1. What is an Orthodontist?
2. At what age should orthodontics be considered?
3. Should I see my general dentist during my time in treatment with the orthodontist?
4. Brushing with Braces?
5. What foods can I eat with braces?
6. Will my insurance cover orthodontic care?

1. What is an Orthodontist?

A specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of facial and dental irregularities is called an Orthodontist. Admission to graduate school for orthodontics is very selective and competitive. Every orthodontist is a dentist, but only six percent of dentists become an orthodontist. Becoming an orthodontist involves the following: 3 - 4 years of college, four years at a dental school certified by the American Dental Association (ADA), 2 - 3 years of specialty education at an ADA-accredited orthodontic program.

2. At what age should orthodontics be considered?

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment as both children and adults benefit from orthodontics. Orthodontics is a great investment for your child or yourself. Why not have a benefit that lasts forever: a great smile!

A good time for a child's first orthodontic evaluation is at the age of seven. The sequence of the eruption of the permanent teeth and loss of the deciduous (baby) teeth are evaluated. Extra or missing teeth, severely protruding teeth, severely crowded teeth, a narrow upper jaw, and crossbites are also evaluated.

Adults can benefit from orthodontics by improving function and providing a very esthetic smile.

Orthognathic surgery and orthodontics can also be provided to correct either an excessively large or small jaw. We work as a team with the dentist, periodontist, and oral surgeon to treat a patient's overall facial appearance.

 

3. Should I see my general dentist during my time in treatment with the orthodontist?

Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile, cannot be done alone. It takes a group effort by yourself, your orthodontist, and your dentist. A family dentist will specialize in making sure your child’s teeth stay clean and healthy. An orthodontist will specialize in straightening and aligning the jaws and teeth. It is the patient's responsibility to be seen by both doctors on a regular basis to make sure all this happens.

It is important to maintain regular appointments with your family dentist during the course of your orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontic treatment does not include cleaning, fluoride treatment, checking for cavities, extractions and other regular dental care.

4. Brushing with braces?

Brushing and flossing is a good way to ensure a clean and healthy smile. You should be brushing your teeth four times a day during orthodontic treatment: morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and before you go to bed.

5. What foods can I eat with braces?

Food can be eaten immediately after the placement of the braces. However, there are some foods that must be avoided due to the fact that they will loosen a bracket or band:

Hard, Sticky, Chewy Foods:
-Ice -Gum
-Corn Chips -Caramel
-Whole Nuts -Jelly Beans
-Popcorn -Snickers Candy Bar
-Hard Candy -Starburst
-Pizza crust

High-Sugar Foods:
-Soft drinks with sugar
-Surgery cereals
-Soft candy

Cut the following foods into small pieces:
-Bagels
-Raw Vegetables
-Apples
-Unground meats

6. Will my insurance cover orthodontic care?