Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Before You Start

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. All orthodontists are dentists however only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists attended an additional two to three years of a residency after dental school to specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. How do you know that your doctor is an orthodontist? Only orthodontists can belong to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). General dentists that have not completed this additional residency and work with orthodontic appliances are not able to be members of the AAO.

Usually not. An important component of orthodontic correction is the space available for the front teeth, which does not increase as you grow. In fact, most of the time, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age. In addition, facial and jaw growth usually continue the existing pattern and tend not to change on their own without orthodontic or orthopedic intervention.

Let’s Get Going!

Upon arriving, each patient (and accompanying parent/guardian) will be seen by the treatment coordinator who will familiarize you with our office. During the visit, we will obtain any x-rays that may be needed to help better to assist the doctor in compiling a complete diagnosis. Finally, the doctor will perform a brief, but thorough clinical examination following a brief, but thorough clinical examination before making a customized, comprehensive treatment recommendation.

Every Smile Is Different

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth, a functional bite, and a balanced facial profile are the goals of orthodontic treatment. With all of the technological and scientific advancements in orthodontics in recent years, often the removal of teeth can be avoided. We will determine the specific recommendations for you after a thorough evaluation of you and your orthodontic records.

The bands or brackets that are attached to the teeth during treatment are what hold archwires in place in the mouth. It is the archwires that apply force to each tooth that causes the teeth to move in specific directions. Precisely shaping the archwire or placing bends in the archwires are how individual forces are applied to each tooth or groups of teeth. As a tooth moves, bone gives way on one side and fills in on the other, much like moving a stick through sand. Elastics, or rubber bands, are frequently used to help in completing movements of the teeth that archwires alone cannot accomplish.

The primary goal of Phase 1 treatment is to address significant orthodontic problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to steer the patient’s skeletal and/or dental development onto the right path. If Phase 1 treatment is required, it usually begins between the ages of 7 and 10 and lasts about12-14 months. Phase 1 Treatment is only used for certain bite or tooth eruption problems, including significant underbites and constricted (narrow) arch forms. Each patient’s concerns must be addressed individually to determine necessary treatment options and the timing of such treatment.

Typically, patients that undergo Phase 1 treatment will also need full braces. After the permanent teeth have erupted, treatment usually is necessary to complete the work that was started in the early phase. The period following the Phase 1 treatment is called the “resting” or “supervision” period, during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, patients and parents will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

New Smile in Progress

The treatment time to correct a patient’s overall malocclusion is only an estimate. Patients grow at different rates and respond uniquely to orthodontic treatment. Patient cooperation, however, is the single best way to keep the treatment progressing so as to finish on time! Patients who cooperate well with wearing rubber bands or other appliances as directed, keep their teeth clean and take care not to damage their braces, will see the fastest treatment results.

If you are experiencing extreme pain or something on your braces breaks, please call our office as soon as possible. In many cases, we can address the issue over the telephone. If necessary, we will schedule a “comfort” appointment to have you come in to take care of the problem at the office. If something breaks, such as a bracket or band, and you have a regular appointment scheduled in the next week to 10 days, please call the office, for we may be able to just add extra time for the repair to your regular appointment (if there is no current discomfort.) If in doubt, it is best to call us to verify what the repair plan will be.

A retainer is a device that is usually removable and is worn after the braces are finished. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their final positions while the bone around your teeth stabilizes and wearing retainers is the only way to prevent unwanted shifting caused by the lips, tongue and chewing. Our office typically recommends that patients wear retainers full-time(24-hours) for six months once the braces are removed, after which they can begin wearing the retainers at night.

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