Braces FAQs

An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. Orthodontists receive two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of your teeth and jaw. Orthodontic treatment can help to improve your smile, your ability to chew and speak, your periodontal health, and your overall self-confidence.

Orthodontic care is highly specialized and requires a depth of knowledge and skill that goes beyond general dentistry. Orthodontic specialists have the specific training necessary to provide superior care in alignment and bite correction.

Orthodontic treatment can benefit people of all ages and to know if you’re a good candidate for braces, you must schedule an appointment with our local orthodontists near you.

Orthodontic treatment can reap many benefits beyond just straightening your teeth. Aligned teeth promote proper chewing, thus aiding in the digestive process, correcting bite issues can make brushing and flossing more effective, which prevents tooth decay and gum disease. Nearly half of people report increased confidence after the completion of their orthodontic treatment. It’s not just about aesthetics but rather the overall improvement of your quality of life.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo an orthodontic examination by age seven. At this age, the teeth and jaws are still developing, and it’s possible to detect early signs of orthodontic issues. Early treatment can often prevent more serious problems from developing later on.

Early warning signs of a bad bite include difficulty biting or chewing, clicking or popping in the jaw, teeth grinding or clenching, and uneven wear on teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can help correct a range of dental problems, including crooked teeth, overbites, under bites, and overcrowding. Generally, orthodontic treatment begins around age 7, but people of all ages can benefit from treatment. If you’re unsure whether you or your child needs braces, Orthodontic Experts can provide an initial consultation to assess your dental needs and recommend the best treatment options.

Early orthodontic treatment can prevent more serious dental issues from arising as a child grows. It can also reduce the need for more invasive and costly treatment as an adult. By addressing dental issues early, an orthodontic expert can create a healthier smile for a lifetime.

Many children experience crowded teeth, which can be caused by the size of their jaws and the size of their teeth. However, as a child’s jaw grows, it can create more space in the mouth, which may address the issue of crowded teeth.

Teeth misalignment can be caused by several factors, including genetic factors, thumb-sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting, and early loss of baby teeth. Misaligned teeth not only affect appearance but can also cause problems with chewing and speech, and make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.

Braces are the most commonly used orthodontic appliance to correct crooked teeth. The braces put pressure on teeth, which gradually moves the teeth to the desired position. Orthodontic Experts use modern braces that are less noticeable and more comfortable than Traditional Metal Braces. Braces can correct a range of issues, including crowded teeth, overbite, under bite, cross bite, and gaps between teeth.

There are several different types of braces used for teeth straightening. These include Traditional Metal Braces, Ceramic Braces, Lingual Braces, Self-Ligating Braces, and Rose Gold Braces.

Some patients may experience temporary changes in their appearance during orthodontic treatment. This is because the braces or aligners are actively moving your teeth into place. As your teeth move, you may experience temporary changes in your bite and facial appearance. Eventually, your teeth will settle into their new position and your smile will look better than ever before.

There is no specific age limit for getting braces, but most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 10 and 14. This is because this is when most adult teeth have grown in, but the bones and tissues of the mouth are still developing. However, braces can be effective for patients of any age, so it’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted.

Most patients wear braces for 1-2 years, depending on the severity of their orthodontic needs. During this time, you will need to visit Orthodontic Experts regularly for adjustments and check-ups. You may experience some discomfort and need to avoid hard or sticky foods.

The treatment time of braces will depend on the severity of your orthodontic issues. Mild cases may only require treatment for a year or less, while more severe issues can take up to two or three years to resolve.

Patients with braces typically need to see their orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, your orthodontist will make small adjustments to your braces to ensure that your teeth are moving correctly.

Yes, it is possible to fix crooked teeth without braces. Orthodontic Experts offers a variety of treatment options, including Clear Aligners, which use a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gently shift your teeth into the desired position. Clear Aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, for severe and complex cases, it is advisable to use braces to fix crooked teeth.

