FAQ

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments, like braces or clear aligners, help improve the alignment and function of your teeth and bite.

It’s recommended that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to monitor development and identify any potential issues early, even before all permanent teeth have erupted.

No, you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! Orthodontics can benefit adults of all ages, helping to improve both function and appearance of your teeth, whether you’re seeking braces or clear aligners.

Orthodontic specialists, or orthodontists, have advanced training beyond general dentistry to focus specifically on tooth and jaw alignment. They have the expertise to design and monitor effective treatment plans tailored to your needs.

It’s best to schedule your child’s first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this stage, an orthodontist can detect early signs of misalignment and determine if early intervention is needed for optimal results.

Thumb sucking is a natural reflex for infants and toddlers, but if it continues beyond age 4, it can affect tooth development and cause alignment issues, such as an open bite. Encouraging your child to stop this habit can help prevent dental problems in the future. If the habit persists, talk to your pediatric dentist for advice and solutions.

If you have crooked, misaligned, or spaced-out teeth, or if you have bite issues like overbite, underbite, or crossbite, braces may be needed. A consultation with an orthodontist will help determine if braces are right for you.

The length of time you’ll need braces varies depending on the severity of your case, but most people wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Your orthodontist will provide an estimated timeline based on your treatment plan.

It’s never too late to get braces! Adults can successfully receive orthodontic treatment to improve tooth alignment and bite, with options like traditional braces or clear aligners available.

Braces may cause some discomfort, especially after adjustments. You might experience mild soreness for a few days, but this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Yes, you can still play sports and instruments, but it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth during physical activities. Your orthodontist can provide a custom mouthguard for added protection.

Yes, you should continue regular visits to your general dentist for cleanings and checkups while wearing braces. Your dentist and orthodontist will work together to ensure your oral health is maintained.

You should brush your teeth after every meal while wearing braces to remove food particles and plaque. This helps prevent cavities and gum issues during treatment.

While wearing braces, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like popcorn, caramel, nuts, and chewing gum. These can damage your braces or get stuck in them, making it harder to clean your teeth.

Yes, brushing more often is essential when you have braces. You should brush at least three times a day—after meals and before bed—to keep your teeth and braces clean and prevent cavities.

Yes, you should continue to see your dentist every six months for checkups and professional cleanings while you have braces. Regular dental visits help ensure your overall oral health is maintained.

Yes, you will need to visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments. These visits are necessary to tighten or adjust your braces, ensuring your teeth move into the correct position.

Yes, you should continue seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings while undergoing orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will monitor your oral health and help prevent cavities or gum issues.

Yes, while wearing braces, you should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces or get stuck in them. This includes items like popcorn, hard candy, gum, nuts, ice, and caramel. It’s also best to cut up hard fruits and vegetables, like apples and carrots, into smaller pieces to prevent damage.

You should brush your teeth at least three times a day—after every meal and before bed. This is important to remove food and plaque around the brackets and wires to avoid cavities and gum problems.

Invisalign is a clear, removable aligner system used to straighten teeth. It is a discreet alternative to traditional braces, using custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into their proper position.

To care for your Invisalign aligners, remove them when eating or drinking (except water), and clean them daily with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using hot water or harsh cleaners to preserve their clarity and shape.

The treatment process involves an initial consultation with your dentist or orthodontist, who will create a custom treatment plan. You’ll wear a series of aligners, changing them every 1-2 weeks, with periodic checkups to monitor your progress.

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the case’s complexity and the treatment length. Still, many dental insurance plans and financing options may help cover the cost.

You should wear your Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Consistent wear is key to achieving the best results in the shortest time.

Invisalign is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Since the aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you like, as long as you remove the aligners first. There’s also minimal impact on speech and daily activities.

Unlike traditional braces, there are no food restrictions with Invisalign. Since the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want, but remember to brush your teeth before reinserting your aligners to avoid damaging them.

Yes, regular check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist are essential during Invisalign treatment. These visits ensure your treatment is progressing as planned and provide an opportunity for adjustments or new aligners.

Yes, you can use whitening products during Invisalign treatment, but it’s important to apply them correctly. It’s best to apply whitening gel after removing your aligners and ensure your teeth are clean before reinserting the aligners.

To clean your Invisalign aligners, rinse them with lukewarm water and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush. You can also use the Invisalign cleaning crystals or mild soap to remove plaque buildup. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as they can warp or damage the aligners.

To clean your retainers, brush them gently with a toothbrush and lukewarm water. You can also soak them in a retainer cleaner or a mixture of water and baking soda for deeper cleaning. Avoid using toothpaste or harsh chemicals that may scratch or damage the retainer.

