Orthodontics (also called dentofacial orthopedics) is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion" which means "bad bite." The practice of orthodontics requires knowledge in the design, application and control of corrective devices, such as braces or other appliances, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

Orthodontists are dental specialists who, in addition to receiving a dental degree, must have at least two continuous years of advanced study in orthodontics as required by the American Dental Association. Only those who complete such a program are eligible to belong to the American Association of Orthodontists. In the state of Illinois, an orthodontist must also pass an additional board examination to be licensed as an orthodontic specialist.

• Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep overbite)
• Upper front teeth protrude or are "bucked" (large overjet)
• Upper front teeth hit behind the lower front teeth (anterior cross-bite)
• Upper back teeth hit inside the lower back teeth (posterior cross-bite)
  The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (openbite)
• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Primary or baby teeth that will not come out
• The centers of the upper and lower front teeth do not match or line up
• Thumb or finger sucking habit which continues after 6 years of age
• Difficulty chewing
• Teeth wearing unevenly
• The lower jaw shifts to one side when biting together
• Excessive spaces between the teeth even after the upper canines (or eye teeth) erupt
• Missing adult teeth

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. More and more adults are enjoying the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Most children are not candidates for full braces until between the ages of 10 and 12. However, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age when there is a more jaw growth potential. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial orthodontic screening by the age of 7, as by this age all of the permanent incisors (front teeth) as well as the permanent first molars should have erupted. If inadequate space exists, some of these teeth could become impacted. An evaluation at this time helps identify problems with eruptions. Also, an assessment at age 7 allows Dr. Burkey the ability to evaluate growth discrepancies of the jaws, crossbites (when upper teeth hit inside the lower teeth), crowding, and the development of injury-prone dental protrusions. An early orthodontic screening enables us to advise you if treatment will even be necessary, and if so, determine the best time for your child to be treated. There is no charge for an initial examination or for supervision reassessment examinations.

Some signs or habits that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination include early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty in chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb or finger sucking, crowding, displaced or blocked out teeth, biting the cheek or roof of the mouth, teeth that meet abnormally or not at all, jaws or teeth that are out of proportion to one another, and a smile that is not symmetrical. Early treatment can mean that a patient might avoid extractions, surgery, or more serious complications.

A two phase treatment plan separates orthodontic care into two time periods. This plan is tailored for growing children and young teenagers. During phase I treatment, there may be both permanent and primary (baby) teeth present. An early evaluation of a child can provide opportunities for Dr. Burkey and his orthodontic team to maximize the movement of the jaws and teeth in coordination with a child’s growth spurts. Early treatment could consist of a palatal expander for crossbite of the back teeth, treatment to make room for unerupted, blocked out front teeth, or orthopedic (growth modification) treatment with a headgear or Herbst appliance designed to maximize jaw growth potential. While many patients will not need a two phase treatment approach, most patients that undergo phase I therapy do require phase II treatment to finalize the bite and attain the desired functional and aesthetic goals. This second or comprehensive phase is made easier because of phase I treatment. Usually the second and final phase of comprehensive orthodontics begins when all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted. Final correction of tooth position, space closure, root paralleling and other refinements, which are important to function and stability, are achieved during phase II. The benefits of a two phase treatment plan include: less need to remove permanent teeth, reduced chance of impacted teeth, less need for jaw surgery, reduced risk of tooth fracture, enhancement of proper speech development, enhanced self-image, and elimination of adverse habits such as thumb and/or finger sucking, tongue thrust and lip habits.

No! About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children, and they can now experience the satisfaction of a nicer smile. Clear (ceramic) braces as well as Invisalign therapy make adult orthodontic treatment more attractive then ever before. Dr. Burkey has treated adults of all ages, even into their 70’s.

The time needed to undergo orthodontic treatment will vary for each patient, and depends on how much the jaw needs to change and how far the teeth must move. Patient cooperation with wearing elastics or removable appliances, making and keeping regular orthodontic appointments, as well as proper caring for the braces to avoid breakage will also be factors in treatment length. The average length of time for comprehensive orthodontics is about two years. Shorter treatment lengths are possible with single arch or limited orthodontics.

The colors are the rubber rings called o-rings that hold the archwire in the bracket. Chain elastic (power chain) also holds the wire in place & is used to help move the teeth. Chain elastic also comes in fun colors. These o-rings & chain elastic are changed at each appointment with a chance to pick new colors! Many patients coordinate their o-rings & chain elastic with upcoming holidays or with school or team colors.

Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first few days after their braces are applied, and right after the braces are adjusted. An over the counter pain reliever (such as Tylenol or Advil) can be used to ease the discomfort. To help lips and cheeks get used to the braces, we provide wax which can be added over the braces until the lips and cheeks toughen up. Orabase, a topical numbing gel, is also provided and can be applied directly on any sore spots on the lips or cheeks to ease the tenderness.

Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their new, desirable positions. The two main components are the brackets (or bands) that we attach to the teeth and the archwire that connects them together. The bracket is a piece of specially designed metal or ceramic material that is bonded to each tooth. Bands are thin rings of stainless steel that wrap around the back molars and help anchor the archwire. As bends are placed in the archwire, pressure is applied that causes the teeth to move. Elastic rubber bands that are attached to the brackets also help move the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces can slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position. Visit our Braces Diagram to see the various parts of typical orthodontic appliances.

At Dr. Burkey’s office, we adhere to the procedures and standards recommended by the American Dental Association, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). We especially follow the Concept of Universal Precautions. Dr. Paul Burkey and his orthodontic staff are committed to excellence in providing optimum dental care by protecting you from being infected by any bacteria or viral organism.

• At Dr. Burkey’s office, all treatment surfaces such as counter tops, chair surfaces, lights, x-ray machines, trays, etc. are disinfected between every patient with the most effective and safest products available.
• All handpieces and other applicable instruments are sterilized by autoclave or dry heat sterilization before use on any patient.
• The sterilizers at Dr. Burkey’s office are monitored weekly with sterilization test strips. These test strips are processed by the University of Louisville to insure the effectiveness and safety of our sterilization.
• Dr. Burkey and his orthodontic staff use new patient examination gloves for each patient.
• Headrest covers on our treatment chairs are changed between every patient.
• All clinical staff members at Dr. Burkey’s office are trained in proper infection control and asepsis.
• A waste disposal company properly discards all medical waste. Our office is very conscientious about this issue in order to further protect the public and our community.

We want you to be well informed regarding procedures performed in our office, and we welcome any of your questions. As always, we will do everything possible to provide you with the highest quality of care while maximizing your protection. .