FAQ

There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you but also enhances your self-image. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your oral and overall health.

You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment — but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children come in for a first visit around age seven.

Teeth crowded together or erupting out of position indicate that treatment is needed. Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't adequately meet when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.

Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days as they adjust to wearing their appliances. Periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort, but they are usually unnecessary.

It's different for each person, but generally, the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) takes anywhere from 6-30 months. After that, you will most likely wear a retainer for several months or more.

The frequency of appointments will depend on the scope of your treatment plan, what is currently being done, and how often it needs monitoring. During active treatment, you'll typically come into our office once every 4 to 10 weeks.

If your teeth are severely crowded because your mouth is too small to accommodate all of them, or if you have impacted teeth (teeth trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth), extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

Yes. We advise our patients to pass on the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in their braces. These include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy, and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians can generally play their instruments just as before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.

During orthodontic treatment, seeing your dentist is more important than ever. Keeping teeth free of plaque and decay can be challenging when wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid problems with frequent cleanings and exams.

Almost always, the answer is yes. If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position, and all the effort put into your treatment is lost. Your retainer helps you to maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.

Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Fortunately, its cost hasn't increased as fast as other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care very affordable. Weighed against the cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment is a wise investment.