General FAQs

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. New technology allows us to use lighter forces to move teeth over a much shorter amount of time.

You can expect braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment. These adjustments will make you more conscious of your teeth, but they should not be too painful. This discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (use as directed).

Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and use technology that reduces the sensitivity. We use the latest in orthodontic technology and the highest quality of orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

The answer will vary because no two cases are alike.

Shorter cases in younger patients can take 6-9 months, most intermediate cases can take 9-15 months, and comprehensive treatment lasts from 18-24 months. We finish many cases in less than 18 months, however, certain cases may take significantly longer.

This refers to any orthodontic treatment that involves all permanent teeth.

Phase I treatment is aimed at intercepting a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce the severity or eliminate it. These problems most often include crossbites (of the front or back teeth) and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This can also greatly help self-confidence in a young child who is being teased or embarrassed by the position of his or her teeth. This phase of treatment usually begins while the permanent front teeth are erupting (typically around the age of 7-9). We usually recommend this treatment when waiting could cause orthodontic problems or social problems to worsen.

Phase II treatment will occur after all permanent teeth have completed eruption (no more baby teeth are present). This serves to complete proper alignment which cannot be achieved with baby teeth present.

Does everyone need Phase I treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain orthodontic problems require early intervention. In fact, most of our patients are able to wait until most if not all of their permanent teeth erupt to begin their orthodontic treatment.

If Phase I treatment is recommended, can I wait until my child is older?
If your child needs Phase I treatment, this usually means that they have a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, jaw surgery and increased costs.

NEVER! While adult teeth sometimes move a little slower than children’s teeth, you are never too old to benefit from braces.

A large portion of our practice is devoted to adult orthodontic care.  In fact, we have many patients in their 50s, 60s and even 70s!

Extraction treatment means that permanent teeth need to be removed. The two most common reasons are to relieve severe crowding and to allow the front teeth to be pulled back if a patient’s teeth and profile are too protrusive.

Non-extraction treatment is accomplished by expanding the arches in order to make room for all of the permanent teeth. It is less common to have permanent teeth extracted with today’s orthodontic techniques, but still may be an option in your treatment. Our first choice is to not extract permanent teeth, but our greater purpose is to give you the best result possible.

We will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the decision that gives you the smile you deserve!

Absolutely! When teeth are missing, the teeth on each side of the space will tend to drift into the empty space creating a number of problems.

These open spaces between the teeth are unattractive and can detract from your smile. Additionally, tipping of the teeth can lead to problems with function and recession of the gum tissue. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

Even if their front teeth are straight, there may still be underlying bite issues that need to be determined by an orthodontist.

Conversely, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to offer our honest recommendations.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Although determining if orthodontic treatment is necessary can be difficult for you to assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice:

• Do you feel embarrassed when smiling or laughing?
• Do you have trouble chewing or biting your cheek?
• Is it difficult to clean between your teeth or do you frequently get food caught between your teeth?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then orthodontic treatment can help.