Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances or devices used to make these corrections.

What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also is interested in the bite, facial profile, and oral growth.

How do braces straighten crooked teeth?
Braces use steady, gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. At times your braces may seem like they're not doing much, but in fact, every moment of your orthodontic treatment, there’s something good happening in your mouth. We bend the arch wire to create your ideal bite and ideal tooth position. The wire threads through the brackets and, as the wire tries to return to its original shape, it applies pressure to move your teeth. Picture your tooth resting in your jawbone. With pressure on one side from the arch wire, the bone on the other side gives way. The tooth moves and new bone grows in behind. Thanks to new materials and procedures, all this happens much quicker than ever before.

How can I tell if my child needs orthodontic treatment?
When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation for my child?
We recommend that you bring your child into the orthodontist when your child is 7 years old. Though you can bring your child in at an earlier age, it is usually difficult to know if they will need orthodontic treatment until the permanent teeth start coming in. At this time, the orthodontist will evaluate your child and, if necessary, recommend appropriate steps to help avoid more involved treatment later on.

Am I too old for braces?
No. If the bone and gum tissue around the teeth are healthy, age is not a factor. About 20% of orthodontic patients are adults. Adults can be treated successfully at any age.

Will additional jaw growth allow self correction of crowded teeth visible in a 8 year old?
No. The space available for the front teeth does not increase after the permanent 6-year molars erupt. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with increasing age.

Is there a chance that my child's bite will get better on its own?
Usually it is just the opposite. With time, orthodontic problems almost always get worse.

What causes crooked teeth?
We inherit mouth and jaw features from our parents. Other factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma, or premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite.

Can I have my teeth straightened without having braces glued to my teeth?
Yes. If all the permanent teeth are erupted, utilizing Invisalign is sometimes an option. Another possibility involves using active removable retainers to align the teeth.

What do rubber bands do?
Rubber bands (elastics) contribute significantly to bite correction. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth in directions that the braces alone can't. It's important to wear your elastics as prescribed and change them every day so the force is constant. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment to a standstill. Teeth never fail to move when elastics are worn consistently as directed.

Will braces correct TMD or jaw joint problems?
Braces may or may not improve jaw joint problems. A thorough evaluation must be performed to evaluate the best approach for every individual experiencing these problems. Many times conservative treatment options can be very effective.

How long do you have to wear braces?
That depends a lot on you and how severe your bite problem is to begin with. The better you are about wearing and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve.

Will any teeth be pulled?
We strive for non-extraction treatment whenever possible, but sometimes teeth must be removed. Don't worry, if you need teeth removed, the spaces will be closed and no one will even notice.

Will it hurt to put the braces on?
Not usually. Drs. Edstrom & Trigonis take special care in placing your braces to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Thanks to the advances in modern technology, the procedure to put on your braces is quite easy. Your teeth are first polished, then prepared, so the doctor can place each bracket on the front surface of your tooth. We use very small brackets to help maximize your comfort.

Are braces uncomfortable?
How long do braces take to put on?
Each person finds braces quite different. Placing braces takes about an hour. However, it is a relatively painless procedure. The following couple of days the teeth may be slightly uncomfortable, however they soon settle down and you get used to the new feeling. Patients generally adjust very quickly to the braces and before you know it is it just another part of everyday life.

My son/daughter wants to play sports. Will braces interfere?
Orthodontic mouth guards have allowed patients to continue participation in sports while they have braces. These are available in our office.

My child plays the trumpet. Will his ability to play be affected by orthodontic treatment?
Most patients report no change in the ability to play their instruments with braces.

Are there foods that my child should avoid?
We generally recommend that you avoid hard, sticky, gooey, or crunchy foods. Caramel and taffy can stick to the braces and make cleaning difficult. Crunchy foods can occasionally knock off a bracket, which would have to be re-attached by the orthodontist.