Q: What is orthodontics? ...

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

Q: What is an orthodontist? ...

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

Q: What are some possible benefits of orthodontics? ...

A more attractive smile; reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years; better function of the teeth; possible increase in self-confidence; increased ability to clean the teeth; improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth; better long-term health of teeth and gums; guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions; reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth; and aids in optimizing other dental treatment.

Q: At what age should orthodontic treatment occur? ...

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician detects a problem.

Q: Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics? ...

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

Q: How long does orthodontic treatment take? ...

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Q: What are Damon braces? What are the advantages? ...

Damon braces combine three key components, which when used together, deliver faster treatment, fewer appointments, greater comfort, and consistent high-quality results:
• Damon passive self-ligating braces that eliminate the need for elastic or metal "ties". With Damon tie-less braces you can experience treatment without tightening.
• Light high-technology shape-memory wires that move teeth faster and require fewer adjustments.
• A new clinically proven treatment approach that aligns your teeth and enhances your facial aesthetics—usually without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.

Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably.

Q: What are some signs that braces may be needed? ...

Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked; upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite); upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (under bite); the upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite); crowded or overlapped teeth; the center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up; finger-or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old; difficulty chewing; teeth wearing unevenly or excessively; the lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together; and spaces between the teeth.

Q: Do braces hurt? ...

The placement of brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with archwires, you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Q: Will braces interfere with playing sports? ...

No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns. Please let the doctor know that one is needed.

Q: Should I see my general dentist while I have braces? ...

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups. This needs to be coordinated with the orthodontist to remove the archwire before cleaning and to get it back on after the cleaning.

Q: What are TAD's? ...

Temporary Anchorage Devices (TAD's) are small screw-like devices that are placed in the bone between teeth to be an anchor so teeth can move in designated directions without allowing other teeth to shift. TAD's, unlike implants, can be removed easily once their use is no longer needed. TAD's are not painful to place, maintain, or remove. TAD's can even be placed where a front tooth is missing to support an artificial tooth until an implant can be placed. TAD's eliminate the need then to use a partial denture to hold the missing incisor tooth.

Q: What if the brackets become loose? ...

The seal created by the cement has broken. Call our office and schedule an appointment. If the bracket detaches from the wire, save it and bring it with you to your next appointment.

Q: What if the archwire is broken, or a hook or ligature is lost ...

These problems could cause the teeth to shift in the wrong direction and must be corrected as soon as possible. Call our office and schedule an appointment.

Q: What if there is a wire sticking out and poking the mouth? ...

Try tucking it in with the eraser part of a pencil. If that doesn't work, dry it with a napkin and place wax over the tip of the wire to prevent further irritation. Wax can also be applied to a bracket or hook that is causing discomfort. Sometimes the wire has slipped out of the last brace on a molar. If the wire is flexible, it can be put back in the horizontal tube by using a flashlight and tweezers.

Q: What if the mouth feels sore? ...

To relieve soreness, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and/or take Advil or Tylenol as directed.

Q: What is Phase I and Phase II treatment? ...

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (e.g., expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Q: Is jaw surgery needed in some cases? ...

We used to do a lot of jaw surgery, but today with temporary anchorage devices (TAD's) and devices like the Herbst appliance, we can combine them with braces to correct skeletal problems previously uncorrectable without jaw surgery. Without growth, the treatment process is longer but delivers acceptable final results.

Q: What if my child or I play a musical instrument? ...

Notify the doctor if you play a wind instrument. Initially you will need to cover your Damon braces with a silicone-based wax before your practice. Eventually your embouchure will adapt to your Damon braces as you use less and less wax.

Q: Should I be taking any extra vitamins during treatment? ...

It is very important that you get enough Vitamin C during treatment as it helps restore and heal bone in addition to helping maintain healthy gums. Check with our office for help in determining which foods might provide enough Vitamin C or how much Vitamin C supplement you should take.

Q: What can I do to help insure the success of my orthodontic treatment? ...

Follow all instructions provided by our office. Keep your braces and other appliances spotlessly clean. Wear elastics as required. Keep appointments. Keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing as required. Maintain a healthy diet.

Q: Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces? ...

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Q: How often should I brush my teeth while in braces? ...

Patients should brush their teeth at least two times each day for at least 2-3 minutes - after your evening meal before going to bed and in the morning after breakfast. We will show each patient how to floss his or her teeth with braces and provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary. Floss daily and rinse as directed.

Q: What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled? ...

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office 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.