Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Orthodontic residency programs are one of the most competitive specialty training programs in dentistry to earn admittance. The dental graduates admitted are often the highest performing and accomplished students from their dental school classes. These stellar students then focus their education,full-time,on the biomechanics and execution of orthodontic therapy for an additional 2-3 years. Their approaches to therapy are guided by evidence based knowledge of properly diagnosing, treating and finishing orthodontic cases to the highest standards.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. For most children, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing the orthodontist to effectively evaluate the patient’s orthodontic condition.
Unlikely. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, around age 6, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
No patient is “too old” for orthodontic treatment! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age!
Overall treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” timespan a patient wears braces is approximately 22 months.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients will be seen every 5 to 7 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Yes. We understand your schedule is busy, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Yes! We recommend that patients wear mouth guards while playing sports. Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.
Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment, if necessary.
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions!