Q: What is orthodontics?
A: Orthodontics is a specialty field of dentistry specifically focused on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Normally, an appliance called braces is used to correct these problems.
Q: Why is orthodontics important?
A: Not only can orthodontics improve a person’s self-image, it can help prevent future problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, bone deterioration, chewing difficulties, digestive problems, speech impairments and tooth loss.
Q: What are the benefits of braces?
A: When your teeth are straight they fit together properly, which improves the overall function of your teeth and jaw joints. It also helps you and your dentist keep your teeth clean. In addition, the aesthetics of the teeth and appearance of your profile are improved. Having a beautiful, straight smile can boost your self-esteem and give you confidence needed for everyday life.
Q: At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
Q: What is a malocclusion?
A: The word “malocclusion” means bad bite. While most malocclusions are inherited, bad bites are sometimes a result of habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. Also, the loss of baby teeth prematurely or the extraction of permanent teeth can result in a malocclusion.
Q: What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?
A: Some early warning signs of a bite problem include:
- The premature loss of baby teeth
- Having difficulty chewing or biting
- Persistent thumb sucking habits past the age of 5
- Having noticeable overlapped, misplaced or protruding teeth
- Having a gap in between teeth
- Having an abnormal bite and a jaw that pops
- Having noticeable facial imbalance
- Experiencing difficulty speaking
- Having unusually shaped teeth
Q: Will braces hurt?
A: Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Q: What can I eat with braces?
A: While most foods can still be enjoyed while you have braces, hard, crunchy and sticky foods should be avoided as they can damage the braces.
Q: Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
A: Removing baby teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
Q: What about the wisdom teeth (third molars), should they be removed?
A: Usually, the wisdom teeth should be removed between the age of 18 and 21. Your dentist will work with you to determine an appropriate time for you.
Q: How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
A: The length of treatment is deternined by on the type of correction required and how much correction is needed.
Q: Will I still be able to play sports?
A: Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. These inexpensive, comfortable mouth guards come in a wide selection of colors for patients to choose from.
Q: Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
A: No. However, it may take some time to adjust. Wax can be used to prevent irritation.
Q: Can you be too old for braces?
A: A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces! Today’s technology has provided for a wide selection of braces for adults, including ceramic (tooth colored) braces and mini-stainless steel braces. Invisalign® is the clear alternative to having braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth.
Q: Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
A: If your teeth aren’t stabilized once your braces are removed, your teeth can shift out of position. Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in their corrected positions until the bones and gums have adapted and stabilized. It is important to wear your retainers as instructed to ensure lasting results for a lifetime.
Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
A: Along with many other consumer products, the cost of orthodontics has increased, but if started at the proper time, treatment can prove less costly than if left untreated till a later time. We will review the costs of the treatment during you or your child’s initial consultation. We offer flexible payment options to help make your treatment more affordable. We also accept a number of insurance plans.
Q: How often will I need office visits?
A: Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every eight to ten weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.