Why should an orthodontic specialist complete my treatment?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriately timed and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists are dentists who have 2-3 years of extensive specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. For most children, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing the orthodontist to effectively evaluate the patient’s orthodontic condition. Potential problems can be identified and corrected during the appropriate window of growth and development before they become more serious.

Will my teeth straighten out as I grow and get older?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Is it too late to have orthodontic treatment if I’m already an adult?

No patient is "too old" for orthodontic treatment. As long as you have healthy teeth and gums then you are probably a candidate for orthodontic treatment. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age.

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Overall treatment time depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The "average" timespan an adolescent patient is in orthodontic treatment is approximately 22 months.

How often will I have an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Does getting braces hurt?

No, getting braces put on does not hurt. You may experience soreness or discomfort around your teeth several hours after your orthodontic adjustment. After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a couple of days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications will ease the discomfort.

Can I still play sports or play my musical instrument while in treatment?

Yes. We recommend that patients wear mouthguards while playing sports and we will give you one to wear that is compatible with braces or clear aligners. Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.

Do I need to see my dentist during orthodontic treatment?

Yes. Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you are in orthodontic treatment.

How often should I brush my teeth while I have braces or clear aligners?

Ideally, patients should brush their teeth after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and provide you with a list of foods to avoid. In general, when wearing braces you should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions. Also, it is best to minimize the amount of sugary foods you eat as sugar can cause tooth decay.