Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.        What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the moving of teeth through the application of forces into a better alignment.  This can be accomplished in a number of ways.  There are the traditional “braces” which, through the use of wires tied into them, will move your teeth.  Retainers with springs on them can move your teeth into better alignment, but are usually only used when the mal-alignment is minor.  Newer, clear “aligners”, as in Invisalign and Ortho Clear, can move teeth without braces and are truly “invisible”.

2.        When should I bring my child in for an orthodontic consult?

We recommend seeing children as young as seven years old.  There are many orthodontic situations which can be treated at an earlier age when the bones are more malleable.  Things such as crossbites, where the upper jaw is too narrow for the size of the lower jaw, are best corrected early.

3.        What are orthodontic problems?

Orthodontic problems can run the gamut from slight crowding of the teeth to a severe mal-alignment of the jaws.  Each problem presents its own unique situation and must be treated in its own manner.  For severe mal-alignment problems, surgery in conjunction with orthodontic treatment is the method of choice.  The only way to find out what must be done is to make a consultation visit so that we can exam you or your child and discuss the various options for treatment.

4.        How often do we need to see the orthodontist after braces have been placed?

Typical appointment intervals are six weeks.  With the advances made in orthodontic technology, fewer appointments are needed to complete treatment.  Also, longer intervals let the newer type wires work for the proper amount of time.  As treatment gets closer to finishing, shorter intervals may be necessary, as the teeth do not need to move that far.

5.        How does an adjustment feel?

Many times, there is no discomfort associated with an adjustment.  However, there may be slight discomfort when your braces are “tightened”.  Patients have described the feeling as a slight soreness, noticed most when chewing.  Patients have likened the feeling to the way your teeth feel after you have chewed gum for a long time.  They feel “tender”.  Ibuprofin (Advil) and Naprosxen Sodium (Aleve) have been shown to provide the best relief.

6.        Why are retainers important after treatment?

When your braces are removed, the teeth are still capable of moving, as bone hasn’t filled in around the teeth to the maximum extent.  Your retainers will hold your teeth in position while this bone filling occurs.  Also, teeth are not “set in stone”.  They will move and do move as you function.  Teeth move up and down in their sockets and also back and forth to a slight extent.  Such movement can cause “relapse” where the tooth seeks its original position.  In such cases, the retainers do not allow the tooth to relapse.

7.        What are some advantages to orthodontic treatment?

Along with placing the teeth into an optimal “bite”, orthodontics will straighten the teeth, making a person’s smile more appealing.  This is a very important function of orthodontics.  Self-esteem will improve with a better looking smile.  Many people think the cosmetic function of orthodontics should be a secondary reason for seeking treatment.  I don’t agree.  Cosmetics is a very important function of orthodontic treatment. After all, a big, beautiful smile is the first thing someone sees when meeting someone for the first time.  With a smile that has all the teeth in proper alignment, a person has that much more of a chance to make good first impression!  Of course, cosmetics is not the only advantage to orthodontic treatment.  Improved function is also very important.  With teeth in the proper bite, you are able to chew more efficiently.  Also, a proper bite may lessen the chances of TMJ problems in the future.

8.        How long will braces be on?

Treatment length depends upon the severity of the malocclusion and the methods employed to correct the bite.  An average time is about two years.  Some treatments will take longer and some will take less time.  It depends upon how far your teeth must be moved to attain the proper result.

9.        Does insurance cover orthodontics?

Again, that depends.  If you have an orthodontic rider on your dental insurance policy, insurance may cover some of the costs of treatment.  It is a rare insurance policy that will cover the complete costs of the treatment.  However, we will work with you to make sure you get the maximum insurance benefit your policy allows.

10.     Do braces hurt?

This may sound silly, but it really depends upon your individual threshold of pain.  Some patients hardly notice they are undergoing orthodontic treatment and have very little pain.  Others, on the other hand, have a much more difficult time with discomfort during treatment.  However, the discomfort only lasts 3 – 4 days, and pain medications can relieve this.  Advil and Aleve are two such medications which are particularly good at relieving orthodontic discomfort.