Orthodontics FAQ

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received 2 to 3 years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How can I take care of my teeth if I’m wearing braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, then remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and water. You may also use denture cleaner twice a week. Do not use hot, boiling water or the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc). See our complete lists of foods to avoid and foods you can eat.
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not hurt often; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities; like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

Ortho line: 770-670-4779

Confused by all those dental terms?

Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.

Cavity Rates Are Increasing in Children Aged 2 – 5 Years of Age

By Vishant Nath DMD, Pediatric Dentist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cavities are increasing in children between the ages of two and five years.  Conversely, overall tooth decay has been gradually decreasing over the past several decades.  So why the increase in this age group and what can be done to prevent it?  Read on!

Once factor contributing to this rise is believed to be the extensive use of bottles and sippy cups.  While these drinking devices are convenient for kids to carry around and work well to prevent spills, they can be detrimental to your child’s oral health.  Though most parents will wean their child off of bottles, they will often allow the use of sippy cups for an extended period of time.  Sippy cups should really only be used in the short transition from the bottle to a cup.  If you are reluctant to transition out of a sippy cup, then offer your child only water in it.  For all other beverages, use a regular cup.

You can start your child’s oral health care off right from the very beginning of their lives.  Your child is not born with cavity-causing bacteria in his or her mouth.  The bacteria can be transferred from the parents.  If either parent has a history of tooth decay, they can have these bacteria present in their mouth.  Studies have shown that this bacteria is more likely to be transferred from the mother than from the father.  It’s important to keep this in mind.  If you have a history of tooth decay, try to avoid such things as sharing a spoon with your infant, or allowing them to put their fingers into your mouth.  The risk is especially high if you have had tooth decay as an adult.  The level of bacteria is probably lower if your most recent tooth decay occurred before adulthood.

You can get your baby used to tooth brushing at an early age by wiping his or her gums after each feeding with a clean, damp washcloth.  As soon as the first tooth appears, begin brushing twice a day with a very small amount of kids’ fluoride toothpaste.  It was previously thought that fluoridated toothpaste should be avoided in children under age 2.  However, since fluoride can reduce the risk of tooth decay by 30%, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is now recommending the use of fluoride as soon as the first tooth appears.  Be sure to check with your pediatric dentist to confirm what is best for your child’s oral health care.

Tooth Bleaching

Over the past few years, the topic of tooth bleaching has become very common.  There are several different types of tooth bleaching to choose from.  They vary in everything from cost to effectiveness.

As the name implies, tooth whiteners or bleachers lighten the color of the tooth surface because they contain peroxides, or bleach components as the active ingredient.  A very common side effect of tooth whitening is sensitivity in the teeth.  Teeth contain microscopic dentinal tubules that run from the nerve of the tooth to the surface of the tooth.  A tooth will become sensitive when the fluid in these tubes moves around.  Normally, minerals in saliva plug the ends of the tubes that are at the tooth surface.  The introduction of bleaching gels can dissolve these plugs, leading to the fluid in the tubes moving around, causing tooth sensitivity.  In addition, some individuals are genetically more susceptible to tooth sensitivity.  Sensitivity due to tooth bleaching is temporary, and will normally go away when the bleaching is discontinued.

Tooth bleaching is available in many different over the counter dental care products.  From toothpastes to mouthwashes to tooth whitening strips, there are quite a few products to choose from that are advertised as having teeth bleaching abilities.  These types of tooth whiteners are usually the most inexpensive.  The effectiveness of these products will vary depending on such factors as how often and continuously they are utilized.

A visit to your dentist will introduce two more choices in teeth whitening products.  Your dentist can make a custom mold of your teeth and provide you with tooth whitening gel to use with this tray for in-home bleaching.  Because it is specifically molded to your teeth, this method is usually a bit more effective than those that you can purchase in a store.

The last tooth whitening method is in-office tooth bleaching.  This is typically the most effective method of tooth whitening.  The effectiveness of the peroxide is enhanced through several factors.  The teeth will be kept dry during the process through the use of gauze as well as a device called a retractor, which will pull the lips away from the teeth while the peroxide is applied.  The gel can be left on for 30 to 60 minutes.  Also, sometimes the teeth will be exposed to a curing light or laser to further activate the peroxide.

No matter which method of tooth bleaching appeals to you, talk to your dentist to find out more about which products and methods they recommend.  No matter what your budget might be, there is a product out there for you!