Service / FAQ's

The #1 Question We Get:
 
How old should you be when you get braces for the first time?
 
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam at age seven.

What's important to know?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly.

Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean. Those crooked teeth are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and they cause extra stress on the chewing muscles, causing headaches and even shoulder and back pain.

Benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth and a more pleasing appearance.  Improving your long-term dental health and increasing your self confidence are two major benefits of getting treated by an orthodontist.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

  • A more attractive smile
  • Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
  • Better function of the teeth
  • Possible increase in self-confidence
  • Increased ability to clean the teeth
  • Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
  • Better long-term health of teeth and gums
  • Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
  • Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
  • Aids in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

  • Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
  • Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
  • Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
  • The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
  • Crowded or overlapped teeth
  • The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
  • Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
  • The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
  • Spaces between the teeth

How Early Should You Get Braces?

It’s recommended that your first visit be at age 7.  This helps us identify any severe orthodontic problems or teeth in ‘harm’s way’. 

What are the main reasons for getting braces as an Adult?

Often, if people have never worn braces or had previous orthodontic treatment, they find themselves as adult – facing health-related and self-confidence related concerns.   Patients may have career goals or relationship goals where they feel that having a more attractive smile will make all the difference in the world.

Also, as we age, especially, if retainers aren’t properly and consistently worn, teeth will shift.

Can I get aligner trays?

It’s best to schedule an exam so that we can assess your bite and the general health condition of your teeth.   Depending on the amount of shifting, or in other words the number of ‘trays’,  Aligner trays may not be the best option for your overall goals of a beautiful smile.  Call our office today and get your initial exam scheduled.  We will discuss all of your available options at that time.

The 2nd Most Commonly Asked Question We Get:
 
How long will I have to wear braces?
 
On Average, they need to be worn 12 to 36 months.  Average adult wears braces for 12 to 30 months.
 
Keep in mind  it all depends on your unique situation.

What determines how long I need to wear braces?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years.

Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary.
Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance.  The health of the teeth, gums and supporting bone are important factors in the treatment plan.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Enjoy a Lasting Smile.
Schedule your Initial Exam Today.