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Frequently Asked Questions
Why
is orthodontics important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image are just two 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.
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Will
braces hurt?
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first
week after their braces are put on and after the braces are adjusted.
You can use Tylenol, Aleve, or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to ease
the discomfort. It is best to take it one hour before your appointment.
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At
what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. However, many
orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early
age before jaw growth has slowed. Early orthodontic treatment
may mean that a patient can avoid extractions, surgery and more
serious complications.
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Am
I too old for orthodontics?
About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults, including
some who are 60+ years of age. Many adults are correcting problems
that were never treated when they were children. Everyone deserves
to experience the satisfaction of a comfortable bite and a more
esthetically pleasing smile.
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How
long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
This will vary for each patient. It always depends on how much
your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. We
are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective
as possible. On average, comprehensive treatment takes about two
- two and a half years.
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Will
I still be able to play sports?
Yes. We recommended that you protect your teeth by wearing a mouth
guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards
are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in an exciting variety
of colors and patterns.
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Will
braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In
addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
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Are
retainers necessary and how long will I have to wear them?
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 perfect alignment while your jaw
continues to grow or develop. We recommend full-time wear for
one year after your braces are removed, then at night on a part-time
basis.
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What
will happen if I do not wear my retainers?
Your teeth may shift in an unfavorable way, leading to both esthetic
and functional problems. In certain situations, the only remedy
is to replace your braces for 6-12 months, thus incurring additional
fees.
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What
is malocclusion?
The technical term for teeth that do not fit together correctly
is “malocclusion.” Most malocclusions are inherited;
however, it is possible to acquire a bad bite from habits such
as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. The premature loss of baby
teeth or the extraction of adult teeth can lead to problems. Inherited
malocclusions usually are caused by a difference between the size
of the teeth and the size of the jaw structure. Whether inherited
or acquired, malocclusions affect not only the alignment of the
teeth, but also the appearance of the face.
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What is the cost
of treatment?
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment. We offer a variety
of payment and financing options to fit your needs. Today many
dental insurance policies include orthodontic benefits, making
orthodontic fees more affordable than ever.
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What is Phase I
(early interceptive) treatment?
The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe
orthodontic problem early in order to reduce its severity. In
most cases where early orthodontic treatment is recommended, the
immediate treatment objective will be one of the following:
• |
To correct jaw disproportion before aligning
teeth |
• |
To prevent injury to protruded front teeth |
• |
To manage crowding and prevent permanent tooth extraction
whenever possible |
• |
To eliminate damaging oral habits |
• |
To improve the smile/self confidence |
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Does
everyone need Phase I treatment?
No. Only certain bites require early intervention, particularly
underbite and constricted jaws. In certain problems, such as overbite
where the lower jaw is recessed, the most effective treatment
occurs at puberty. The problems of each patient must be assessed
individually to determine the specific treatment options and timing.
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If
my child has early treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
In most instances, yes. After the permanent teeth have erupted,
treatment usually is necessary to complete the work that was started
in the earlier phase. The objective of continued treatment is
to place the permanent teeth in positions of optimal function,
comfort, esthetics and long-term stability.
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What
is the length or duration of Phase I treatment?
Typically, Phase I treatment takes 6-12 months or slightly longer
depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem,
the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement required.
Often so-called “temporary braces” are placed on the
upper four front teeth for 4-6 months during Phase I.
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What
Is Phase II treatment?
Phase II treatment usually involves “full braces”
and begins after the deciduous (baby) teeth are lost. The goal
of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal “occlusion”
(bite) with all of the permanent teeth.
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How
do braces work?
Braces include brackets that are bonded directly to the teeth,
or sometimes attached to a band placed around a tooth, and archwires
that connect all the brackets. Unlike what most people think,
it is the archwire that does all the work—the brackets merely
serve as handles. The wires use a steady, gentle pressure to move
teeth into their proper positions. Much like moving a stick through
sand, as the tooth moves, bone gives way on one side and fills
in on the other side. Rubber bands often are worn to help the
wires do their job and align the upper teeth with the lower teeth.
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Will
additional jaw growth allow for self correction of crowded teeth
or other bite problems?
Usually not. Jaws grow in the back to allow for the eruption of
12-year molars and wisdom teeth, but not in the front. In most
children, the available space decreases as larger permanent teeth
erupt. Either in a child or an adult, when left untreated, orthodontic
problems usually become worse. Treatment by an orthodontist to
correct bite problems often is less costly than the additional
dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop
later in life.
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Do
I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes, regular check-ups with your family dentist are very important
while in braces. Your family dentist will determine how often
you should be seen for cleaning appointments while you are in
braces.
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Are
there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Once treatment begins, complete instructions and a comprehensive
list will be provided regarding foods to avoid. Some of those
foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky
foods. For example "Snickers", caramel and taffy are
no-no’s. Many emergency appointments to repair broken or
damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions
regarding foods.
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Can
I have all of my appointments after school?
This is a very common question. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule
all appointments for all student patients for after school hours.
However, because most appointments are scheduled six to ten weeks
apart, most patients miss very little school because of orthodontic
appointments. Shorter appointments are scheduled after school,
longer appointments during the school day.
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How
often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patient's
needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks.
There are many specific situations, however, that require more
frequent monitoring.
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Why
does orthodontic treatment time sometimes last longer than anticipated?
Estimates of treatment time can only be that - estimates. Patients
grow at different rates and respond uniquely to orthodontic treatment.
The orthodontist has specific treatment goals in mind to achieve
a proper bite and will usually continue treatment until these
goals are achieved. Patient cooperation, however, is the single
best predictor of staying on time with treatment. Patients who
cooperate by wearing rubber bands, headgear, or other needed appliances
as directed, keep their teeth clean and take care not to damage
their appliances, will see the fastest treatment results.
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Do
braces cause cavities?
No, braces do not cause cavities. Cavities are caused by allowing
plaque (bacteria) to remain on the teeth without being removed
for 24 hours or more. With proper brushing, flossing, diet and
the use of special fluoride products, cavities can be prevented.
We instruct all of our patients on proper technique and provide
helpful aids. Each patient’s oral hygiene is monitored closely
at every appointment. We are proud of our successful prevention
program.
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