnose and repair any problems before the situation becomes compounded.

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Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)

Gum disease begins with inflamed gum tissue around the teeth and, if left untreated, will eventually cause teeth to become so loose they fall out or have to be extracted. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss--more people lose their teeth because of gum disease than tooth decay.

Gum disease is a primary reason why everyone should visit the dentist at least twice a year. Brushing and flossing are very important in helping to prevent gum disease, but for most people, they aren't enough. Three out of four adults in the U.S. will be affected by gum disease during their lifetimes. Only regular dental visits can ensure the health of your gums and all the tissues supporting your teeth.

The periodontium is the term used to describe the tissues around the tooth. The teeth are seated in sockets surrounded by bone. The gingiva, or gum, is the soft red tissue surrounding the rest of the tooth. The area where the tooth and gum meet is most vulnerable to periodontal disease.

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, mucus and food particles, that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque that isn't brushed or flossed away hardens into "calculus" (or tartar) which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist.

Irritation from plaque and calculus causes the gums to get inflamed and swollen, forming pockets between the gums and teeth which fill with even more bacteria.

Early indicators of gingivitis:

The gum edges, which are normally reddish pink, take on a darker reddish color.
Your gums feel tender and bleed while brushing or flossing.
Your breath may be foul or offensive.

Although these are the basic symptoms of stage one gingivitis, early gingivitis often shows no symptoms until your teeth become seriously threatened.

Periodontitis is the end result of gingivitis. Unless treated by a dentist, the tissues around the teeth become more inflamed and swollen and the pockets continue to deepen, allowing more and more bacteria to thrive. Eventually it causes destruction of the bone and tissue that surrounds and anchors the teeth, so they become loose and painful to chew with.

At this point, it may be necessary to perform periodontal surgery to save your teeth. Without treatment, gum disease may result in the need for dentures.

Periodontal bacteria can also enter the bloodstream. Recent research has linked these bacteria to heart disease, diabetes, low birth-weight babies and other serious health problems.

It is very important that you make an appointment with your dentist every six months for a cleaning and evaluation to prevent periodontal disease from occurring.

Cavities

Tooth decay, to some degree, is inevitable. Teeth age over time regardless of how diligent your are in your cleaning regimen. Deep groves, pits and fissures in the top of the teeth collect bacteria that begin the decay process. Hard to reach areas between the teeth can only be cleaned with floss.

Due to its warm moist interior, the mouth is an ideal living environment for bacterial microbes. These microbes are responsible for most tooth damage. Bacteria thrive on sugar. By limiting one's sugar intake and brushing and flossing daily, teeth have their best chance of staying decay free.

It is also very important that you visit your dentist every six months to have your teeth cleaned and inspected. Early stages of tooth decay are, in most cases, quite painless. Only a professionally trained eye can spot and eradicate tooth decay.

The location and extent of the decay in the tooth will determine how the tooth can be restored. Decayed areas of the teeth can be restored in several ways today.

If you are due for your six-month checkup, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Where cavities most often form

There are two common areas where cavities are most likely to form:

Back teeth—These are the most susceptible to decay. This is because they are the teeth that are most often used when chewing food, and they have small fissures and grooves which are sometimes impossible to keep clean.

Proximal surfaces (between the teeth)—These are susceptible to tooth decay because simply brushing after every meal is not sufficient to clean between the teeth. It is important to include flossing in your daily routine to ensure that you keep these areas relatively free of plaque and tartar.

If you would like more information on how to floss properly or are due for your six-month checkup, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Stages of tooth decay

Decay of the enamel

Tooth decay is a process that occurs gradually over time. It ordinarily begins at the outer layer of enamel where plaque has formed. Because enamel is almost entirely made up of minerals and has no live cells or nerves, this stage is usually painless and often goes unnoticed.

Decay of the dentin

The decay then penetrates the dentin. The dentin is made up of both minerals and living cells. These cells are connected to the nerve cells in the pulp. A person may begin to notice increased sensitivity or even some pain, although this stage can also go unnoticed.

Since decay spreads faster in the dentin, the softer tissue becomes affected and cannot support the enamel. At this stage, the tooth may break and cavities can form.

Decay of the pulp and pulp death

Next the pulp (the center tissue of the tooth) becomes inflamed. Left untreated, the decay will reach into the pulp, which contains pain-sensitive nerve endings. The tooth will most likely ache. This requires dental assistance or the tooth may die.

Abscess Formation

Infection-causing bacteria form an abscess, which can spread bacteria to adjoining teeth or other parts of the body. Caught early enough, the tooth can usually be saved by a root canal procedure. If the tooth cannot be saved, it will have to be extracted.

Root Canals (Endodontics)

Inside each tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. This area consists of the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth. When decay is extensive, removal of the nerve and blood vessels is necessary.

