Treatment FAQ

what to discuss with orthodontic during treatment

by Nikki Durgan II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  • Don't leave your braces consultation without asking these important questions!
  • How long will my treatment be?
  • How often will my adjustments be?
  • What happens if my treatment runs over my estimated time?
  • How much discomfort will there be?
  • Can I play sports with braces?
Oct 10, 2019

Explore

Orthodontic treatment. What is orthodontic treatment? Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.

What is orthodontic treatment?

It is important to keep having your teeth checked by your dental team while you are having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth: Clean your teeth carefully every day, including between your teeth where you can.

How should I take care of my teeth during orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean. Some people have upper front teeth that stick out and look unsightly.

How can orthodontic treatment help people with crowded teeth?

Most importantly, don’t feel rushed. You should feel heard and personally attended to when receiving orthodontic treatment. Be sure to stick with an orthodontist who makes you feel that way and has great online and in-person reviews to back up his or her experience.

What should I look for when choosing an orthodontist?

image

What questions should I ask my orthodontist?

7 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist Before Getting BracesWhat Are the Benefits of Braces? ... What Types of Braces Are There? ... What Will My Braces Cost? ... Are There Lifestyle Changes I Should Make Before Getting Braces? ... How Long Will My Braces Treatment Take? ... What Will Be My Duties At Home?More items...•

What do orthodontists do at a consultation?

At a consultation appointment, you'll explain your concerns about your teeth and your smile to the orthodontist. The orthodontist will examine your teeth and other oral tissues. A staff member may take notes about what the orthodontist finds.

How do I prepare for an orthodontist appointment?

Come to your appointment in-the-know with 5 ways to prepare before getting braces!Prepare yourself mentally. It's normal to feel nervous before your braces appointment. ... Prepare for soreness, slight discomfort and adjustment. ... Stock up on precautionary items. ... Clean thoroughly. ... Prepare your fridge.

What are 5 responsibilities for an orthodontist?

Orthodontist DutiesDiagnosing teeth, mouth, and jaw abnormalities.Evaluating the best treatment method for correction.Preparing mouths for braces or other treatments with spacers, arch wires, etc.Designing, applying, and adjusting individualized appliances.Maintaining patient records.

What color is best for braces?

Choose light blue, bronze, dark purple or subdued reds and pinks to complement lighter skin tones. Choose darker colors to make your teeth appear whiter. Watch out for lighter colors that could make your teeth look more yellow. Consider colors that complement or match your eyes.

What happens at a braces consultation?

What happens at a consultation? A consultation is an informal meeting that gives you the chance to ask any questions and take advantage of someone who is an expert in the field of orthodontics. During a consultation, the orthodontist will refer to your dental/medical history to get a better understanding of your teeth.

How do orthodontists talk?

Focus on a Two-Way Conversation For instance, ask if they know why they need orthodontic treatment, or whether they are familiar with the different types of braces. Asking questions will also tell you if they're more interested in cosmetic or health benefits, so you can customize your responses.

Do orthodontist clean teeth before braces?

Your teeth must be very clean in order to ensure that your braces are properly attached to your teeth. You should also floss and brush beforehand as well. Then your orthodontist will clean your teeth with a polishing paste before affixing the braces. The procedure itself should take about 90-120 minutes.

Should you whiten teeth before braces?

Is it okay to whiten your teeth before getting braces? Your dentist or orthodontist will usually recommend whitening your teeth after getting braces, rather than before. This is because some patients notice uneven tooth colour when their braces are removed.

What do orthodontists do on a daily basis?

On a daily basis, orthodontists are required to diagnose, examine, and treat abnormalities and conditions in the mouth and jaw. They're also required to design and create devices that help realign teeth and jaws to improve appearance and functionality.

Do orthodontists pull teeth?

But an orthodontist takes on a special role in diagnosing and correcting teeth misalignments. They have gone through extra years of schooling and training to be able to perform the specific job of straightening teeth. Being a dentist means that yes, an orthodontist can perform tooth extractions.

What knowledge do orthodontists need?

Orthodontists are required to have a license in order to practice. Most dentists have a degree from an accredited dental school and have successfully passed a practical and written exam.

Why is it important to follow instructions given by an orthodontist?

It is important to follow any instructions given by the orthodontist and to go to any appointments you have with them. The success of the treatment also depends on the commitment of the patient. For children's orthodontic treatment it is very important that the patient is as keen as the parent.

When is the best time to get orthodontics?

The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too - and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

What is the treatment for teeth?

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.

What is the term for the appliance that holds teeth in place?

This is called the ‘retention' period, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers . The retainers hold newly straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the original problem.

How long should you wear dental aligners?

The aligners should be worn for 22 to 23 hours a day for the best results. They can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and for cleaning in between your teeth. You need to have all your adult teeth before you can have this treatment.

What is a fixed brace?

So a fixed brace is used. This has brackets and bands which are temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. You can't take the appliance out yourself, so it is called a fixed appliance.

