Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.Wearing them only while sleeping isn’t very effective. We find that clear aligners are most effective when worn 22+ hours per day and removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.

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.

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. Your general dentist will also help you in deciding when it's best for your child to first visit an orthodontist. 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.

• 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, make sure you 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 a small amout of antibacterial hand soap. We do not recommend toothpaste be used on clear retainers, it can "scratch" them and make them cloudy looking, but will not damage them. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which 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.

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. We use several different types of braces in our office, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear braces
• Invisible braces (Invisalign®)

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Phase One (early treatment) generally takes between six to 12 months and Phase Two (full treatment) generally takes between 12 and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 24 months.

Placing appliances or braces will feel new and unusual, but will not hurt. It will take several days for your teeth, cheeks and gums to get used to the new braces in your mouth. Once your teeth start to move initially after the adjustment appointment (generally four to six hours after your appointments), most patients feel some discomfort that can last three to five days, but some patients report no discomfort at all! This discomfort can be alleviated with over the counter pain medications. Prescription pain relievers are never needed for orthodontic pain.

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.

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 that 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.

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.

Simply call our practice! 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. mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.