FAQs

There are a number of reasons why someone might need braces. Some common reasons include:

• Crooked teeth: Braces can help to straighten teeth that are crooked or misaligned.
• Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth too much. Braces can help to correct an overbite by moving the upper teeth back and the lower teeth forward.
• Underbite: An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Braces can help to correct an underbite by moving the lower teeth back and the upper teeth forward.
• Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not line up properly when biting down. Braces can help to correct a crossbite by moving the teeth into their proper positions.
• Gaps between teeth: Braces can help to close gaps between teeth by moving the teeth closer together.
• Crowded teeth: If there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth, they may become crowded and difficult to clean properly. Braces can help to straighten the teeth and create more space in the mouth.
• Open bite: An open bite occurs when the upper and lower teeth do not meet when biting down. This can make it difficult to chew food properly and can also affect the appearance of the teeth. Braces can help to close the gap between the upper and lower teeth and correct an open bite.
• Misaligned jaw: If the upper and lower jaws are not properly aligned, it can cause problems with the bite and the appearance of the teeth. Braces can help to reposition the jaws and correct the bite.
• Impacted teeth: An impacted tooth is one that is trapped in the gum or bone and cannot emerge naturally. Braces can help to move the teeth and create space for the impacted tooth to emerge.
• Sleep apnea: In some cases, braces may be recommended to help treat sleep apnea, a condition in which the airway becomes blocked during sleep. Braces can help to reposition the jaw and improve the alignment of the teeth, which can help to alleviate sleep apnea symptoms.

 

Orthodontic treatment with braces or another type of appliance can help to improve the appearance of the teeth and the overall alignment of the bite. It can also help to prevent future dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, by making it easier to properly clean the teeth and gums. Your orthodontist will be able to determine if braces or another type of appliance is the best treatment option for your specific needs.

The length of treatment with braces or Invisalign can vary depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues being treated and the patient’s compliance with the treatment plan. On average, treatment with braces takes 18 to 24 months, while treatment with Invisalign can take 12 to 18 months.

Yes, adults can get braces or Invisalign to correct orthodontic issues. In fact, about one-quarter of orthodontic patients are adults. There are a variety of options available specifically designed for adults, including clear ceramic braces and Invisalign.

The cost of braces or Invisalign can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the type of braces or aligners you choose, the severity of your orthodontic issues, and the length of your treatment. On average, the cost of braces can range from $3,000 to $7,500, while the cost of Invisalign can range from $3,500 to $8,500.

While there may be some discomfort associated with getting braces or Invisalign, the treatment is generally not considered to be painful.

When braces are first put on, the teeth may be sore for a few days as they get used to the pressure of the braces. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

After adjustments, which are typically done every 4-6 weeks, the teeth may also be sore for a few days. Again, this discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Overall, while braces may cause some discomfort, they should not be painful. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and good overall oral health to minimize the discomfort associated with braces.

If you experience pain while wearing braces, it is important to contact your orthodontist to determine the cause and determine the best course of action.

Properly placed and maintained braces or Invisalign should not cause damage to the teeth. In fact, orthodontic treatment can help to correct misaligned teeth and improve overall oral health.

Braces and Invisalign can be effective in treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, misaligned bites, and gaps between the teeth. However, they may not be suitable for every patient or every orthodontic issue. Your orthodontist will be able to determine the best treatment option for your specific needs.

 

While wearing braces or Invisalign, it is important to avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that could damage the braces or aligners, or cause discomfort. Your orthodontist will provide you with a list of specific foods to avoid, and will also give you instructions on how to properly care for your braces or aligners.

During treatment with braces or Invisalign, it is typically necessary to visit the orthodontist every 4 to 8 weeks to have the braces or aligners adjusted. Your orthodontist will provide you with a schedule of appointments to follow.

Yes, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene while wearing braces or Invisalign. Your orthodontist will provide you with instructions on how to brush and floss effectively with braces or aligners, and may recommend using special tools, such as interdental brushes or floss threaders, to help clean between the teeth.

In most cases, it is possible to continue participating in sports or playing musical instruments while wearing braces or Invisalign. However, your orthodontist may recommend wearing a mouthguard or other protective gear to help prevent damage to the braces or aligners. It is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions and to take care when playing sports or instruments to avoid injury or damage to the braces or aligners.

• It is common for patients to have concerns about the cost of orthodontic treatment, particularly if they are considering braces or Invisalign. The cost of treatment can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the type of braces or aligners chosen, the severity of the orthodontic issues being treated, and the length of treatment. If you are concerned about the cost of treatment, there are a few things you can do to help manage the expenses:
• Check with your dental insurance provider: Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for orthodontic treatment, including braces and Invisalign. Check with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan.
• Consider financing options: Many orthodontists offer financing options, such as payment plans or loans, to help patients manage the cost of treatment. Ask your orthodontist about the financing options they offer.
• Shop around: It is a good idea to get quotes from a few different orthodontists to compare costs. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not necessarily be the best option, as you want to make sure you are receiving high-quality care.

 

It is important to keep in mind that orthodontic treatment can have long-term benefits for your oral health and self-esteem, and investing in treatment can be well worth the cost.

If your child has what is commonly referred to as “shark teeth,” it may be because their adult teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth. This is a common occurrence and is usually not a cause for concern.

As children grow, their adult teeth will push their baby teeth out of the way. However, if a child’s adult teeth are coming in behind their baby teeth, it can cause the appearance of “shark teeth.” This can happen when a child’s adult teeth are larger than their baby teeth or if there is not enough room in the jaw for the adult teeth to come in properly.

 

There are a few possible causes of shark teeth in children, including:

 

Abnormal development: In some cases, a child’s permanent teeth may not develop properly, leading to the retention of the primary teeth.

 

Insufficient space: If there is not enough room in the mouth for the permanent teeth to come in, they may be forced to come in behind the primary teeth, leading to shark teeth.

 

Genetics: Shark teeth can sometimes be inherited and may be more common in certain families.

 

Other factors: Certain medical conditions, such as cleft palate, can also cause shark teeth.

 

If your child has “shark teeth,” it is important to see a dentist or an orthodontist to determine the cause and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the adult teeth will push the baby teeth out on their own, but in other cases, the baby teeth may need to be removed to allow the adult teeth to come in properly. Your dental professional will be able to determine the best course of action for your child’s specific situation.

The right age to get braces varies from person to person and depends on the specific orthodontic needs of the individual.

In general, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This is because many orthodontic issues, such as crowded teeth or problems with the bite, can be easier to correct when they are detected early.

However, it is not uncommon for people to get braces at any age, depending on their specific orthodontic needs. Some adults may choose to get braces to correct misalignment issues or improve the appearance of their smile.

If you are considering braces, it is important to talk to a dental professional/orthodontist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. They will be able to assess your orthodontic needs and recommend the appropriate treatment options.