How to avoid braces?

Avoid snacks and drinks containing sugars, and fizzy drinks. Also, sticky and hard foods may damage your brace. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Use a mouthwash if you need to.

Why is it important to get orthodontic treatment?

If your teeth and/or jaw are misaligned, it’s important to get orthodontic treatment in order to straighten your bite. Whether by traditional braces, Invisalign, or a mouthguard, all orthodontic appliances help straighten teeth or keep them straight.

What is orthodontic care?

Orthodontic care is a complex specialty branch of dentistry that requires additional education beyond general dentistry. If you’re a candidate for orthodontics, you may find that a successful treatment plan improves your self-confidence by improving your beautiful smile.

What do people think of when they hear orthodontics?

Most often, people think of one thing when they hear “orthodontics”: braces. However, both metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are just two of the many appliances an orthodontist may create for you.

What happens when teeth don't emerge far enough out of the bone?

Impacted teeth: When teeth don’t emerge far enough out of the bone. Poor aesthetics: When teeth aren’t aesthetically pleasing, it can affect self-confidence and require the need for orthodontic correction. TMJ: Bite problems like one tooth hitting first can cause major pain in the TMJ and lead to chronic TMD.

What is metal braces?

Utilizing metal wires and brackets, metal braces are fixed appliances that push and pull teeth into their proper position over time. Braces are most effective for incredibly aggressive movements, where a great deal of space must be made.

Why are braces so effective?

Braces are most effective for incredibly aggressive movements, where a great deal of space must be made. Once childhood is over, there is very rarely a justification for metal braces to be used instead of clear aligners, other than the more affordable cost.

How often should I wear my retainer?

The first year after you finish orthodontic treatment, you should wear a retainer for 22 or more hours each day. After that, nighttime wear is encouraged. There are removable and fixed retainers.

How to help your body with orthodontics?

A healthy diet supports the body as it undergoes the biological changes that occur during orthodontic treatment. You are encouraged to enjoy a variety of healthful foods during orthodontic treatment. Just be sure to take your aligners out before you eat, and before you put them back in, clean your teeth thoroughly.

What to eat during orthodontic treatment?

You are encouraged to enjoy a variety of healthful, easy-to-chew foods during orthodontic treatment. Soups, stews, casseroles, pasta, scrambled eggs and smoothies can be good choices. You can enjoy fresh fruits like apples and pears, but they should be sliced rather than bitten into.

Why is flossing important?

Flossing is crucial to successful orthodontic treatment, and to on-going oral health. Flossing removes plaque from parts of your teeth that brushing alone can’t reach. Plaque is the enemy – it’s the source of disease processes in teeth and gums.

How to get rid of a toothache after eating?

If you have aligners, be sure to remove them before you eat or drink anything besides tap water, and put them back in after you’re done eating or drinking and you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth.

What happens if you leave plaque on your teeth?

When plaque and trapped food are left on the teeth and around braces, the outcome can be cavities, swollen gums, bad breath and permanent white marks on the teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps to minimize your time in treatment, and contributes to a healthy result.

Can braces cause discomfort?

There can be some initial discomfort when braces are placed, or for a short time after braces are adjusted, but this is temporary. Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-lived and easily managed. Once patients become accustomed to their braces, they may even forget they have them on.

Can you drink red wine with braces?

Beverages like coffee, tea and red wine can stain teeth. Try to avoid these, or keep them to a minimum. Avoid regular and diet soft drinks when wearing braces. These drinks include soda pop, sports drinks/energy drinks, flavored bubbly waters and fruit drinks (juices, punch).

What happens when an orthodontist sells a practice?

When a practice sale does occur you may not be given a heads up and then entire process may feel abrupt. In this situation your selling orthodontist may be bound by a non disclosure agreement and may not be able to discuss plans to sell with current patients while the sale is pending.

What is the emotional journey of orthodontics?

The orthodontic journey is filled with emotional highs and lows and requires empathy and understanding from your provider. While your complaints may seem like a pure sympathy play to a busy doctor, the active listening doctor will take your concerns seriously.

How many people are in braces at any given time?

Patients needing to transfer orthodontic treatment mid-treatment is becoming more common. The American Association of Orthodontists estimates that close to 5 million people are in braces at any given moment. So this trend won’t be slowing down anytime soon as new patients begin to move, settle down, and look for orthodontic care.

What is the transfer process for orthodontics?

The transfer process involves multiple moving parts that must be coordinated well to streamline the process and get you back on the road to a successful orthodontic treatment. The initial step in this transfer process is making the decision to transfer your treatment.

How many people move to orthodontics?

A 2019 census.gov article states that in 2018, 10.1 percent of people (about 32.4 million) in the United States moved within the past 12 months. This means that many of the families that begin an orthodontic treatment move before their treatment has been completed. While getting into orthodontic treatment can be easy, ...

Can you transfer your orthodontic treatment to another provider?

