Orthodontic treatment is a lifetime investment in your oral health. The decision to start treatment shouldn’t be taken lightly. We hope the following FAQs will help answer some of the common questions that arise with new patients.
1. Does my family dentist have to schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, you may receive a referral from your family dentist, but many patients decide to get orthodontic treatment on their own.
2. When should my child see an orthodontist?
You should bring your child in to have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. At this age, your child has gotten multiple permanent teeth. This allows us to evaluate your child’s bite and look for any issues.
3. Can my teeth straighten over time?
No, in fact, the space you have available for teeth to move decreases once adult molars erupt.
4. Will I need to have teeth extracted?
Depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues, you may need to have teeth removed. Thankfully, today’s technology allows us to complete treatment more effectively without the need for extractions.
5. How long will my treatment take?
Your exact treatment time depends on your unique needs. Typically, most patients finish treatment one to two years.
6. How much do braces cost?
Similar to the treatment length, the exact cost of braces depends on the treatment you need. When you schedule your initial exam, we can evaluate your smile and provide exact pricing as well as discuss your insurance coverage and our payment plans.
7. How often do I need to come in for appointments?
Again, your appointment schedule will depend on your treatment needs. Typically, we expect to see patients every five to ten weeks.
8. Do braces hurt?
After your adjustment visits, or when you change to a new set of Invisalign aligners, your teeth may feel sore for a day or two. If you are uncomfortable, you can take over-the-counter pain medications to help. Many patients claim they don’t feel any discomfort at all!
9. Can I still play sports?
Yes. Your braces shouldn’t get in the way of your favorite activities. We recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth and appliances during games.
10. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Absolutely! It is imperative to keep your regularly scheduled dental checkups to keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.
11. What foods can I eat when I have braces?
When you get your braces placed, we will provide a complete list of foods to avoid. You will want to stay away from hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. If you are an Invisalign patient, you can eat whatever foods you are comfortable eating.
12. How often do I need to brush my teeth when I get braces?
We recommend that you brush your teeth four times a day. This way, you are brushing away food particles after each meal and again before bed.
13. If I’m an adult, is it too late to get braces?
Definitely not! It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment.
14. Why should I see an orthodontist?
While your general dentist may perform orthodontic treatment, an orthodontist is specially trained to fix alignment and bite issues. For a faster, more efficient treatment, contact us to schedule an appointment.