If you have a tooth that has a diseased nerve, you most likely can avoid losing the tooth through a specialized dental procedure called endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal. The treatment today is often completed with little or no discomfort during or after the procedure.

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that involves working on the insides of teeth. Inside each tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. This area consists of the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth. When decay extends into the tooth and penetrates this area, an inflammation or infection results. This can cause mild to severe pain.

If the decay is extensive and the nerve becomes severely damaged, the tooth will likely die. Many teeth can be saved by root canal therapy — the removal of the pulp inside the tooth—reducing the need for extractions and avoiding the problem of missing teeth.

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Symptoms that may indicate root canal therapy

Do you think you need a root canal? Here are the symptoms:

Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods/beverages.
Severe decay, or an injury that creates an infection in the bone.
Sharp pain when touched.

It is important to note that sometimes the tooth dies and emits no pain. Symptoms might not show up until other teeth are in danger. This is one reason to have regular dental checkups.

Why choose a root canal over extraction?

Today, modern dentistry and better nutrition have reduced the necessity of tooth loss. It is easily possible to preserve and maintain your teeth for a lifetime.

When a tooth is extracted, it leaves a space that can cause other teeth to shift and become crooked, affecting the ability to chew properly. The loss of a single tooth can have a major impact upon your dental health and appearance. Although an extraction is less expensive, the missing tooth will need to be replaced with a bridge or implant, which can cost more than a root canal.

The benefits of natural teeth are numerous when compared to prosthetic, or replacement, teeth.

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Root Canal Procedure

Inside each tooth is an area called the pulp chamber. This area consists of the nerve and blood vessels of the tooth. When decay is extensive, removal of the nerve and blood vessels is necessary.

Root canal therapy is successful in over 95% of the cases treated. Extraction is the only other option.

To begin root canal therapy, the tooth is anesthetized and an opening into the root chamber is made through the top of the diseased tooth. The upper and lower front six teeth usually have one canal, the two bicuspid teeth usually have two canals, and the molars have three or four canals.

The diseased tissue is removed from the pulp chamber, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped. The chamber and root canals are then filled and sealed.

A buildup of the tooth is done with a post or filling and a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from fracturing.

We hope that all your teeth last a lifetime, but if one of your teeth should become injured or diseased, root canal therapy can restore a tooth and give it a second chance.

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Extractions

The goal of modern dentistry is to save and restore teeth. The benefits of natural teeth are numerous when compared to prosthetic teeth. Only after trying endodontic (root canal) and periodontic (gum) treatment will a dentist consider extraction.

Dentists also place a high emphasis on preventive care so that certain procedures may be avoided. Even so, some conditions can only be remedied by extraction.

The majority of dentists perform this routine treatment. However, in severe cases, the dentist may refer the case to an oral surgeon who specializes in the extraction of teeth.

The local anesthetics of today are very effective in blocking all pain reception. All that is usually felt is the pressure of the removal of the tooth.

Reasons your tooth might need to be extracted:

Severe decay

Advanced periodontal (gum) disease

Wrongly positioned teeth

Fractured teeth or roots

Impacted teeth

Infection or disease

Orthodontic correction (prior to braces)

Recovery after extractions

After the procedure, your dentist will instruct you regarding the follow-up care of your extraction site during the healing process and provide medication for pain and infection, if needed.

Some small amount of bleeding for eight to twenty-four hours may be expected. This can be managed by placing a sterile gauze pad over the extraction site.

Typically there is a minimum amount of pain with extractions unless they are complicated by infection or inflammation to the surrounding tissue. This can be managed by pain medication prescribed by the dentist.

An antibiotic prescription may also be recommended and should be taken as directed by the dentist. The healing process can be complicated by the failure to properly care for the area after surgery.

Smoking, packing food debris into the socket, and failure to take medication as prescribed may affect the healing process, which varies greatly from patient to patient. The usual healing period is about five to ten days.

If there are any unusual complications, you should contact your dentist immediately.

Wisdom Teeth

The third molars, commonly referred to as "wisdom teeth," are a special case when it comes to extraction. Since the wisdom teeth are the last to come in, there is often little or no room left for them in the mouth.

Due to this, they may come in partially or not at all. This can cause crowding and misalignment of the existing teeth.

Some people naturally lack one or more of their wisdom teeth. The dentist can take x-rays to determine how the teeth are erupting, if at all.

If surgical extraction of the wisdom teeth is indicated, it is usually better to have them removed as soon as possible, as healing can be more lengthy for adults in later years. The ideal time for the extraction of wisdom teeth in young adults is between the ages of 16-22 years.

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Restoring your teeth

The location of the decay and the extent of the decay in the tooth will determine how the tooth can be restored. Decayed areas of the teeth can be restored in several ways today, greatly reducing the need for the extractions that earlier generations faced.