If your office isn’t meeting your physical or emotional needs and you have discussed this with your current provider with no resolution, then you may consider transferring your treatment to another provider. Your orthodontic provider should be an active listener and sensitive to your physical needs while in the chair. The orthodontic journey is filled with emotional highs and lows and requires empathy and understanding from your provider.

Is an orthodontist retiring?

But one day you may call to book an appointment only to discover that your orthodontist is retiring or otherwise closing up shop. Typically orthodontists will send out announcement letters or emails to current patients in preparation for a retirement event. This will give you a heads up and some time to start looking for an office to transfer your treatment to. In most cases, the retiring doctor may have already established a tentative practice where you can be seen for emergencies and to potentially transfer your case.

What are the responsibilities of an orthodontist?

One of those things is taking proper care of your teeth and appliances. You will be shown how to brush and floss your teeth around the brackets and the wires. It will be your responsibility to maintain excellent hygiene during the treatment. You will also be educated about avoiding certain hard and chewy foods that can break brackets. You will be expected to follow those recommendations.

What is the job of an orthodontist?

Your orthodontist’s main job is, well, orthodontics, which is moving teeth. All other issues are addressed by your general dentist. It is your general dentist who performs cleanings, checks teeth for cavities, extracts teeth, and evaluates for pathology. If during orthodontics, you develop a sore, a growth, sensitivity, pain, or something unusual in your mouth that is not directly related to or fixable by adjusting orthodontic appliances, you may be referred to your general dentist. You will also be expected to have regular 6-month check ups to make sure your teeth stay healthy.

How often should I see an orthodontist for braces?

During your treatment, the orthodontist will need to see you every 4-6 weeks if you have braces, with possibly longer times between visits if you chose clear aligner therapy. It is very important to come to your appointments. Missing, or frequently rescheduling appointments can lead to longer duration and it may also adversely impact your treatment.

What happens after orthodontic treatment?

After Treatment: Managing Any Surprises. Once orthodontic treatment is over, most patients are logically relieved and ready to enjoy their new smiles. One minor issue that the hygienist might notice at the patient's first visit after removal is excess bonding material remaining in the bracket area.

What to do before braces?

Before Treatment: Lay the Groundwork. Before treatment starts, hygienists can begin stressing the importance of stepping up efforts to keep teeth clean even before patients have braces put on. When I know a patient is planning to get braces soon, I take the opportunity to talk with them (and their parents, if applicable) about ...

What is the role of a hygienist in orthodontics?

Hygienists play a critical role in ensuring the ortho patient's success in completing treatment. For a hygienist in general practice, watching a patient undergo orthodontic treatment can actually be a fun and interesting process. Since many ortho patients are tweens or teens, you are working with them during an exciting period ...

Why do people wear braces?

The patient's time wearing braces is the window when it is most necessary for the hygienist and patient to work together to help keep teeth healthy. Practices that follow CAMBRA protocols will recognize that most orthodontic patients are bumped into the high-risk category during this time, as the brackets and wires trap plaque and make it much harder to keep teeth clean.

Can you see white spots after brackets are removed?

Despite the hygienist's advance warnings about decalcification, some hygiene-challenged patients may still be disappointed to see white spots once brackets are removed. However, the dental team has a number of tools that can help address this issue after orthodontic treatment is completed.

Can dental hygienists help with ortho?

This article will summarize some of the most common practices that hygienists can implement to help patients finish ortho treatment with the best possible results.

Can Clinpro 5000 toothpaste reverse lesions?

If patients are most interested in a cost-effective and easy-to-use treatment, they may simply continue with use of Clinpro 5000 toothpaste, which can help reverse the lesions. The completion of orthodontic treatment is an exciting time for almost any patient.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a discipline in dentistry, like many other disciplines in this field, it can have adverse effects associated with the execution of treatment. These effects can be related to the patient or practitioner.

What is the white spot on my teeth?

Decalcification of enamel (white spots) is a common adverse effect of orthodontic treatment. Decalcification is considered to be the first step toward cavitation. Decalcification of enamel occurs in 50% of orthodontic patients and the most affected teeth are the maxillary incisors (Gorelick et al., 1982).

Can TMD be controlled?

Then, the signs and symptoms of TMD must be controlled using a conservative approach. Once the signs and symptoms are under control, then the practitioner must re-evaluate the objectives of treatment. In some cases, the orthodontic treatment must be terminated if the signs and symptoms cannot be controlled. 8.

Does toothpaste help with gingivitis?

The use of toothpaste with stannous fluor ide produced a higher inhibitory effect on dental plaque and gingivitis development (Ogaard et al., 2006). The use of fluoride and chlorohexidine varnishes reduces the levels of bacterial plaque (Beyth et al., 2003).

Is root resorption common in orthodontics?

Root resorption is common during orthodontic tooth movement (Krishnan, 2005). Limited root resorption, involving a number of teeth, can be considered a consequence of orthodontic treatment (Ketcham, 1927).

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9