Orthodontic FAQs Answered This Festive Season
Have you finally decided to align your smile with orthodontics but you’re a little terrified at the thought of metal appliances glued to your teeth and people working in your mouth? If so, we are here to help you feel a little bit better! Orthodontic treatment is a great way to finally achieve the smile of your dreams, and sometimes the only things holding you back are the unanswered questions circling in your head. Well, we are happy to help you by giving you the answers to the following questions:
How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
If you have crooked teeth, gaps between your teeth, and an improper bite, you most likely need orthodontic treatment. To test for an improper bite, simply bite down and see if your teeth match together. If they do not, you have an improper bite. So, if you have one or more of these issues, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our orthodontist today. It is very important that you correct these problems so additional dental issues don’t develop.
How many different types of braces are available?
There are a few options to choose from when it comes to orthodontic appliances. Your choices include: Traditional braces, clear aligners (like Invisalign® or ClearCorrect®), lingual braces, and ceramic braces. Traditional braces include metal brackets and wires that are glued to the front surfaces of your teeth. Clear aligners are thin, clear, and plastic mouth guard-like appliances that are virtually invisible. Lingual braces also include metal brackets and wires but instead of them being glued to the front surfaces of your teeth, they are glued to the back of your teeth. Ceramic braces include metal brackets and wires glued to the front surfaces of your teeth, but the brackets and wires are tooth colored to give you a more natural look.
Can you be too old for orthodontic treatment?
No, you can never be too old for orthodontic treatment. Whether you are 10 years old or 42 years old, we encourage you to call our office today and finally take that first step to achieve your dream smile. The only factors that stand in the way of orthodontic treatment are weak and fragile gums and jaw bones.
At what age should a child first visit the orthodontic office?
It is recommended that you bring your child into our office by their seventh birthday. Bringing them in will give you the chance to know if orthodontic treatment is needed now or in the future. If necessary, our orthodontist can get your child started on early orthodontic treatment, which will help them grow into the beautiful smile they are proud of.
Will orthodontic treatment hurt?
The only discomfort you will feel with orthodontic treatment is tenderness and soreness, which is completely normal. These feelings result from the shifting and moving of your teeth, which is a good sign! The tenderness and soreness will only last a couple of days and you can relieve the discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications. You might also experience irritations from your appliance, which is also common. If your appliance is harming or bugging our lips, cheeks, and tongue, simply put orthodontic wax over the section of the appliance that is irritating your mouth.
Now we know you probably have additional questions that weren’t included in this blog, so please feel free to call our office today and talk to a member of our caring dental team. We are happy to help you!
You can always schedule an appointment any time and start your orthodontic treatment!