Advanced dental technology has created restorations that are both cosmetically pleasing and highly functional. For example, tooth-colored fillings are bonded to the remaining tooth structure and make the tooth look, feel, and wear as good as new.

Materials used in fillings

Silver amalgam is a very common filling material. When it is prepared it has a very soft consistency that can easily be shaped to fit the cavity. It then hardens into a very durable, solid filling.

Silver amalgam is primarily used to fill cavities that are located in inconspicuous places. Because of its "darkish" appearance, the back teeth are the most likely to be repaired using silver amalgam.

Gold has a long history of being used in dental restorations. It is a very durable, non-corrosive metal.

Most gold fillings are cast in the mold of the cavity and are then cemented into place. Although gold is lighter in color than silver amalgam, it is still primarily used to repair the back teeth.

Composite fillings are made of two main ingredients: 1) Plastic resin and 2) Finely ground glass particles. Composites are applied to the teeth in thin layers.

Composites are used on highly visible teeth because of their ability to match the surrounding tooth color.

Porcelain is a ceramic material much like fine china. It shares many of the same advantages as composite fillings, such as having the ability to match the natural tooth color.

However, porcelain is much more resistant to wear and forms an even better bond with the tooth than do composite fillings.

Inlays and Onlays

If the side or top area of a tooth is damaged or decayed, it may be restored with a gold or composite inlay filling. The decayed or broken tooth structure is shaped and an impression is taken. A small filling is made from the model of the impression. The inlay is then fitted into the tooth and cemented or bonded permanently to the tooth.

Onlays are basically large fillings. When a portion of a tooth's crown is severely decayed or a cusp is fractured, an onlay may be used to restore the tooth. Onlays are mainly used for the molars in the back of the mouth.

Since molars must withstand heavy chewing pressures, onlays are usually constructed with a gold or metal alloy. Porcelain can also be used, especially when the color of the tooth is an issue.

Crowns

Teeth will sometimes crack, old fillings will become loose, or decay may destroy large portions of the tooth. When a tooth is so severely damaged that an onlay cannot be made, the tooth must be fitted for an artificial crown (also known as a cap). If the root is dead or exposed, it must be removed through root canal therapy before the crown is placed.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure by covering the entire tooth. They are made to look just like natural teeth, and if the tooth the crown is replacing had imperfections, the new crown will make your smile more attractive.

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Replacing missing teeth (Prosthodontics)

If teeth are lost due to extensive decay, fracturing, periodontal disease, or any dental problem, something must be done to replace their function. Prosthodontics is the dental term used for the replacement of teeth. Prosthetic teeth may be either removable or fixed permanently in the mouth.

Fixed bridges are usually used when only a few teeth are missing. The fixed bridge is cemented to the remaining teeth on either side, creating a "bridge" of replacement teeth between the existing teeth.

Removable appliances -- dentures -- are usually used when many teeth are missing and/or when a fixed bridge cannot be used. Dentures are removed daily for cleaning. Dentures can either be partials or complete. Implants may be used to support dentures.

Depending upon the extent of the damage or the number of missing teeth, the dentist will provide a complete exam and diagnosis, leading to the right method of treatment for you.

Reasons missing teeth should be replaced

The loss of teeth can affect many everyday functions. Here are the most common reasons why missing teeth should be replaced:

Appearance. Missing teeth are unsightly, and gaps left unfilled can affect the way your whole face looks. You should replace missing teeth to safeguard your appearance and prevent the collapse of facial features that cause premature wrinkles and age lines.
Chewing. Missing teeth hinder your ability to chew properly. Food can become lodged between the gaps, which may lead to infection.
Bite. Missing teeth can cause misalignment of the remaining healthy teeth. This may throw your bite (the way your teeth come together) out of order, leading to additional fracturing, gum disease and tooth loss.
Speaking. Certain teeth affect the way most people enunciate their words. The loss of one or more of these teeth can make it more difficult to pronounce some words.

If you are missing any of your permanent teeth, it is extremely important that you schedule an appointment with your dentist to have this problem corrected.

Fixed Bridges

If only a few consecutive teeth are missing, usually they can be replaced by a fixed bridge. This consists of abutment (adjacent) teeth fitted with artificial crowns connected to the missing teeth, thus forming a "bridge."

Before	After

Implants

A dental implant consists of an artificial tooth root surgically anchored into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth in place. Metal posts are placed on or into the bone to mimic the root structure of the tooth and form an artificial base.

Implants are often used when single teeth are replaced without a fixed bridge. They can also act as an anchoring tooth for a bridge, or to stabilize a partial or complete denture.

Implants are an excellent solution to missing teeth because they look and feel like natural teeth and are a permanent replacement.

Dentures

With today's knowledge of the causes of tooth loss, good oral hygiene, regular dental visits and advanced dental treatment techniques, more people are now enjoying the benefits of maintaining their own teeth than ever before.

