We are dental specialists trained to diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment, or spacing of your teeth, as well as related jaw issues. Essentially, we use special treatments, like braces and aligners, to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful bite.
There are two great reasons: how you look and how you function. Having an attractive smile can truly boost your self-image. Plus, straight teeth function better and are much easier to clean, which can improve your overall health for life. It’s a great investment!
We get it, timing matters! You're never too old to begin, but for kids, starting at an earlier age may make problems easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need treatment should come in for a simple screening around age 7.
Sometimes it’s obvious, teeth that are protruding, crowded, or erupting out of position are clear signs (view examples). Less obvious signs include things like frequent biting of your cheek, speech difficulties, mouth breathing, or persistent thumb sucking past age 3-4. If your jaws make sounds or shift when you move them, or if your teeth don't meet properly when you close your mouth, that’s a good reason to call us too.
Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains for the first couple of days as they adjust. Adjustments may cause some temporary soreness, but it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with any discomfort, but usually, they aren't even necessary.
It’s different for everyone, but the active stage (wearing braces or aligners) typically takes from 6 to 30 months. After that, you’ll wear a retainer for at least several months more to protect your new smile.
It depends on what phase you're in! During active treatment, you'll generally visit our office once every 4 to 10 weeks so we can monitor your progress and make gentle adjustments.
We always try to avoid extractions! If your teeth are severely crowded or if you have impacted teeth (trapped beneath the gum line), then extraction might be necessary to create space. The great news is that for younger patients, early treatment can often make extraction unnecessary.
Yes, for sure! You'll need to pass up hard or sticky foods that could damage your braces or get trapped in them. We will give you a list, but the main culprits are things like raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy, and ice cubes (don't worry, ice cream is totally okay!).
Absolutely! You can still play sports and instruments. We strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard when playing most sports, whether you have braces or not. Musicians usually play just as they did before, though they might need a short adjustment period after their braces are placed.
Yes, it's more important than ever! Keeping your teeth free of plaque and decay can be challenging when wearing braces. Your dentist will help you avoid problems with frequent cleanings and exams. Together, we keep your smile healthy!
Almost always, the answer is a big YES! If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position, and we don't want to lose all that effort you put in! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.
Orthodontic care is truly a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Luckily, the cost hasn't increased as quickly as other prices, and we offer many financing options to make orthodontic care affordable. When you weigh the cost against the lifelong confidence of a healthy smile, it is a very wise investment indeed.
