FAQS

Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities, such as teeth misalignment and jaw irregularities.

A dentofacial orthopedist is a dental specialist who has received additional training in guiding the growth and development of the face and jaw. They work in conjunction with orthodontists to ensure proper alignment of teeth and facial structures.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children to visit an orthodontist around the age of 7. However, orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teens; adults can also benefit from orthodontic care.

To schedule your next appointment, you can call our practice or fill out the new patient form on our website. Our friendly front desk staff will assist you in finding a convenient time for your visit.

Orthodontic problems, if left untreated, can lead to accelerated tooth wear, difficulty in cleaning and maintaining teeth, tooth decay, gum recession, and bone loss in the jaws. Seeking orthodontic treatment can prevent these issues and improve overall oral health.

Starting orthodontic treatment at a young age offers several advantages, including alleviating crowding, maintaining space for permanent teeth, and evaluating missing permanent teeth. Early treatment can also result in shorter and more predictable treatment durations.

Common indications include deep bite, underbite, open bite, thumb-sucking habits, overcrowding, mismatched teeth, and jaw size discrepancies. Consulting an orthodontist can help identify and address these issues.

Early intervention is crucial to prevent orthodontic issues from worsening. Treating misalignment problems early can prevent long-term complications and ensure optimal teeth and jaw development.

Surgical orthodontics, also known as orthognathic surgery, involves surgically correcting irregularities in the jaw. By repositioning the jaw, surgical orthodontics can help align the teeth and improve overall oral function.

Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adult patients with fully formed bites. If jaw growth can no longer be manipulated with orthodontic appliances, orthodontic surgery may be required to correct jaw discrepancies.

Symptoms of TMD include jaw pain, ear pain, frequent headaches, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw, swelling on the sides of the face, muscle spasms in the jaw area, and changes in teeth alignment. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a professional for appropriate treatment.

To prevent TMD, you can practice relaxation techniques, avoid teeth grinding and constant gum chewing, maintain good posture, and avoid resting your chin on your hand. These simple habits can help reduce the risk of developing TMD.

Dentofacial orthopedics involves the guidance of facial growth and development, which occurs largely during childhood. It focuses on addressing facial abnormalities in conjunction with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal dental and facial alignment.

A palatal expander is a device that widens your upper jaw by applying gentle pressure on your upper molars during adjustments. This expansion is achieved gradually over time. Watch our instructional video for a visual demonstration of when and how to adjust your expander. After achieving the desired expansion, you'll wear the appliance for several months to solidify the results and prevent regression.

Follow these four steps for adjusting your palatal expander:

Step 1: In a well-lit area, tilt your head back.

Step 2: Insert the key firmly into the hole.

Step 3: Push the key towards the back of your mouth to rotate the fender and reveal a new hole.

Step 4: Remove the key by pushing it back and down towards your tongue. The next insertion hole should be visible.

To maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment and prevent your teeth from shifting back, follow these guidelines:

• Wear your retainers full time, unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.
• Take out your retainers when eating and always store them in their case.
• Clean your retainers daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste, using warm water. You can also use orthodontic appliance cleaners.
• Keep your retainers in a case when not in use to protect them from damage.
• Practice speaking, reading, or singing out loud to adjust to the retainers faster.
• Contact us immediately if your retainers are lost or broken, or if you have any questions or concerns.
• Bring your retainers to all your appointments.
• Avoid swimming with retainers and keep them away from hot water, car dashboards, pockets, washing machines, and napkins.

Here are some examples of common dental problems and their respective treatments:

• Crowding of the teeth: Braces worn for 26 months can effectively resolve crowding.
• Deep overbite: Severe overbites may require braces and jaw surgery for correction.
• Missing lateral incisors: Braces can be used to move teeth into position, and missing teeth can be replaced with bonded bridges.
• Non-braces treatment: Certain cases of tooth alignment issues can be improved without braces.
• Openbite: Special appliances and braces can correct an openbite caused by thumb-sucking.
• Overbite: Phased treatment can align teeth and improve the bite.
• Phase I treatment: Early intervention with expanders and partial braces can address crowding and alignment issues.
• Spacing of teeth: Braces can close gaps between teeth and achieve an ideal bite.
• Underbite: Treatment involving braces and jaw correction can alleviate discomfort and improve dental function.

Orthodontic appliances, such as braces, gradually reposition your teeth to correct alignment. Modern braces are customizable, less noticeable, and more comfortable than older versions. They can provide faster and more convenient treatment options, leading to a permanent healthy smile.

True orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you experience severe pain or encounter a problem you can't resolve, contact your orthodontist. They will schedule an appointment to address the issue promptly. In the meantime, you can temporarily alleviate discomfort using provided wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.