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FAQ's

What do orthodontists do?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment or spacing of the teeth and the jaws. Orthodontists use different tools; braces and other oral appliances to correct these problems.

When should orthodontic treatment be started?

Orthodontists recommend children’s first orthodontic consultation be no later than age 7. However, most orthodontics treatments start between age 9-14. If early treatment is indicated, it can allow your orthodontist to help your child in guiding jaw growth, reduce the risk of trauma to the front teeth if they were protruding, eliminate harmful oral habits, improve appearance and the child’s confidence, guide the eruption of permanent teeth into favourable position, and improve the position of the lips and lips seal.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment duration differs from one person to another, but averages by less than two years but can range between 1-3 years.. Afterwards, retainer are worn to keep the teeth in the new position.

How often will I come in for orthodontic adjustment?

It depends on what is being done, and how often you need to be monitored. Depending on the orthodontist recommendation, you may visit the dental office every 4-10 weeks.

Is orthodontic care very expensive?

This is considered a Myth!
Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Without treatment, many problems simply become worse. Since not many insurance companies cover orthodontic treatments, most clinics financial plans that make orthodontic care affordable and easily settled..

Will I have to watch what I eat during my treatment?

Yes, you should avoid the types of foods that could damage or get stuck in your braces.

What type of food should I avoid during my treatment?

Chewy (licorice, hard bread), crunchy (popcorn, chips, ice), sticky (caramel candies, chewing gum), and hard food (nuts, hard candies, and hard fruits and vegetables). You may need to adjust the way of eating some of the hard food by slicing it in small pieces and chewing them at the back teeth.
Remember, Soft drinks + Orthodontic treatment = a Recipe for Disaster.

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.

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

Yes! In fact, it is even more essential to visit your dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places your toothbrush cannot reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities and gum disease.

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

Playing a musical instrument or doing a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces. However, wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Please visit our Contact Us page, then either call us or send an email. We will call you back to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Can I get braces if I am missing some teeth?

It is possible to have a successful orthodontic treatment if some teeth are missing.. Orthodontic treatment may be able to close the space of a missing tooth/teeth or may be able to create or save sufficient space for a replacement tooth/teeth.

If I wear extra rubber bands, will that speed up my treatment?

No, wearing extra rubber bands will NOT speed up treatment. In fact, you could potentially prolong your treatment by wearing extra rubber bands because the extra force could move your teeth in an undesirable way.

I am pregnant and want to begin orthodontic treatment. Is this OK?

Yes you can as long as you maintain meticulous oral hygiene. It is also recommended to i consult with your OBGYN/physician/healthcare professional and orthodontist before you start orthodontic treatment.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not "hurt" at all while they are being bonded to the teeth. However, teeth may be a little sore for one to a few days after the placement of the braces or orthodontics check-ups. In most situations, over-the-counter pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol discomfort, or better yet, some ICECREAM!
After most visits, however, patients do not feel any soreness at all!

What do patients go through the first week of treatment?

Until patients get used to the presence of the braces, they might experience some tightness or discomfort when upon biting or they might experience some scratches or minor ulcers as cheeks rub against the braces. These feeling however subside after the first week or less.

What color is best for braces?

Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones. Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter. Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow. Consider colors that complement or match your eyes.

What causes crooked or protruding teeth?

Crooked teeth can result from childhood habits, thumb-sucking, prolonged bottle feeding, tongue thrusting, or using a pacifier beyond the age. These all can contribute to improper positioning of the teeth.

How can crooked and protruding teeth be treated?

Depending on the condition of the teeth, the orthodontist may recommend braces. Braces can either be metal, ceramic, invisible or hidden, or even with removable aligners

What happens after removing the braces?

Your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer, which is a custom made device designed to hold your teeth in the new corrected position.

After I remove the braces what type of retainer should I use and how long should I wear it?

Your orthodontist will provide you with the suitable retainers. In general, retainers are worn full time for the first 6 months, and then at nighttime. Retainers and retention protocols vary according to the initial malocclusion.

Will teeth be perfect after braces?

Yes! A properly executed orthodontics treatment guarantees a perfect bite and optimum smile. Choose your orthodontist wisely. Contact us for a comprehensive consultation.

How can I recognize a potential bite problem?

Contact us if you or your child experience any of the following:

• Early of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Mouth breathing, frequent ear infection (might indicate a narrow upper jaw)
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that shift, click or protrude
• Speech difficulty
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding teeth
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Inability to close lips

Do overbites get worse with age?

The space between the upper and lower front teeth can increase over time, worsening the overbite. In addition to this, the long-term effects of a deep overbite will cause more problems in the future.

Does fixing the overbite change the face shape?

Any orthodontic treatment plan take in consideration the facial esthetics. A carefully planned treatment gears towards balanced facial ratios.

What are the consequences for an orthodontic early treatment?

Early treatment, or interceptive care, gives your child the best chance at lifelong oral health.. That is because some problems could become more serious over time if left untreated

Do wisdom teeth cause crowded teeth?

Unlikely, but if combined with other factors, teeth might shift and overlapping might occur.

Do braces change your lips and make them look bigger?

No. However, you might feel your lips protrude when you receive your braces for the first time.

Orthodontics

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