What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics, sometimes referred to as dentofacial orthopedics, is a dental specialization. It is focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who, after graduating from dental school, attended an orthodontics residency program to further their education. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but not every dentist is an orthodontist. An orthodontist spends an additional two to three years learning how to correct smiles and misaligned jaws and improve the form and function of the smile.
What is the ideal age to visit an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for the first time by the age of seven. However, any age is an ideal time to see an orthodontist as a healthy smile can be corrected at any age.
How Do I Care For My Smile While in Orthodontic Treatment?
It’s always important to pay close attention to your oral health, but never more so than when you are in orthodontic treatment. We recommend the following:
- Brush after every meal and floss at least once a day
- Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your dentist if you could benefit from a fluoride rinse
- Always keep your retainer or aligners safe in a case when not in your mouth.
- Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as well as foods that are too sticky, hard, crunchy, or chewy.
- Remember to visit your dentist every six months, even while in orthodontic treatment
What Are Braces?
Braces are an orthodontic appliances used to correct the alignment of your teeth. There are several types of braces, including metal braces, ceramic braces, gold braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces, and clear braces.
How Long Will I Be in Braces?
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient because each mouth is different. Some patients may only need to wear braces for six months, while others may wear them for 30 months. The average time in braces is typically 22-24 months.
Will Braces Hurt?
Braces should never be painful, but you will feel a small amount of discomfort. This is especially true in the first few days after your braces are placed. It will take a bit of time for your mouth to get used to them.
Will Braces Interfere With My Life?
We know our patients lead busy lives – younger patients have school and extracurricular activities while adults have work and social lives. Braces shouldn’t interfere with your daily life. While you may need a bit of time to adjust to life in braces, you can play sports and instruments, and do all the things you normally would.
How Do I Schedule An Appointment?
Just give our practice a call and our friendly scheduling coordinators will be happy to schedule your consultation or next appointment.
