The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first visit when they are seven. This allows an orthodontist to monitor their mouths as they grow so that treatment can be started as soon as a problem is noticed.
Still, no matter how old you are, any time you want to improve your smile, you should see an orthodontist. About one in every five patients is an adult. If you are unhappy with your bite, now is the right time to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist.
What types of braces can I get?
There are many different types of braces that will get you the smile you deserve. Before we decide what you need, we will do a thorough examination. We may also do x-rays to further evaluate the situation. Once we have all of the necessary information, together we can decide which type of braces would work best for you.
Some of the types of braces we offer are clear, ceramic, and lingual. We also have Invisalign® braces, plus the classic metal braces.
If I am told that I would benefit from wearing braces, how long will I have to wear them?
Since each mouth is different, it is difficult to determine how long you will have to wear them. It depends on how much correction is needed, what type of braces we choose, and how your mouth responds to treatment.
Treatment typically takes between 18-24 months, though some people can reach their results within six months, while others take up to thirty months.
How can I take care of my teeth if I am wearing braces or a retainer?
It is important that you always remember to brush and floss your teeth. You should brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. When brushing, you should use a toothpaste containing fluoride to help prevent cavities.
If you wear a retainer, it is important to take care of it. Whenever you remove it, you should place it gently into its container so it does not get lost or broken. You should also keep it clean. You should brush your retainer gently. If it seems really dirty, you can soak it in denture cleaner. You should never put it in boiling water or run it through the dishwasher.
When you are being treated, you should avoid foods with lots of sugar. Sugar often increases the amount of bacteria in your mouth and increases the likelihood of developing more cavities. You should also avoid sticky, chewy, and hard foods. These will get stuck in your braces.
Do braces hurt?
Braces are not supposed to be painful, though you may experience some discomfort while you are getting used to wearing them. You may also have some discomfort when we adjust your braces.
Should I brush my teeth more often when I am wearing braces?
It is important to brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your mouth healthy and clean. You have to make sure that you get out any food that is stuck in your braces.
It is also important to floss your teeth every day, especially taking care of areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. We can show you the correct way to brush and floss your teeth while you are wearing braces.
If I have braces, do I still need to have regular dental checkups every six months?
It is really important to continue to visit your regular dentist every six months. Braces are good at hiding food where your toothbrush can’t reach, leading to more bacteria, cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your regular dentist will work with your orthodontist to ensure that you have a healthy mouth.
Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?
You may need an adjustment period while you get used to wearing braces, but they won’t stop you from enjoying the life you lead before you had them. The only thing that we recommend is that you wear a mouthguard if you are going to play a contact sport.
How do I schedule my next appointment?
All you should do to schedule an appointment is call us. We will be happy to help you find a convenient time to come into our office. If you are a new client, WELCOME, just let us know that you are new to our office, and we would be happy to help you with everything that you should know.
If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (817) 488-5653.
