Patient Info (FAQ)

What is Orthodontics? Why should I go to an orthodontist? At what age should a child be seen by an orthodontist? Do I need a referral from my general dentist to be seen by an orthodontist? When is a person too old for orthodontic treatment? When should orthodontic treatment begin? What is two-phase treatment and why is it necessary? Will orthodontic treatment hurt? How long will my treatment take? How does orthodontics work? Why should I get braces? Should I go to my general dentist while my braces are on? What sterilization procedures does your office use? Does soda pop make braces fall off? Am I allowed to eat candy and chew gum when I have braces on? How can I get relief from the minor irritation caused by the new braces on my teeth?

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • What are the dangers associated with Tongue Piercing?

What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. These irregularities can be in the form of a bad bite, poor cosmetics of the smile, and/or imbalance of facial features. Orthodontic treatment aims to bring the jaws, teeth, and lips into proper balance and alignment. back Why should I go to an orthodontist? The practice of orthodontics requires knowledge of growth and development of the facial complex and technical skill in the design, application, and control of the appliances used to align the teeth and jaws. To become an orthodontic specialist, a dentist must complete at least two years of comprehensive orthodontic training in addition to the required four years of dental school. Since the positions of teeth and the resulting facial profile are often permanently altered by orthodontic treatment, it is important to seek a professional who is qualified as an orthodontic specialist. back At what age should a child be seen by an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic examination by the age of 7. Not all children need treatment at this age. But an early evaluation can isolate the individual cases where early intervention might prevent the need for future treatment or at least reduce the complexity of future orthodontic treatment and possibly eliminate the need for removal of permanent teeth. back Do I need a referral from my general dentist to be seen by an orthodontist? No. You may seek an orthodontic evaluation at any time you wish. We will provide your dentist with a report of the orthodontic findings and recommendations. Often, we already have a close working relationship between our office and that of your dentist. back When is a person too old for orthodontic treatment? Almost never. Although there may be some additional considerations such as integrity of teeth and health of supporting bone and gum tissue around teeth, any adult desiring bite correction and improvement of dental and/or facial aesthetics can be a candidate for orthodontic treatment. Because adult bones are no longer growing, some extreme corrections may require a compromise type of treatment. We currently have many adult patients in our practice. back When should orthodontic treatment begin? This must be answered on an individual basis. Full braces can be placed when all permanent teeth are present. However, treatment sometimes needs to be started before all the baby teeth are lost in order to intercept developing problems. In this way, we may be able to prevent the complexity of future treatment and to achieve a better overall result. back What is two-phase treatment and why is it necessary? Early evaluation of a 7 or 8 year old patient may reveal a bite problem that can be solved or a growth pattern that can be redirected by early intervention. Phase I treatment may involve partial braces to increase space for the eruption of adult teeth, and to correct crossbites, underbites and overbites. Other fixed or removable appliances can be used to eliminate harmful habits. Phase II involves full braces on all adult teeth to give maximum control over their movements. back Will orthodontic treatment hurt? Usually there is some minor discomfort while getting used to newly placed appliances on the teeth. Lips need a little time to become accustomed to the feel of the braces. When archwires are placed to achieve tooth movement, the teeth feel some pressure. Some patients experience some discomfort for one or two days. Others are not bothered at all. Our newest, hi-tech bracket system utilizes the lowest forces and therefore has the capability of causing the least amount of discomfort. back How long will my treatment take? The average length of full orthodontic treatment is two years. But this can vary either up or down according to the severity of the problem and the cooperation of the patient. In fact, minor problems may only take six to nine months. Our newest hi-tech, minimal friction bracket system has the potential of reducing treatment time by many months! Ask us about it. back How does orthodontics work? The fixed orthodontic appliance consists of brackets that are placed in an ideal position on each tooth and an archwire that is connected to each bracket. The brackets act like handles on the teeth that the wire can then control. The properly shaped archwire exerts continuous, gentle pressure that causes the teeth to move into their new, correct positions. back Why should I get braces? Orthodontic treatment will improve your smile which is the main feature of your face. Straight teeth and appealing smiles make people feel good about themselves. Your new smile will give you confidence in your appearance and make that all-important good first impression on others. There can also be improvement in your dental health as well as your general health. back Should I go to my general dentist while my braces are on? Yes. It is important to continue routine dental care during orthodontic treatment. We will be happy to coordinate appointments so that your brace wires can be removed prior to going to the dentist. A more thorough cleaning can then be accomplished. back What sterilization procedures does your office use? Our sterilization methods meet or exceed the standards of the American Dental Association. Instruments are heat-sterilized and the effectiveness of our sterilization equipment is monitored regularly. Disposable items are used whenever possible and new gloves are used with every patient. back Does soda pop make braces fall off? The adhesives that we use today are not usually affected by carbonated beverages. We don't worry about the braces falling off but we are concerned about the sugar in those drinks. Bacteria on dirty teeth feed on the sugar and can cause permanent damage to the tooth enamel. back Am I allowed to eat candy and chew gum when I have braces on? Candy contains sugar and is therefore not recommended, especially if your teeth are dirty. Besides, most candy is sticky or chewy and may damage your braces. Sugarless gum may be chewed once in a while. In fact, it might be helpful to chew gum on days when your braces have been adjusted and feel tight. back How can I get relief from the minor irritation caused by the new braces on my teeth? We will provide soft wax that may be applied to any part of your braces that is irritating your mouth. Sometimes, and especially at night, you may want to place a strip of wax-like material over most of the brackets to protect the inside of your lips until they get used to the new appliances. We will provide some of this material for initial relief. You can order more directly from Lipshmackers. back