Braces can cause mild discomfort, especially in the first few days after they’re applied or adjusted. However, the discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Yes, you can still play sports with braces. However, it is important to take some precautions to protect your braces and your mouth. Orthodontic Experts recommends wearing a mouth guard during sports activities to prevent damage to your braces and teeth. Your orthodontist can provide you with a custom-fitted mouth guard that will fit comfortably over your braces.

Yes, you can return to school the same day that you get braces. However, your mouth may feel sore for a few days after getting braces. Orthodontic Experts recommends eating soft foods and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed to manage any discomfort. You may also want to avoid crunchy or sticky foods that could damage your braces.

Absolutely! Braces should not affect your ability to play most musical instruments. However, playing wind instruments may require a bit of a learning curve, as the pressure from the instrument could cause some initial discomfort. Don’t worry, though, with a bit of patience and practice, you should be able to continue making beautiful music while wearing braces.

Eating can be a concern for those with braces. However, the good news is that you can still eat normally with braces. However, it’s important to avoid foods that may damage or get stuck in your braces, such as popcorn, hard candy, and gum. It’s best to stick to soft, easily chewable foods and to cut up any larger items into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.

While you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods while wearing braces, you’ll need to avoid certain foods that can damage or dislodge your brackets or wires. Sticky or chewy foods should be avoided, as should hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and hard candy.

Brushing your teeth at least twice daily is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces. We recommend brushing your teeth after every meal or snack, as food particles can easily get stuck in your braces. You should also floss daily and use an interdental brush to clean between your braces and under the wires.

It’s natural to be concerned about how braces will affect your ability to speak. Many people who get braces for the first time experience a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, but this is only temporary. As your tongue and mouth adjust to the presence of the brackets, your speech will return to normal. In fact, braces can even help correct speech impediments that are caused by misaligned teeth.

Yes! Having dental fillings or crowns won’t prevent you from getting braces. Depending on the location of your fillings or crowns, your orthodontist may recommend certain types of braces or aligners to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on these areas.

Absolutely! At Orthodontic Experts, we offer a variety of braces options to suit your individual needs and preferences. In addition to Traditional Metal Braces, we also offer Rose Gold Braces, Lingual Braces, and Clear Aligners.

While getting braces may require some adjustments to your daily routine, it won’t prevent you from doing the things you love or socializing with your friends. You’ll still be able to play sports, play musical instruments, and enjoy your favorite foods (although you may need to avoid sticky or hard candies!).

Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important while wearing braces. Food can easily get trapped in the brackets and wires, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing, along with frequent dental checkups, are crucial for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during your orthodontic treatment.

Caring for your braces is essential to ensure they stay in great condition and do their job effectively. Make sure to brush twice a day, floss regularly, and avoid foods that are sticky or hard. At Orthodontic Experts, we recommend that you use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and braces. You can also use interdental brush and floss to clear food particles trapped between your teeth.

Rubber bands are a common part of braces treatment. They help to align your jaws, which is important for your bite and overall oral health. Rubber bands are usually used in combination with other orthodontic appliances, such as brackets and wires, and will need to be worn as directed to ensure that they’re effective.

Clear or ceramic brackets can be less noticeable than metal braces, and you can also try using clear or white elastics to create a professional look.

Juice and soda can be harmful to people with braces because they are high in sugar and acid. These substances can lead to tooth decay, staining, and other oral health problems. If you must drink these beverages, we recommend that you do so in moderation and rinse your mouth out with water afterward to help reduce the harmful effects.

A space maintainer is a type of orthodontic device that is used to keep the space open for permanent teeth to grow into when a baby tooth is lost prematurely. The loss of a baby tooth can happen for various reasons, such as decay or injury. A space maintainer can help prevent crooked teeth and other serious dental problems from developing later on. It’s important to apply a space maintainer as soon as possible after the loss of a baby tooth to ensure that there is no loss of space for the permanent teeth to grow into.