After finishing your orthodontic treatment, you’ll typically need to wear your retainer full-time for the first few months, then gradually reduce wear to nights only. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized plan based on your treatment and needs.

Retainers help keep your teeth in their new position after braces or Invisalign treatment. Without them, your teeth may shift back over time. Wearing your retainer as prescribed ensures the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment.

If you have bad breath, start by brushing your teeth, gums, and tongue, and flossing to remove food particles and plaque. Drink plenty of water and avoid foods that may cause odor. If the issue persists, visit your dentist to rule out underlying problems like gum disease or tooth decay.

Bad breath can be caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, certain foods (like garlic and onions), smoking, or underlying health conditions such as sinus infections or digestive issues.

To prevent bad breath, brush and floss daily, clean your tongue, stay hydrated, and avoid tobacco products. Regular dental checkups are also important to catch any potential oral health issues early.

If you have bad breath, improve your oral hygiene routine, stay hydrated, and avoid strong-smelling foods. If the problem persists, consult your dentist to identify and address the cause, which could be related to gum disease, cavities, or other health concerns.

You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. This helps remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria that can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Dental floss helps remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline, areas that a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing regularly helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Flossing is essential for maintaining good oral hygiene. It removes plaque and debris from between teeth and under the gumline, reducing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath.

Gingivitis typically causes red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease, can cause gum recession, bad breath, and loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your dentist for an evaluation.

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is an infection of the gums caused by plaque buildup. It starts as gingivitis (early-stage gum disease) and can progress to more severe stages, leading to gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Regular dental visits help maintain good oral health by preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Your dentist can catch problems early, provide professional cleanings, and offer guidance on maintaining a healthy smile.

It’s generally recommended to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning. Regular visits help prevent oral health issues and ensure that problems are detected early, when they are easier to treat.

Dental X-rays are very safe and provide valuable information about your oral health that isn’t visible during a routine exam. Modern X-ray technology uses minimal radiation, and your dentist takes precautions to keep exposure to a minimum, such as using lead aprons.

If you’re anxious about visiting the dentist, talk to your dental office beforehand. Many practices offer sedation options or relaxation techniques to help you feel more comfortable. Open communication can make your visit more manageable and reduce dental anxiety.

Your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits help establish healthy dental habits and allow the dentist to monitor their oral development.

During your child’s first visit, the dentist will examine their teeth, gums, and mouth for any issues. The visit may also include a gentle cleaning and fluoride treatment, along with tips on how to care for their teeth and advice on teething or pacifier use.

The length of dental treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of your case. For orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign, it typically takes 12 to 24 months. Other procedures, such as fillings or crowns, may take just one or two visits. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a more accurate timeline based on your individual needs.

It’s recommended to schedule dental appointments every six months for regular exams and cleanings. Regular visits help maintain good oral health and catch potential issues early.

When scheduling an appointment, you’ll need to provide basic details such as your name, contact information, and any dental history. If you have insurance, have your policy information ready to help with billing.

During your first visit, the dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. They may take X-rays, clean your teeth, and discuss any necessary treatments or oral health recommendations.

Yes, we offer family scheduling to make it easier for you to book appointments for multiple family members in one visit. Just let us know when booking, and we’ll try to accommodate everyone.

For safety reasons, it’s best to stay with your child during their dental appointment, especially if they’re under 18. You’ll be able to assist with any questions or concerns and provide support throughout the visit.

It’s recommended to schedule your child’s first orthodontic screening by age 7. Early screening allows the orthodontist to monitor development and address any potential issues before they become more serious.

Yes, many dental offices offer online appointment scheduling through their website or patient portal. Check our website for easy access to online booking or call our office if you prefer to schedule by phone.

Yes, we offer financing options to make dental care more affordable. We work with third-party financing companies that provide payment plans tailored to your needs. Please contact our office for more information on available plans.

Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. Please contact our office to verify if we accept your specific provider and plan, or bring your insurance information with you to your appointment.

If you don’t have dental insurance, we still offer affordable payment options, including financing plans. We also provide in-house membership programs that offer discounts on services for patients without insurance.

Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including exams, cleanings, and X-rays. Many plans also cover basic treatments like fillings, crowns, and some specialty care, though coverage can vary. Check with your insurance provider to confirm specific benefits.

To find out if your insurance covers orthodontics, review your plan’s benefits or contact your insurance provider directly. Our office can also help verify orthodontic coverage and assist with any paperwork needed.