For most patients, having braces is a brand-new experience that often raises a lot of questions. We've prepared answers to many of the questions that we hear most frequently.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities (e.g. overbite, crowding, misalignment of teeth, etc.)
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed formal advanced specialty education training in the movement of teeth and jawbones. These additional two to three years of education and training are spent learning the special skills required to properly straighten teeth, correct the bite, modify jawbone growth, and guide facial bone and tooth development.
What is Phase I treatment?
Phase I treatment is a form of early interceptive treatment to address problems with jawbone growth, harmful oral habits, and prevent future crowding of the erupting permanent teeth. It is also a preventive treatment to minimize future issues that might require the removal of permanent teeth or jawbone surgery. Phase I treatment begins before all permanent teeth have erupted, typically between the ages of seven and ten. Phase I treatment is recommended when space is needed for larger developing teeth and/or for the correction or prevention of jaw growth problems such as crossbites, overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
What is Phase II treatment?
Phase II treatment is orthodontic treatment used to align the teeth, correct the bite and establish a functional occlusion. It follows several years after Phase I treatment, and is started when all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Phase II treatment usually occurs between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Length of treatment varies on a case-by-case basis. The length of time that treatment will take is dependent upon what needs to be done. For adults, the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by patient compliance, jawbone growth, and the severity of the correction. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
How often are appointments scheduled?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four to six weeks; however, some patients require more frequent monitoring.
Can appointments be scheduled after school?
Unfortunately, orthodontists are unable to schedule all appointments for students after school. Longer appointments are usually scheduled early in the day since these appointments typically require a high level of precision and the complete attention of the orthodontist. The accurate placement of the brackets and bands will shorten your time in braces, and ensure a better final result. Scheduling early morning appoints for those times requiring a high level of technical prescision will allows us to schedule the majority of your appointments in the afternoon. We will make a sincere effort to accomodate your scheduling requirements.
Do braces hurt?
We do not feel that braces hurt. However, we recognize that you may experience some discomfort during treatment. In our office, we take special care to make you as comfortable as possible when placing braces on your teeth. As the teeth move, you may feel some tooth discomfort for a few days following an orthodontic appointment. Your lips and cheeks may also need one week to get used to the new braces after the first appointment or two.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. However, it is recommended that patients protect their smiles by wearing mouth guards when participating in athletic activities. We will provide your child with an orthodontic mouth guard during treatment at no charge.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be a short initial period of adjustment.