Orthodontic FAQs

 

1. What is Orthodontics?

   Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities

2. What is an Orthodontist?

   An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an accredited advanced education residency program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

3. What is the best age to start braces?

   The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7 years.

   Why your child should get an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7:

   • Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
   • While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.
   • The check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the orthodontist may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, the orthodontist might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.
   • Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
   • In some cases, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

   Early treatment may give your orthodontist the chance to:

   • Guide jaw growth
   • Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
   • Correct harmful oral habits
   • Improve appearance
   • Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
   • Improve the way lips meet

   Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, the orthodontist’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time. “Courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists”

4. Would an adult benefit from orthodontics?

   Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

5. How does treatment work?

   Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwires that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

6. Will braces interfere with playing sports/instruments?

   No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment

7. Do braces hurt?

   The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

8. Should I continue to see my general dentist every 6 months for a checkup?

   Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist at a minimum schedule of every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

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