Orthodontics FAQ

  1. Is there an age limit for receiving orthodontic treatment?

Many people ask this question and the answer is no. Orthodontics are not just for younger peple and children; adults can have orthodontic treatment too

  1. Can crooked teeth straighten on their own?

Unfortunately, no. When permanent molars come in you begin to lose available space for the front teeth. Waiting to see if your teeth straighten on their own is highly unlikely to be successful. Our orthodontists will use special appliances when the teeth are still growing to help lessen the need for treatment later on during and after development.

  1. What does malocclusion mean?

This typically means ‘bad bite’ and can be genetic or caused by certain habits (tongue thrusting and sucking your thumb) in addition to unexpected accidents.

  1. What kinds of braces are there?

Braces come in many styles and our team will help you determine the best option for your specific needs. Your choices include:

  • Clear Braces
  • Gold Braces
  • Lingual Braces
  • Ceramic Braces
  • Metal Braces
  • Invisalign
  1. How long do braces have to be worn?

The length of time you have to wear braces depends on your specific and individual case. Not everyone will wear them for the same length of time. You can expect, in general, to have them anywhere from 1.5 years to 2 years but this will vary by patient.

  1. Is it painful getting braces?

Having braces put on your teeth isn’t typically very painful, however you are likely to feel a little discomfort afterwards. In addition, you will also feel slight temporary discomfort after each adjustment visit as well. Regular OTC medication helps with alleviating the pain; Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc.

  1. Do I still need to see my dentist regularly once I have braces?

Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is still crucially important when you have braces. Food particles easily get caught in the braces and your toothbrush won’t always be able to completely remove the particles. If not removed you risk having bacteria build and produce cavities, discolour your teeth and possible gum disease.

  1. How regularly do I need to visit the orthodontist?

This will depend on each individual patient. The average time between adjustments is four to eight weeks.

  1. Do permanent teeth have to be removed?

This will also depend on each individual patient. While there are different factors that may require the removal of permanent teeth, this isn’t always a necessity. If your dental arches have a significant space deficiency then teeth may need to be extracted.

  1. Is jaw surgery required?

Jaw surgery is not always required but in cases where dental arches have a false relationship or there is a significant discrepancy in the size of the jaw, jaw surgery could possibly be required. There is only a small number of cases where this has been required. The majority of orthodontic treatments do not required or include jaw surgery.

If you have more questions regarding our orthodontic practices just phone our office.