Click on one of the links below to find the most frequently asked questions and answers to the three following categories.
General Questions
Questions About Orthodontics for Children
Questions About Orthodontics for Adults
General Questions
1. What is an orthodontist?
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete a four-year dental graduate program at a university dental school or other institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional two-to three-year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. This residency program must also be accredited by the ADA. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
Only dentists who have successfully completed this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists.
Most orthodontists are members of many professional organizations, such as:
2. Why is orthodontics important?
Because a smile is a priceless, precious asset - one that can last for a lifetime. Investing in orthodontic treatment today means you can enjoy the benefits of a super smile for years to come.
It's not just about appearance. Malocclusions or "bad bites" can affect the way you chew or talk and can even lead to more serious oral health problems that include: wearing down of teeth, gum recession, tooth loss or jaw joint dysfunction. Here are some of the common conditions that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment:
• Crowded teeth: teeth are crooked, turned, or "overlapping"
• Overbite: the upper jaw or teeth are too far in front, or the lower are too far back
• Underbite: the lower jaw or teeth are too far in front, or the upper are too far back
• Overjet (protrusion): the upper teeth stick out and do not fit with the lower front teeth
• Spacing: teeth that have gaps or spaces between them
Ask yourself - or have your child ask - this question: "Do I like my smile?" If the answer is no, then orthodontic treatment can be one of the best investments you'll ever make.
3. How long will treatment last?
There are a number of factors that determine how long you will wear braces, but in most cases you'll be ready to show off your new smile in about 18-24 months. With today's modern orthodontic appliances, treatment is getting faster-and easier-all the time.
4. Can my dentist do orthodontics?
Orthodontists are dentists that complete at least two additional years of very comprehensive full time specialized university training. So even though orthodontists are dentists, they are very specialized in their training. Some dentists take weekend courses in orthodontic treatment, but if you need braces, you should see an orthodontist.
5. Do we still need to see our family dentist if we're already seeing you?
Yes, you still need to see your regular dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months. Patients with braces or other orthodontic appliances can find it difficult to keep their teeth clean.
6. Are retainers needed after braces?
Wearing a retainer after braces is an important step in treatment because they keep the teeth stable while the bones and gums adapt to change. Without them, there is a possibility that the teeth may start to shift.
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Questions About Orthodontics for Children
1. Why should children have an orthodontic screening before all of the permanent teeth are in?
By age 7, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the dentist or orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents' concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7, and crossbites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.
Some signs or habits that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination are:
- early or late loss of baby teeth
- difficulty in chewing or biting
- mouth breathing
- thumb sucking
- finger sucking
- crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
- jaws that shift or make sounds
- biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face.
An orthodontic screening no later than age 7-12 enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems (if any), advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated.
2. What are the benefits of early treatment?
For those patients who have clear indications for early intervention, early treatment presents the opportunity to:
- guide the growth of the jaw
- regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch shaped bone that supports the teeth.)
- guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions
- lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
- correct harmful oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking
- improve personal appearance and self-esteem
- simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
- reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
- improve some speech problems
- preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are coming in
3. Will I still be able to play sports?
Yes. 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 an exciting variety of colors and are provided to our patients.
4. Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
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Questions About Orthodontics for Adults
1. Am I too old for orthodontics?
About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children, and can now experience the satisfaction of a perfect smile.
2. My teeth have been crooked for many years - why should I have orthodontic treatment now?
Orthodontic treatment, when indicated, is a positive step - especially for adults who have endured a long-standing problem. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function. Teeth that work better usually look better, too. And a healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, no matter the age.
3. My family dentist said I need to have some missing teeth replaced, but I need orthodontic treatment first - why?
Your dentist is probably recommending orthodontics so that he or she might treat you in the best manner possible to bring you to optimal dental health. Many complicated tooth restorations, such as crowns, bridges and implants, can be best accomplished when the remaining teeth are properly aligned and the bite is correct.
When permanent teeth are lost, it is common for the remaining teeth to drift, tip or shift. This movement can create a poor bite and uneven spacing that cannot be restored properly unless the missing teeth are replaced. Tipped teeth usually need to be straightened so they can stand up to normal biting pressures in the future.
4. How does adult treatment differ from that of children and adolescents?
Adults are not growing and may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and bone that supports the teeth. Orthodontic treatment may then be only a part of the patient's overall treatment plan. Close coordination may be required between Dr. Tadej, an oral surgeon, periodontist, endodontist and family dentist to assure that a complicated adult orthodontic problem is managed well and complements all other areas of the patient's treatment needs.
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