- What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances or devices used to make these corrections.
- What is an orthodontist?
An Orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also is interested in the bite, facial profile, and oral growth.
- What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?
A Board Certified Orthodontist is a person who has completed a comprehensive written examination covering all phases of orthodontic and dentofacial orthopedic care. They also demonstrate actual accomplishment in patient care, with detailed reports on the treatment provided for a broad range of patient problems. A Board Certified Orthodontist achieves the title of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
- Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment be done properly. A licensed orthodontic specialist is an expert at moving teeth, helping jaws develop properly and working with you to help make sure the teeth stay in their new positions. Some advanced techniques such as Invisalign are only available through a specialist.
- What causes crooked teeth?
Just as we inherit eye color from our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. Local factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.
- Why should I have my teeth straightened?
Orthodontic treatment improves your smile and your health. Your smile is the most striking part of your face. Look in the mirror. Do you like your smile now? Can your smile be improved? Think about how you react to someone with a pretty smile. Do you find them more attractive? Will you be more attractive with an appealing smile? Orthodontic treatment will make your smile look fabulous. The fabulous smile can last for the rest of your life. Think about how a fabulous smile will improve your life. Orthodontic treatment will also make your face look delightful. Wouldn't a delightful face be wonderful?
Your health is also affected by poorly arranged teeth that can break easily and trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. They can also lead to poor chewing and digestion which can be bad for your overall health such as:
Dental problems. Crooked teeth are hard to clean so that people with crooked teeth tend to have more cavities and gum problems than people who have orthodontic treatment. Crooked teeth wear in ways that they should not. This puts extra stress on your teeth, gums, and jaw which can lead to problems later on.
Breathing problems. As you get older the roof your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose. If you have orthodontic treatment you may avoid this possibility.
Statistically, people who have had braces as children have lower incidence of cardiovascular disease as adults. Children who get braces learn to take care of themselves, and that translates into a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. There is also some recent data which indicates that oral bacteria might play a direct role in cardiovascular disease, by dissolving calcium in your mouth and depositing it into your arteries. Orthodontics helps prevent oral infections which may have a direct effect on heart disease.
- How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. They don't look like they're doing much just sitting there. But in fact, every moment of your orthodontic treatment, there's something happening in your mouth. Something good for you. The brackets we place on your teeth and the main wire that connects them, are the two main components. The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that we affix to each tooth. Then we bend the arch wire to reflect your "ideal" bite - what we want you to look like after treatment. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to actually move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jaw bone. With pressure on one side from the arch wire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves. New bone grows in behind. It may look like nothing is happening--but we're making a new smile here. Thanks to new materials and procedures, all this happens much quicker than ever before. It's kind of an engineering feat.
- At what age should I take my child to an orthodontist for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening at age 7. The most appropriate age varies for each particular problem. We recommend that you have an initial appointment as soon as any problem is evident; we can then monitor the problem if it is too soon to treat. Many orthodontic problems are treated using growth and it is important that we see children before their growing phase. How many permanent teeth they have is not initially important.
- If I wait, isn't there a chance that my child's bite will get better on its own?
Usually it is just the opposite; if you wait, orthodontic problems will almost always get worse. If a few teeth are crooked or crowded, the orthodontist can realign the crowded teeth easily. However, if you do not treat the crowding right away, the crooked teeth will encroach onto your child's other teeth and push the other teeth out of alignment too. As a result if you wait, your child's orthodontic problems will usually get worse.
- Can you be too old for braces?
No. If the bone and gum tissue around the teeth are healthy, age is not a factor. About 20% of orthodontic patients are adults.
- Is treatment more difficult for adults?
Adults can be treated successfully at any time. However, treatment options using growth are no longer available.
- I don't like the look of braces. Are there any other options for straightening teeth?
Yes, there are a variety of less conspicuous treatment options available for adults and teens, including Invisalign® clear aligners, lingual braces, and more. Please
contact our office for more information.
- Will braces correct TMD or jaw joint problems?
Braces may or may not improve jaw joint problems. More conservative approaches should be tried first.
- Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?
You'll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods. These foods can get caught on the braces and pull the braces off. You'll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, you'll find braces don't cramp your style. You'll still have fun. You'll still be able to sing, play your musical instrument, smile, play sports and of course, kiss.
- How long do you have to wear braces?
That depends a lot on you and the severity of your case. The better you are about wearing and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve.
- Will any teeth be pulled?
Only if there's not enough room for all your teeth. Don't worry, if you have teeth pulled, the spaces will be closed and no one will even notice.
- Are braces uncomfortable?
Each person finds braces quite different. Placing braces is a relatively painless procedure. The following couple of days the teeth may be uncomfortable; however, they soon settle down and you get used to the new feeling. Patients generally adjust very quickly to the braces and before you know it, it is just another part of everyday life.
- Is orthodontic care expensive?
We work hard to make orthodontic treatment affordable. We offer several in-office payment options with no interest, Chase Health Advantage and accept Visa, MasterCard, and Flex Spending Account cards as well as online payments. We will happily submit to your insurance company for orthodontic benefits.
- Can I pay for my children's orthodontic treatment in installments?
Yes, we offer several in-office payment options with no finance charges as well as Chase Health Advantage. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Flex Spending Account cards as well as online payments. We will happily submit to your insurance company for orthodontic benefits.
- Can I get insurance to help pay for orthodontic treatment?
Many dental plans now include orthodontic treatment. Check with your provider before seeking care to determine is orthodontic procedures are covered.
- Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
- 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.
- How often should my child brush their teeth when my child has braces?
We recommend that your child continue to brush and floss their teeth after every meal and before they go to bed. Brushing and flossing is especially important when your children have braces because food can get caught in the braces and cause cavities.
- What does a retainer do?
The objective of a retainer is to keep your child's teeth in perfect alignment after braces are removed.
- Why is a retainer needed? Do teeth move after orthodontic treatment?
Usually, when braces are first removed, your child's teeth will all be in perfect alignment, but your child's gums, bones, etc. will not have completely shifted into their new positions. The retainer holds your child's teeth in position until their gums, bones, etc. settle in to their new positions. Also, your child is still growing after your child's braces are removed. Sometimes, your child's mouth will grow unevenly. If so, a retainer can be used to make sure the child's teeth stay in perfect alignment as your child grows.