Wear a Mouthguard During Athletic Activities
Did you know mouthguards reduce the risk of a sport-related dental injury from over 50% to about 7.5%? Learn more about why athletic mouthguards are important in this month’s Healthy…
At Smile Orthodontics, we understand that choosing orthodontic treatment is an important decision. Every patient is unique and has distinct needs and concerns, that’s why we really take the time to get to know each of our patients.
As part of a multi-specialty practice, your orthodontist and dentist work together to create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to your needs and goals. Our team members are industry experts, specialized in both adult and pediatric orthodontics. We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.
What to Expect from Your First Visit.
During your consultation we want to get to know you. One of our treatment coordinators will sit down with you to discuss your orthodontic needs, goals, and ease any concerns you may have. This allows our team to supply you with all the necessary resources so you can make informed decisions. From there, we will:
- Take x-rays and photographs to assess the position of your teeth
- Conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and jaw
- Discuss recommended and available treatment options
- Provide instruction on how to care for your appliances and maintain good oral hygiene
- Schedule your next appointment
FAQ’s
What is orthodontics and why is it important?
Orthodontics is the utilization of special appliances–most commonly traditional braces and clear aligners–to guide your teeth into their ideal positions over time. Orthodontic treatments are not only about carefully aligning teeth, but they also aim to improve the health and function of both your teeth and jaws. These treatments can make it easier for you to bite, chew, and speak–as well as prevent accelerated wearing of your tooth enamel.
What problems can orthodontics solve?
A few of the most common orthodontic issues are the overcrowding & spacing of teeth, misaligned jaws, overbites & underbites, open & cross bites, unmatched dental midlines, periodontal issues, chewing and speech difficulties, improve facial symmetry, etc.
Consult with a Smile Orthodontist to discuss how orthodontic treatments can help you!
How old do you have to be to start braces or orthodontic treatments?
There is no right or wrong time to get orthodontic treatment! The general rule of thumb is to wait until all of your adult teeth are in. However, the ideal age for a child to receive treatment is between the ages of nine to thirteen years old.
Pediatric orthodontics, or Phase 1 orthodontics, is orthodontic treatment for children typically between the ages of six to nine years old, when the patient has a mix of baby and adult teeth. This early intervention approach aims to ensure enough room for the child’s incoming teeth in order to prevent a more severe orthodontic condition from developing.
How long do orthodontic treatments last?
The length of orthodontic treatment fluctuates from patient to patient, dependent on your age, the severity of your condition, and several other factors. However, the average length of an orthodontic treatment lasts two years.
Do braces and orthodontics hurt?
It is fairly common for your teeth and gums to be extra sensitive after an orthodontic appointment. Thankfully there are many ways to relieve any pain at home.
What can I eat with braces?
There are still many foods you can eat when you have braces! Our orthodontists recommend soft foods such as dairy products, pastas and rice, soft fruits and vegetables, chicken and seafood, and lentils.
It is also important to avoid hard, sticky, and sugary foods. These foods can get stuck and cause damage to your brackets and wires.
https://smiledentalpartners.com/choosing-the-right-food-for-your-braces/
How do I care for my braces?
Caring for your braces is essential to ensure that they function properly and that your treatment is successful. The first step in caring for your braces is to maintain good oral hygiene. It is also important to attend regular appointments with your orthodontist to ensure your treatment plan is progressing.
https://smiledentalpartners.com/how-to-care-for-your-braces/
How often do I have appointments?
The duration between your appointments will vary depending on your orthodontic appliances and treatment plan. However, the industry standard is every four to eight weeks.
Do I still need to see my general dentist every 6 months with braces?
Yes! Semi-annual visits with your dentist and hygienist are important to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong while receiving orthodontic treatment.
Luckily, since Smile is a multispecialty practice, your dentist and orthodontist work together and are able to collaborate when addressing any dental health issues that may occur during your orthodontic treatment.
What should I expect after my braces are removed?
After your braces are removed, you will need to wear your retainers full-time for three months or as directed by your orthodontist. This ensures that your teeth properly stay in place. Not wearing your retainers can cause your teeth to shift back into their original positions. After three months, your orthodontist may recommend wearing your retainers at night for continued maintenance.
Also, things may feel different. After getting used to consistently having orthodontic appliances in your mouth, eating, drinking, and even speaking may feel a little bizarre. This is nothing to worry about, as with anything, it takes time to adjust!
A set of retainers to wear after your orthodontic treatment is finished are included in the cost of treatment. In addition, Smile Orthodontics offers a unique retainer warranty program called “Retainers for Life” which includes the following:
- A one-time cost of $575
- Limited warranty
- Personal model of teeth
- Up to 6 free retainers per year
