Blog Archives
What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?
There are a number of signs that you or your family member may have a slight bite problem. Some of them include early or late loss of primary teeth, difficulty chewing, breathing through the mouth, thumb-sucking habits past age five, protruding teeth, overlapped teeth, jaws that shift or make sounds, or difficulty speaking.
What foods can or can’t you eat with braces?
Most foods can be enjoyed just as before your child’s braces. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided. If you want to avoid eating restrictions, ask us about our invisalign treatment option!
Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
Permanent teeth are a lot larger than baby teeth, so baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled to create room for permanent teeth to grow in at a normal time and in a normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, some permanent teeth will either remain impacted (teeth that should have come in, but…
What about the wisdom teeth (third molars)? Should they be removed?
In about three out of four cases where teeth have not been removed during orthodontic treatment, there are good reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually when a person reaches their middle or later teens. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your dentist, can determine if they should or shouldn’t be removed.
Can you play sports with braces?
Yes. To prevent damage to your braces and your mouth, it is recommended that patients wear a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are usually inexpensive and comfortable.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.
Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for…
Will things sometimes look worse before they look better during orthodontic treatment?
Yes, the teeth will move in different directions as the teeth are straightening out. You may see a space between two teeth that was never there before or teeth that seemed perfectly straight before the braces were placed may not seem as straight. It will straighten properly over time.
What is an emergency appointment?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, give us a call. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Do you accept my insurance? What if I don’t have insurance?
We accept most insurance policies and medicaid. If you don’t have insurance, we will work directly with you to create a payment plan that works for you. We strive to make our treatment options affordable.