Questions About Your Orthodontic Care
- At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
- What will happen at the initial consultation appointment?
- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
- How long will it take to complete treatment?
- Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, some permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
What will happen at the initial consultation appointment?
At the initial consultation appointment, the doctor will examine you or your child and determine if orthodontic treatment is needed and the approximate cost if orthodontic treatment is needed. Please bring any x-ray that you may have from your general dentist to your consultation appointment.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes necessary to achieve the best orthodontic result. Each patient has his or her unique dental condition and only the doctor can determine if extraction is needed after a thorough evaluation.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem and cooperation from the patient. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 36 months.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
We understand that it is important for your child not to miss school. We will try to do our best to keep your child's appointment during after school hour or on Saturday; however, long procedures such as putting braces on and taking braces off (usually takes 60 to 75 minutes) are done on weekday morning or early afternoon. The regular adjustment visits are 15 to 20 minutes appointments can be scheduled during after school hour and on Saturday.
How often will I have appointments?
In general, regular adjustment appointments are scheduled between every 4 to 6 weeks after the braces are placed on the teeth.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After each adjustment visit, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort.
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Absolutely. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend an orthodontic mouth guard for all sports. It can be purchased from any major sporting goods stores.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! You should continue to see your family dentist for regular check up and cleaning every 3 to 6 months while in braces.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. But you should avoid any hard, sticky and chewy foods while in braces.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. Flossing daily is also important. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces.
Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! Each patient is provided with their own set of brand new braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training (2-3 years of additional training after graduated from dental schools) that enables them to properly diagnose and treat orthodontic problems for their patients.