Question 1

What is orthodontics?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Who is an orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

An orthodontist is a dentist who furthers his education by attending a 2 or 3 year residency program in orthodontics at an ADA accredited dental school or hospital. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

Question 3

Why is orthodontics important?

Accepted Answer

An attractive smile and improved self-image are just a few of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.

Question 4

At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take interceptive corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Most patients, however, are treated during adolescence between the ages of 11-15.

Question 5

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 6

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

Question 7

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Accepted Answer

The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Treatment may take between 9 to 30 months or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement possible. Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem.

Question 8

Will I have to have any teeth removed?

Accepted Answer

Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, we are very conservative when it comes to requesting that teeth be extracted. Today's technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, which have greatly reduced the need for removing teeth.

Question 9

How often will I have appointments?

Accepted Answer

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Question 10

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Question 11

Will braces hurt?

Accepted Answer

Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. This results from the teeth moving through the bone to their new position. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will ease the discomfort. Advances in technology have provided much gentler forces, which greatly reduce soreness.

Question 12

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Question 13

Do you give shots?

Accepted Answer

No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Question 14

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, popcorn and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel, taffy and chewing gum). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Question 15

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Accepted Answer

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Question 16

What if the emergency occurs after normal office hours?

Accepted Answer

Our office is available after normal working hours. Simply call the office and wait for the answering machine to answer. The recorded message will give you the number where we can be reached in the event of an emergency that will not wait until the next working day.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Patients should brush their teeth at least three times each day: after breakfast, lunch (or as soon as they get home from school), and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces on and will provide a prescription for a special fluoride toothpaste to help protect the enamel against decalcification and decay.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 20

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Question 21

What is Phase One (early) treatment?

Accepted Answer

Phase One treatment is usually initiated for children between the ages of 7 and 10 and typically takes about 12-16 months. Objectives of Phase One treatment include the development of space to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, correcting the skeletal relationship ("overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite," etc.) between the upper and lower jaw, and to improve a child's psychological self-image and self-esteem, both very important during their formative years.

Question 22

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

Accepted Answer

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Question 23

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Question 24

Are retainers necessary and how long will I have to wear one?

Accepted Answer

A retainer is a device worn full or part-time after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances that your teeth will not relapse. Retainers provide assurance that your teeth will stay in favorable alignment while your jaw continues to grow or develop.

Question 25

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

Accepted Answer

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

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