Certainly not! At Orthodontic Experts, we treat patients of all ages. In fact, nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see adults wearing braces. With advancements in orthodontic technology, wearing braces has become more comfortable, efficient, and accessible than ever before.

After your braces are removed, it’s time to celebrate with a beautiful smile! You’ll wear retainers, which are designed to keep your teeth in their new and improved position.

Yes, wearing a retainer is crucial after braces. Retainers help prevent your teeth from moving back into their original position.

Orthodontic treatment can come with some changes to your daily routine. For example, you may need to avoid certain foods or drinks, such as hard or sticky candies, for the duration of your treatment. While wearing braces, it’s also crucial to brush and floss regularly for best hygiene results.

Generally, orthodontic treatment typically lasts from 6 months to 2 years. However, there are orthodontic cases that can take up to 3 years or longer.

Early orthodontic treatment is often recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10 to address skeletal and dental growth issues before they become more severe. Phase One treatment typically lasts 6-15 months and is followed by a period of rest until all permanent teeth have erupted. Once all permanent teeth have erupted, Phase Two treatment may be necessary to achieve ideal tooth alignment and bite. However, not all patients require Phase Two treatment, and our orthodontists will assess each patient’s individual needs.

A headgear is an orthodontic appliance that is used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems, including overbite, under bite, and crowding. It applies gentle pressure to the teeth and helps to move them into the correct position.

Teeth extraction is sometimes necessary during orthodontic treatment, particularly when there is severe crowding or abnormal tooth development. The decision to extract teeth will depend on a variety of factors, including the patient’s age, orthodontic issues, and overall dental health.

Serial extraction is a technique used to address severe crowding or bite issues in young patients. The technique involves removing baby teeth in a specific order to create space for permanent teeth to erupt properly. The goal of serial extraction is to reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment, like tooth extraction or jaw surgery, in the future.

Orthodontic treatment is a highly individualized process, and while our orthodontists work hard to estimate treatment times accurately, sometimes unexpected issues or complications arise that can extend treatment times. Factors that can affect treatment times include poor oral hygiene, missed appointments, broken appliances, or non-compliance with treatment instructions.

After orthodontic treatment, it is essential to wear retainers as directed by your orthodontist to maintain the alignment of your teeth. In some cases, however, teeth can shift or become misaligned over time, particularly if retainers are not worn as directed or if there are underlying dental or skeletal issues. Our orthodontists will assess each patient’s individual risk for relapse and provide guidance on retainer wear and follow-up appointments.

Orthodontic treatment can be a significant investment in time and money, and it is essential to work with your child to ensure they are on board with their treatment plan. If your child is resistant to traditional braces, there may be alternative treatment options like clear aligners. Our team at Orthodontic Experts will work with you and your child to find the most suitable treatment plan that aligns with your child’s goals and preferences.

One of the most common concerns that patients have when they’re considering orthodontic treatment is the cost of braces. At Orthodontic Experts, we offer a range of affordable options, from Traditional Metal Braces to Clear Aligners that suits the needs and budget of our patients. So don’t let the cost deter you from getting the healthier, more beautiful smile you deserve.

You do not need a referral to see an orthodontist at Orthodontic Experts. While your family dentist may recommend an orthodontist for your needs, you can also schedule an appointment with us directly. Our experienced team of orthodontics experts will take care of the rest. We’ll work with you to create a custom treatment plan to address your orthodontic concerns, including recommending the right treatment options for you.

No! At Orthodontic Experts, we only use high-quality braces to treat your teeth alignment. Our braces, wires, and other dental appliances are manufactured using the latest technology to ensure their durability, comfort, and efficiency.

Instant Orthodontics is a new orthodontic treatment that allows patients to straighten their teeth in a much shorter time than traditional braces. This treatment uses clear aligners to move teeth into their correct position and can take as little as a few weeks.