The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to identify any potential issues early.

Signs include crowded or spaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, misplaced or blocked-out teeth, and jaws that shift or make sounds.

Overall treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” timespan a patient wears braces is approximately 22 months.

Braces can cause discomfort, especially after adjustments, but this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.

Yes, but it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect the braces and teeth from potential impact and injury during sports activities.

Invisalign consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth. It’s suitable for teenagers and adults with certain orthodontic conditions.

Typically, orthodontic visits are scheduled every 4 to 8 weeks to adjust braces and monitor progress.

Avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage braces, such as popcorn, nuts, hard candies, gum, and chewy candy.

Encourage regular brushing and flossing around the braces, use an interdental brush for hard-to-reach areas, and consider using a water flosser.

Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible for advice and to schedule a repair appointment.

Yes, retainers are typically necessary after braces to maintain the alignment of the teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions.

Traditional braces are made of metal, while ceramic braces have clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with the teeth, making them less noticeable.

Absolutely, orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and many adults opt for braces or Invisalign to improve their smile and dental health.

Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease, and can also alleviate issues caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties.

The cost varies depending on the complexity and type of treatment. Many dental insurance plans offer some level of orthodontic coverage, and financing options are often available.

Yes. We understand your schedule is busy, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment, if necessary.

Absolutely, it can be done! While dental crowns and implants don’t move like natural teeth, braces or aligners can still be used to adjust the position of the surrounding teeth. Your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan that takes your existing dental work into account, ensuring you get the best possible results without affecting your crowns or implants.

Yes, getting orthodontic treatment can really help with jaw pain and those TMJ issues. If your teeth are misaligned or your bite isn’t quite right, it can really put a strain on your jaw and cause discomfort. By correcting the alignment of your teeth and bite, orthodontics can relieve pressure on your jaw joint, reduce pain, and improve function.

Getting an orthodontic check-up around age 7 is a great way to catch any potential issues before they turn into bigger problems. By assessing a child’s teeth and jaw development early on, we can guide their growth, prevent crowding, and address bite issues before they worsen. Getting treatment early can help avoid the need for more complicated procedures down the road, making it a proactive step in ensuring a healthy, beautiful smile.

It’s perfect for those mild to moderate concerns like crooked teeth, gaps, and minor bite issues. But, if you’re dealing with more serious problems like major crowding or jaw alignment issues, traditional braces might be the way to go for the best outcome.

The best way to know if Invisalign is right for you is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. They’ll assess your needs and recommend the treatment that will work best for you.

If your teeth are shifting, you might notice a few signs:

• Your retainer feels tighter: If your retainer feels uncomfortable or does not fit as it used to.
• Changes in your bite: If you notice that your upper and lower teeth no longer align properly when you bite down.
• Visible gaps or crowding: If you notice any new gaps between your teeth or see that some teeth are crowding or overlapping in a way they didn’t before.
• Tooth Sensitivity: If you notice an increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible. Catching the issue early can stop it from getting worse and help maintain your straight smile.

After getting your braces off, it’s a good idea to see your orthodontist for check-ups every 4 to 6 months during that first year. This helps us keep an eye on how well your retainer is keeping your teeth aligned and make any adjustments if needed. After the first year, many orthodontists suggest annual visits. However, this can vary based on individual needs.

If you’re feeling any discomfort, if your retainer seems a bit loose, or if it gets damaged, it’s a good idea to set up an appointment sooner rather than later. Regular check-ups are a great way to keep your smile looking perfectly aligned for years to come.

If you stop wearing your retainer, there’s a chance your teeth could start moving back to where they were before. This is because teeth have a natural tendency to move, especially in those first few months. Without the support of a retainer, the results you worked so hard to achieve may gradually be lost.

Once your braces are off, make sure to wear your retainer as directed to help keep your teeth in their new positions. We recommend wearing your retainer full-time for the first three to six months, then gradually reducing it to nighttime wear indefinitely. The frequency and duration of retainer wear can vary for each person, so be sure to follow the specific guidance from your orthodontist to maintain your beautiful new smile.

To keep your aligners stain-free, it’s really important to stick to a regular cleaning routine and be mindful of what you consume while wearing them.  Always make sure to take off your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.

Keeping your aligners clean is super easy, and it helps them stay clear and odor-free. Here’s how:

• Rinse and brush them daily: Remove your aligners and rinse them with lukewarm water every time you take them out. Then, brush them using a soft toothbrush (not the one you use for your teeth) and mild, clear, unscented soap or a specialized aligner cleaning solution. This helps remove plaque and bacteria.
• Soak them regularly: For a deeper clean, soak your aligners in a retainer cleaner or a mixture of lukewarm water and a bit of white vinegar for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic and affect the fit.

By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your aligners fresh and help maintain good oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

There are several options to fit your lifestyle and preferences:

• Traditional Metal Braces: These are the traditional braces that straighten teeth using wires and metal brackets.
• Ceramic Braces: These are like metal braces, but they are less obvious because the brackets are tooth-colored.
• Lingual Braces: These braces are attached behind your teeth, so they’re not noticeable.
• Clear Aligners (like Invisalign): These are removable, clear plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. They’re almost invisible and can be taken out for eating and brushing.

While they both work to maintain the health of your mouth, dentists and orthodontists have separate areas of expertise. Dentists treat gum disease, fill cavities, and clean teeth as part of their total oral health treatment. On the other hand, orthodontists focus on aligning jaws and straightening teeth. They are the professionals you consult when you require braces, aligners, or other procedures to realign your teeth and bite.

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.