Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

  Orthodontics is the division of dentistry focusing in the diagnosis and treatment of dental, facial, and jaw abnormalities.

What is an orthodontist?

  An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of full-time training at an accredited residency program after graduating from dental school. Orthodontists limit their practices to the field of orthodontics so they can focus on correcting misaligned teeth and jaw problems.

Will my teeth straighten out as I grow?

  No. In order for teeth to straighten out, they need space to unravel. After the first molars erupt around age 6, the amount of space available for the erupting teeth is at the maximum. In most cases, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

If my teeth are straight now, can they get crooked later?

  Yes. As you age, your jaws, musculature, and bones will change which may affect the alignment of your teeth. If you have had braces before, you may be more prone to having crooked teeth again. That is why you must wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist to minimize this relapse.

How do orthodontic braces work?

  Orthodontic braces work by applying steady, gentle pressure to guide teeth to their new positions. Braces consist of a system of brackets, and archwires. The brackets are attached to the teeth and the archwire is placed into the slots of the brackets. If the teeth are crooked, the wire needs to be deflected into the brackets when tied in. Then, as the wire returns to its original shape, it moves the tooth with it.

What are the risks of braces or orthodontic treatment?

  Orthodontic treatment is not without risks. Some risks of braces or orthodontic treatment include, but are not limited to root resorption, cavities, tooth decalcification, and gum problems, however, with proper oral hygiene, many of the risks orthodontic treatment can be minimized.

How long do braces have to be worn?

  The total treatment times with braces usually lasts from 9 months to 5 years, but the average amount of time is 18 to 24 months.

Will I still be able to talk when I have braces?

  Yes, standard braces should not affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. In certain cases, the orthodontist may need to use an appliance that could get in the way of your tongue. You could experience trouble talking clearly for a day or two, but then your tongue will adjust and you'll be able to talk just fine.

Do Braces Hurt?

  It depends on the type of braces you use. Old-fashioned braces will hurt many times. However, if you have modern braces, it is possible to have slight discomfort when they are first put on, and a day or two after adjustments.

What is it like to have braces?

  When you get braces, your mouth can be sore for the first week. Also, your mouth will be sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, you really shouldn't notice them, except when the braces are being tightened or if you get hit in the mouth. Treatment can be more uncomfortable if you get braces when you are 18 or older; your teeth may also feel like they are loose in your mouth.

Can I eat with braces?

  Yes! You can eat most of the good things that you can eat now. The only issue is that your mouth will be sore after you first get braces, so for the first week or so you may only want to eat softer food. However, after that you should be able to eat normally. You probably should not eat hard sticky, gooey or crunchy food. Caramel, taffy, peanut brittle can stick on your braces and pull the braces off your teeth. You also need to be careful with crunchy foods like carrots and apples and hard rolls so that you do not knock your braces off your teeth.

How about chewing gum with braces?

  Gum usually is not recommended. It can get caught on braces and pull them off, also the sugar in the gum can get around behind the braces and cause cavities.

What happens if the braces come off?

  We will attach them again. Usually, this is not a problem, although if it happens lots of times, your orthodontic treatment will take longer.