FAQs

Orthodontic- FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
Early Treatment (Phase I)
Why does my Child need this treatment?
Either genetics or environmental factors may have influenced the
development of your child's jaw and muscles. For example, your
child may have inherited a small jaw from one parent and large
teeth from the other. Or, your child might suck his or her thumb or
have a sleeping pattern that has affected how the cheeks and jaw
have developed.

Isn't it too early to start treatment?
No. Between the ages of 5 and 10, some permanent teeth have
already appeared. And during this time, the bones and muscles
are growing rapidly. This is when your doctor can influence their
growth to create the best bite. Things can be accomplished now
that can't easily be done later -- or can't be done as well. Also, with
early treatment you mat prevent future bite problems from
developing.

What is involved in treatment?
Early treatment may last a year or longer. Your child may wear
some braces during this time, but they will be used mainly as an
anchor for other appliances that will influence the growth of bone
and muscle. In most cases, a second phase of Orthodontic
treatment (full braces) is also necessary. This phase is usually
started after all the permanent teeth have appeared. It helps move
the teeth into their final positions.

What are the benefits?
1) Enhanced self-esteem by improving a child's appearance with
proper jaw alignment
2) Creating a more stable long-term result, especially with severe
bite problems
3) Shortening or improving the results of the second phase of
treatment
4) Help prevent fractures and wearing of protruding teeth
5) Minimize future jaw surgery
6) Minimizing removal of permanent teeth in certain cases

General Questions
May I play sports while wearing braces?
Yes. But wear a protective mouth guard. As about having a
custom made mouth guard to fit over your braces.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
With practice and a period of adjustment, braces typically do not
interfere with the playing of wind or brass instruments.

My teeth have been crooked for many years - why should I have
orthodontic treatment now?
It’s never too late! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
Orthodontic treatment can restore good function. And teeth that
work better usually look better, too. A healthy, beautiful smile can
improve self-esteem, no matter the age.

Can I afford orthodontic treatment?
Most orthodontists have a variety of convenient payment plans.
Many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits.

I am pregnant and want to begin orthodontic treatment. Is this
OK?
Pregnancy brings on bodily changes that may affect the mouth.
Soft tissues such as gums become much more susceptible to
infection. Discuss this question with your medical
practitioner/physician and orthodontist before you start orthodontic
treatment.

Do teeth with braces need special care?
Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky,
chewy and crunchy foods, or hard objects, such as pens, pencils
or fingernails. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more
precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and
gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment.
Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly

I don’t want braces that show. What are my options?
In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual
braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age"
materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that
the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for
patients. A type of clear orthodontic wire is currently in an
experimental stage. Another option may be the use of a series of
plastic tray aligners instead of traditional braces to correct some
problems.

How long will treatment last?
Typically braces are most proficient if worn for two to three years.
There can be negative effects if treatment is rushed and if
appliances and recommended bands are not worn by the patient.
Timeframe and results are optimal when the patient is an active
participant in our treatment.

Following based on the ADA website:

When should treatment begin?
Malocclusions often become noticeable between the ages of 6
and 12, as the child’s permanent (adult) teeth erupt. Orthodontic
treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that
begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. As
a result, children should have an orthodontic evaluation no later
than age 7. By then, they have a mix of primary (baby) teeth and
their permanent (adult) teeth. Your child’s dentist can spot
problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the
primary teeth are present. That’s why regular dental examinations
are important.

How about adults wearing braces?
Children aren’t the only ones who can benefit from orthodontics. If
you’re an adult, it’s not too late to correct problems such as
crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw
position, or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in
moving teeth is the same at any age. Usually, adult treatment
takes a little longer than a child's treatment. Because an adult's
facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not
be accomplished with braces alone. No matter your age, it's never
too late to improve your dental health and beautify your smile.

Who provides orthodontic treatment?
Most dentists are trained to treat some minor orthodontic
problems. If the dentist thinks the patient should see a specialist
for treatment, he or she will provide a referral to an orthodontist.
Orthodontics is a specialty area of dentistry that is officially known
as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics http://www.ada.
org/prof/ed/specialties/definitions.asp . The purpose of
orthodontics is to treat malocclusion through braces, corrective
procedures and other “appliances” to straighten teeth and correct
jaw alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the
diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial
irregularities. Read more about orthodontists and orthodontic
treatment at www.braces.org Link opens in separate window.
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Although treatment plans are customized for each patient, most
wear their braces from one to three years, depending on what
conditions need correcting. This is followed by a period of
wearing a “retainer” that holds teeth in their new positions.
Although a little discomfort is expected during treatment, today’s
braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials
apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require
fewer adjustments.

Good oral hygiene is especially important when braces are
present. Brushing regularly, as directed by the dentist, flossing
daily and scheduling dental visits can help keep teeth healthy.

Patients with braces should maintain a balanced diet and limit
between-meal snacks. Your dentist may recommend avoiding
certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend
the wires. These foods may include nuts, popcorn, hard candy,
ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel or other chewy
candy.

Source: Krames Communications, ADA Website, AAO Website