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At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening for all children at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
Visit our early treatment page for more details.
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Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. The process of tooth movement is the same in adults than in children and adolescents. An orthodontic treatment can usually be successfully undertaken at any age. Healthy teeth, gums and supporting bone are the deciding requirements. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
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Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
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How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. Some factors may influence the required time:
- Seriousness of the problem
- Growth
- Collaboration
In general, treatment times range from 12 to 36 months. At the consultation visit, we will be able to estimate the time required for your treatment.
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How much will treatment cost?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
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What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, the secretary welcomes you and gives you a medical questionnaire that you must complete. It is also possible to complete the online medical questionnaire in advance.
A radiograph is necessary to allow the orthodontist to establish an accurate diagnosis. Our office is equipped with a 3D X-ray machine, which greatly enhances the quality and accuracy of the radiograph information. Following a brief but thorough exam, the orthodontist will then explain your orthodontic assessment.
To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit page.
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Under what circumstances is it important to consult an orthodontist as soon as possible?
If you notice one or more of the following problems, it is best to consult an orthodontist as soon as possible.
- Early or late tooth loss
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Frequent sores to palate or cheeks caused by teeth
- Prominent dentition
- Asymmetrical Face
- Recessed or protruding jaws
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Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups about every 6 months with your family dentist are important while in treatment. We work together with your dentist! Any cavity or gum problem that occurs must be treated as soon as possible.
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How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require a different type of monitoring (any where from 4 to 12 weeks), we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments during after-school or work hours. However, we will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
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What is an emergency appointment?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Use orthodontic wax for temporary relief. A broken bracket can wait a few days before being repaired.
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Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend wearing a proper mouth guard for all sports. Don’t heisted to bring us your mouth guard for an adjustment and some advice.
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How should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth 3 to 4 times each day for a period of 2 to 3 minutes each brushing. You can use a manual or electric toothbrush; it’s a good technique that makes the difference in both cases! We will show you how at the office.
You also need to:
- Thoroughly rinse with water before brushing
- Floss once a day using a threader or "Superfloss"
- Use a proxabrosse 2x a day to brush around the brackets
Visit our Oral Hygiene page for more information and videos.
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Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Hard and sticky foods damage braces. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
The list of foods not to eat include:
- Chewing Gum
- Candy, stick caramel, licorice, jelly beans, taffy
- Popcorn, peanuts and pin nuts
- Corn flour chips (Doritos, nachos, tacos)
- Ice Cubes
Visit our Food and Nutrition page for more information.
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Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, you can choose to eat softer foods and take pain medications such as “Advil”. However, after most visits patients feel very little soreness. We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
See our Sensitive teeth section for more information.
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What is a 3D radiograph?
It is also called cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT). It’s the measure of the radiological density of a volume. The digital images it generates can be viewed in depth and examined at all possible angles.
See our Technology page to learn more.
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