However, full dentures are required when most or all of the teeth are lost. Extensive tooth loss is caused mainly by untreated periodontal disease or widespread tooth decay.

Dentures are hard, rigid devices used to aid in eating, speaking and increasing the person's aesthetic appearance. Recent technological advancements have made it possible for dentures to appear as if they were the person's natural teeth.

Full dentures consist of upper and lower prosthetic teeth. The lower denture is horseshoe-shaped to make room for the tongue and rests on the dental ridge of bone and gums. Retention depends on the condition and shape of the lower ridge and gums. The tongue, in conjunction with the jaw muscles, will tend to dislodge the lower denture. Because of this, the lower denture requires more effort to wear and use comfortably.

The upper denture is much easier to become accustomed to because it is held in place by a vacuum created by saliva that fills the area between the denture and the palate of the mouth.

If you think you may be a candidate for full dentures, you should call your dentist and schedule an appointment.

Eating with dentures

Unlike natural teeth, dentures are not as strong or as stable. It requires some learning to master the art of eating with dentures.

Initially, a soft diet is recommended. Reduce your food to small pieces to better manage your biting and chewing.

Next, you must learn to grind the food with the back teeth and chew on both sides to balance your bite and to keep your dentures from tipping. If you are able to master these tasks, the last thing to learn is to bite with the front teeth.

Keep in mind, dentures are not real teeth, they are only prosthetic devices and, as a result, have only one-tenth the actual biting pressure as normal teeth. This means that you may not be able to eat certain foods such as apples, corn on the cob, nuts, etc. that you enjoyed when you had your natural teeth.

Denture care

A denture must be kept as clean as possible. It should be rinsed of food particles after every meal and thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis. A denture is not immune to plaque and tartar buildup. Regular brushing is the only way to prevent this buildup.

Your denture should be cleaned thoroughly at night by using cold water, liquid soap or toothpaste, and a firm toothbrush. Hot water may be harmful. The inside of your denture, which fits against the ridge structure and gums, collects food debris and bacteria which can be harmful to your mouth if not cleaned daily.

The acrylic that most dentures are made from can dry out when the dentures are not in the mouth and may change their shape. When you leave them out, keep them in a glass or small container of cold water making sure that the entire denture is covered.

Even if your dentures fit properly and there are no apparent problems, all denture wearers should have a dental examination on a regular basis. The dentist will check the oral tissue for sores, which left untreated, may become cancerous.

If you suspect that you have a sore caused by loose dentures, it is very important to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Relining dentures

With proper care, dentures should last several years. However, even with proper care, dentures will need to be adjusted to maintain a correct fit. This is because the dental ridge and gums tend to shrink or recede as you age, causing the dentures to fit improperly.

Most denture wearers should have their denture adjusted, or relined, every three to five years in order to assure a proper fit with the dental ridge and gums.

Partial dentures

If several teeth are missing or if the nearby teeth cannot adequately support a fixed bridge, a partial denture might be the solution. A partial denture is often recommended for the lower jaw instead of a complete denture.

A partial denture consists of three basic elements:

A framework or base fits against the gums and other areas in the mouth; an attachment, such as a clasp, holds the framework in place; and prosthetic teeth are connected to the framework.

The framework is usually made of a strong, non-corrosive, metal alloy. The teeth are made of plastic or porcelain and are attached to a pink denture plastic called acrylic to resemble the gum tissue.

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TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders)

Where the lower jaw meets the skull, just in front of the earlobes, are the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Temporomandibular disorders are a group of conditions that affect these joints, the jaw muscles and nerves.

Symptoms associated with TMD include chronic facial pain, headaches or neck pain. The jaw may twist during opening and closing, and often the joint makes popping and clicking sounds when opening and closing the mouth.

TMD is often related to stress, and treatment is usually non-surgical. If you are experiencing any TMD symptoms, it is important to visit the dentist for an evaluation and treatment.

Braces (Orthodontics)

Several factors, including heredity, can cause teeth to grow in unevenly. Problems include crowded teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth and even jaws that are out of alignment.

In addition to being unsightly, these problems affect the bite (how the teeth come together to chew) and may ultimately lead to periodontal disease or advanced tooth decay.

Fortunately, orthodontics can correct these problems and create beautiful smiles for both children and adults. Through the use of braces, teeth are slowly moved and shifted into proper position.

Braces today are less conspicuous than those of the past, which has encouraged many adults to take advantage of this treatment. Wires are now made of "space age," thinner materials; the brackets (bonded to teeth) that hold the wires can be clear or tooth colored; and in some cases, brackets can even be placed on the back of the teeth ("invisible" braces).

Consult your general dentist to find out if orthodontics would be right for you. Your dentist may recommend that you see an orthodontist, a dentist who provides orthodontic treatment exclusively.