Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment, or spacing of the teeth, and related irregularities in the face and the jaw. We use a number of special treatments, including braces, clear aligners (Invisalign), and other oral appliances, to correct these problems.

There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you — it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.

You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment — but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7 to evaluate proper eruption of teeth.

Teeth that are protruding, crowded together, or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed (View Examples). Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.

Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can alleviate any discomfort but are usually unnecessary.

It's different for each person, but generally, the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) may take 6-30 months. After that, a retainer is worn to keep your new smile looking great and ensure teeth don’t revert back to their original positioning.

It depends on what's being done and how often you need to be monitored. During active treatment, you'll typically come into our office once every 4 to 10 weeks.

If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) — or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) — then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.

Yes — you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy, and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.

Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position — and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.