Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family dentist straighten my teeth?

A dentist may see a handful of orthodontic cases in addition to his regular dental patients. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients. An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school. He specializes in straightening teeth and ensuring proper form and function.

Are orthodontists appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases?

Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. When a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

Are braces only for kids?

No. Braces are for adults as well as children. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

Can I still play football, soccer and other sports if I have braces?

Yes! You can play football, baseball, basketball, and soccer. You can still go bowling. You can still do just about everything. Just be sure to wear a mouth guard when playing sports, and try to not get hit in the mouth.

Do orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment?

The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile. It isn’t about the cost; it’s really about the final result and, often times, the orthodontist is not more expensive.

Are braces painful?

After the adjustment period, braces become comfortable to wear.

What do I do if my brackets come off?

For any emergency, be sure to contact our office as soon as possible. Broken brackets, bands or wires need to be fixed in a timely fashion.

If something is poking or pinching the inside of your mouth, try covering whatever is causing the problem with wax. Call us as soon as possible, and we will set up an appointment to clip the wire or fix what is bothering you.

Sometimes, you can wait until your next appointment for the repair, but it is important to call us and get some advice. Remember, you could be delaying treatment if you wait too long to have a problem fixed.

Will I have to wear my braces for a long, long time?

The length of your treatment is determined by the difficulty of your case. Some may be worn for months, not years. What is also important to remember is that the length of your treatment could be extended if you don’t wear your appliances or elastics as directed or if you miss a number of appointments. The more cooperative you are during treatment, the better chance you have of finishing your treatment on time.

Can any dentist be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists?

No. Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.