FAQs about Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a good age to visit the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age, before jaw growth has slowed down. Early treatment may avoid more serious complications at a later age.

Would an adult benefit from orthodontics?    YES!

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults can benefit significantly with proper treatment. Overall improvement in: the health of your bite; the health of the supporting bone and gum tissue; the appearance of your smile, are all benefits for adults.

Everyone wants a healthy and beautiful smile; 35-40% of the patients in our practice today are adults. The oldest patient we have treated thus far was 81 years of age when she started braces.

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I is early, interceptive treatment with limited braces (palatal expander, partial braces, orthopedic appliances, et.) performed before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment often occurs between the ages of 6 and 10 years. Phase I treatment is often recommended to: make more space for erupting permanent teeth; correct crossbites; begin correction of overbites by taking advantage of lower jaw growth potential; correct underbites; eliminate harmful habits (thumb-sucking).         Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces after most of the permanent teeth have erupted.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

The amount of time spent in braces varies from one person to another, depending on their individual treatment needs. Your treatment time can be affected by the severity of your problem and the growth rate of your jaws and the eruption of your teeth.

Length of treatment is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene, following your orthodontist's instructions (like wearing rubber bands) and keeping regularly scheduled appointments are important to keep treatment on schedule.

Treatment times can vary from 6 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments last about 22 months.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile.
• Better long-term health of your teeth,  gum tissue and supporting bone.
• Improved function of the bite.
• Increased longevity of your teeth.
• Improved ability to clean your teeth.
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of your teeth.
• Reduce consciousness of appearance during critical developmental years.
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment: coordinating certain types of treatment with other specialists to prepare for: replacement of missing teeth (implants, crowns, bridges,etc.); jaw surgery; TMJ surgery.

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

• Lower teeth too far behind upper teeth when biting together (overbite).
• Upper front teeth come down too far over most of the lower front teeth when biting together (deep bite).
• Upper front teeth are behind or inside of the lower front teeth when biting together (underbite).
• Upper and lower front teeth do not touch or overlap when biting together (open bite).
• Crowded or overlapping teeth.
• Muscle soreness and/or joint (TMJ) clicking, popping and pain (headaches).
• Finger or thumb-sucking habits which continue after 6 years of age.

How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean too by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

Do braces hurt?

Putting your braces on at the start of your treatment does not hurt. You will feel some  soreness of your teeth for a few days after each of your monthly appointments.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing and instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply contact us! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

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