All You Need to Know About Your Smile Journey

Frequently Asked Questions

General Treatment Questions

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

If you’re concerned about crooked teeth, gaps, overcrowding, or bite issues, you might benefit from orthodontic treatment. The best way to determine your needs is to book a consultation with us. We’ll evaluate your smile and help you understand your options.

The ideal age to begin orthodontic treatment varies. Early intervention is often recommended between ages 7-10 to address issues like bite problems and jaw development. However, many adults also benefit from orthodontics. The best time to start treatment depends on individual needs, which we can assess during a consultation.

The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case. Typically, orthodontic treatment can last between 12-24 months. We’ll provide a more accurate estimate after assessing your needs during your consultation.

Treatment Options

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that gradually straighten your teeth, offering a more discreet and flexible option. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth into alignment. Both options are highly effective, but your choice will depend on your preferences and treatment goals.

The right treatment depends on factors like the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. During your consultation, we will evaluate your needs and recommend the best option, whether it’s Invisalign, traditional braces, or another treatment.

During Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is generally not painful, but you may experience some discomfort after adjustments or when switching to new aligners. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days as your teeth begin to adjust.

If you have braces, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like caramel, chewing gum, and popcorn, as these can damage your braces or get stuck. Invisalign patients can remove their aligners to eat, but it’s still best to avoid hard or sticky foods to protect your teeth.

Results & Aftercare

After your active treatment, you’ll need to wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. Initially, you may need to wear them full-time, and gradually, you can wear them part-time as recommended by your orthodontist.

While retainers help maintain your results, no orthodontic treatment is permanent without care. Over time, some shifting may occur, especially if retainers are not worn as instructed. Regular retainer use ensures your smile remains aligned for years.

Financial Questions

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of your case, and the duration of your care. We offer a range of affordable treatment options, and we’ll provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your consultation.

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans to make treatment more accessible. Our 0% interest options allow you to spread the cost of treatment over time, with monthly payments that fit your budget.

Practical Questions

Typically, you’ll visit us every 4-8 weeks for check-ups and adjustments. The frequency of appointments will depend on your treatment plan and progress.

In case of an emergency, such as a broken bracket or severe discomfort, contact us as soon as possible. We’ll provide guidance on how to manage the situation and arrange an appointment if necessary.

Treatment Specific FAQs

Invisalign

Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours each day, only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss. Following this schedule ensures your treatment progresses as planned.

No, you should remove your Invisalign aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents food and drinks from damaging the aligners or getting stuck in them.

Fixed Braces

Cleaning around your braces requires extra care. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your teeth and braces, and consider using an interdental brush or floss threader to reach areas between the wires and brackets. It’s important to brush after every meal to avoid plaque build-up.

If a bracket breaks or becomes loose, contact us as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges and prevent irritation to your mouth.

Life with Orthodontics

Yes, you can play sports with braces, but we recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your braces and teeth from injury. We can provide a custom mouth guard for better protection.

It may take a few days to adjust, but braces typically don’t affect speech in the long term. Some people may experience slight changes in their speech as they get used to the brackets and wires, but this usually resolves quickly.

Book a Consultation

Get all your questions answered in person during a free consultation.