Welcome to Neil Orthodontics Website • Located in Great Falls, Montana

Why Braces?

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces are removed, you’ll feel more self-confident. Your dentist may have also discussed with you the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, worsen gum disease and lead to tooth loss. In addition, crowding can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of the jaw joints.

Braces for All Ages

Adults
Orthodontic treatment is about a change for the better, no matter what your age. It can give you the confidence and pride that come with straight teeth and a great smile. Today’s technology make people wearing braces feel better about how they look. Metal brackets are much smaller and less noticeable than they used to be. If you’re like the vast majority of adult patients, you’ll adjust quickly.

Kids
It’s ideal for the orthodontist to see children by age 7-8 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required and to determine the best time for that patient to be treated. At this age the first permanent molars and incisors have usually erupted and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. Early treatment can regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, and reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth. Although some early interceptive care can be advantageous, most comprehensive banding is delayed until 12-13 years of age to allow for growth and maturity.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets at each appointment. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients. Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to two years, depending on the growth of the patient’s mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at varying rates and will respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. Patient’s diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.