FAQs

Emergency Care

Cover any sharp ends with orthodontic wax and contact us as soon as possible for an appointment. Please do not do DIY fixes or cut it yourself, as it may cause issues with the movement of your teeth.

For minor issues like discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. If you feel you are having a genuine emergency, call us or head to the emergency room.

It’s best to inform us immediately so we can advise if the issue needs immediate attention.

Call our emergency contact number provided to our patients for urgent orthodontic issues after hours.

Invisalign

It’s recommended to remove aligners while eating or drinking anything other than water to avoid damage and staining.

Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day for optimal results.

Treatment times vary, but on average, it ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water, avoiding hot water as it can warp the plastic.

Two-phase Treatment

The ideal age for an initial evaluation is around 7 to 8 years old.

It can address significant orthodontic issues early, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments later.

Phase One typically lasts 9-18 months, followed by a resting period, with Phase Two usually starting in the early teen years and lasting 1–3 years, depending on complexity.

No, it’s recommended based on individual needs and specific orthodontic issues.

Life with Braces

Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage braces, like popcorn, nuts, and gum.

Some discomfort is normal, especially after adjustments, but it typically subsides within a few days.

Regular check-ups are usually every 4-8 weeks to adjust and monitor progress.

Yes, but it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces during contact sports.

Ortho Retention

Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after braces, preventing them from shifting back.

Initially, full-time, then eventually only at night. Duration varies based on individual cases.

Contact us immediately for an evaluation; you may need a new retainer or aligners to get your teeth back into proper positions.

There may be a brief adjustment period, but any speech changes are typically temporary.

Ortho FAQs

Treatment can start at any age, but the typical age for beginning treatment is between 10 and 14 years.

Absolutely, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age.

On average, treatment lasts 18-24 months, but it varies depending on individual needs.

Ortho Dictionary

Malocclusion refers to misaligned teeth or a faulty bite pattern.

A band is a metal ring placed around a tooth as part of braces.

Ligatures, also known as O-rings, are small elastic bands or fine wires that hold the archwire to the brackets on your teeth. They play a crucial role in applying the correct amount of pressure to move teeth.

Elastics, often referred to as rubber bands, are used in orthodontics to apply additional pressure to teeth in a specific direction. They are typically hooked onto brackets and help in aligning your jaw and correcting your bite.

Common Treatments

Metal braces are highly effective for a wide range of orthodontic issues. They’re durable, offer precise control over teeth movement, and can be customized with colored bands for a unique look.

Yes, options like ceramic braces and Invisalign offer more discreet treatment methods.

Care for Clarity braces involves regular brushing and flossing, avoiding hard and sticky foods, and attending regular orthodontic appointments for adjustments.

Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for many orthodontic issues, especially for mild to moderate misalignments.

Common Appliances

A palatal expander is a device fitted to the upper jaw to widen the dental arch. It gently separates the bones in the palate, allowing for the correction of crossbites and overcrowding, or to create space for incoming teeth in growing children.

The Herbst appliance is used to correct overbites by encouraging the lower jaw to catch up in growth. It’s typically used in growing children and consists of metal tubes that connect the upper and lower jaws.

A Twin Block is a removable orthodontic appliance used to correct a Class II malocclusion where the lower jaw is too far back. It consists of two blocks that interlock at a specific angle to encourage the lower jaw to move forward.

Space maintainers are custom-made appliances used to hold space open for permanent teeth when baby teeth are lost prematurely. They help ensure that there is enough room for adult teeth to emerge in the correct position.