Your child has just had their first orthodontic consultation, and now you’re hearing about the orthodontic treatment planning. The doctor is telling you that your child is a “complex” case. What exactly does that mean? Does that mean your child won’t get a perfect smile after all? Are their dental issues too much for braces?
Orthodontists use that phrasing to describe cases that have a severe dental issue or several dental issues that must be addressed simultaneously. That doesn’t mean your child won’t get the same amazing results as a simple case. It may mean your child will only have the choice of braces because their issues may be too complex for clear aligners.
Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics knows how to handle even the most complex of cases. We can help your child get the smile of their dreams that will last them a lifetime.
What Makes a Case Complex?
What takes children’s mouths from simple orthodontic cases to complex orthodontic cases? This can include a range of factors.
Jaw issues: If the jaws are severely misaligned, or the jaws are too narrow
Severe dental problems: If a standard dental issue, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, is more intense than normal and will require more movement
Impacted teeth: Teeth that have erupted out of place, such as above or below the gum line
Previous dental work: Braces treatment must address previous dental issues such as missing teeth
Age of the patient: Adult teeth are harder to move than the teeth of children whose jaws are still developing
These are some of the factors we look at when deciding whether a case is a simple one or more complex, and they’re the same factors that come up when we talk through severe orthodontic problems like crossbites, overbites, and crowding.
How Orthodontic Treatment Planning Changes for Complex Cases
Before we can move teeth, there are often other issues we need to address first. We add these to the braces treatment planning. This can include breaking habits that have caused dental issues, such as stopping a patient from thumbsucking or tongue thrusting.
It may include widening the jaw with a palate expander to make it easier to move the teeth into place. It may also include applying extra pressure to impacted teeth to move them more in line with the others.
We want to address any issues that may be causing the dental problems. Otherwise, they may cause damage again once the braces treatment is finished.
What ‘Complex’ Means for Your Timeline and Experience
What does it mean to have a complex case for braces treatment? Complex cases usually take longer to complete and may involve additional tools and treatment.
This can include pretreatment with palate expanders or tongue cribs, the use of rubber bands during braces treatment, and tools such as power chains or other orthodontic appliances.
We will outline all of this when we explain your braces treatment plan during your initial consultation. You will never go into braces treatment with us not knowing what to expect.
The average treatment time for braces is 12-24 months. Complex cases are usually on the longer end of that, or they may extend beyond 24 months. It depends on how many dental issues we need to address, how much pre-treatment is required, and whether the patient is a child or an adult.
(Adult jaws are hardened or “set,” so it takes a bit longer to get the teeth moving. Children’s jaws are still developing and are more malleable.)
We may also have more checkups with complex cases than with simple ones. That’s because we need to ensure all of the factors we’re working on are on track. We will do all we can to ensure you get the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment with Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics.
Will Surgical Orthodontics Become Part of the Plan?
We try to correct dental problems without surgery or extractions, but sometimes the bone itself needs a bit of help. If tooth movement alone isn’t enough, we may consider surgical orthodontics to correct jaw problems.
When is that necessary? When the jawbones themselves need more correction than braces or orthodontic appliances can provide. Surgical intervention is rare, so there is a good chance you or your child won’t need it.
Extractions used to be common with braces treatment, but appliances such as palate expanders have made them less necessary. They were previously done to make enough room for all the teeth, but palate expanders can help with that.
We will let you know upfront if surgery or extractions will be needed as part of your braces treatment plan.
Will I have to wear braces longer with a complex case?
Most likely, yes. Complex cases often involve more detailed planning and additional treatment steps, which means it can take longer to achieve your ideal smile.
Will I have to have surgery or tooth extractions as a complex case?
Not necessarily. We try to avoid both whenever possible, but we’ll let you know if surgery or tooth extractions are recommended for your specific treatment plan.
Will my treatment be more expensive as a complex case?
Usually, yes. Complex cases often require more time and more advanced treatment planning. During your first consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate and review all of your treatment options.
My teeth don't look very crooked. Does that mean I won't be a complex case?
Not necessarily. A case’s complexity isn’t determined by how crooked your teeth appear, but by what’s happening beneath the surface and the treatment required to achieve the best result. There may be more to correct than you can see.
Complex Orthodontic Treatment in Topeka, KS
Whether your treatment is complex or simple, Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics can handle your braces treatment in Topeka, KS. Just schedule an appointment for your first consultation with us, which will include a thorough examination. Let us show you how amazing your smile can be!
