If you are in need of orthodontic treatment then you may be wondering a few things about your upcoming treatment. Here, our Calgary dentists share some of the oral health questions they've been most commonly asked about orthodontics.
1. What is orthodontic treatment?
Some patients have dental irregularities that require orthodontic treatment. These can be caused by genetics, injuries or accidents, environmental factors, improper positioning of your teeth or jaw, or other circumstances.
Malocclusion is the umbrella term for all of these irregularities, including crooked or crowded teeth, teeth that may be excessively spaced or have gaps between them, and impacted teeth.
The remedy for this is orthodontic treatment, which can help straighten your teeth. Treatment may involve a few different approaches depending on your needs. Your dentist will likely recommend one of these options:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear(ceramic) braces
- Clear aligners
- Retainers
2. Why might I need braces or clear aligners?
Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a healthier bite and a straighter smile. It can also impact your long-term oral health, as straighter teeth are easier to brush, floss and keep clean.
Conversely, crooked teeth can mean you’ll be at a higher risk of developing gum disease or cavities. You can experience various types of pain in your face or jaw if you have any type of misalignment in your jaw and teeth.
In addition to the functional aspects, some people have aesthetic concerns with the appearance of their smiles. Orthodontic treatment can help improve your smile, making it more symmetrical. By the end of your treatment, you may feel more proud to reveal it.
3. How will I know which orthodontic treatment is right for me?
Orthodontic treatment is very personal and is customized to an individual’s needs and smile goals. Which orthodontic treatment is best for you will depend on a number of factors, such as the nature of your malocclusion, your current oral health and how much restorative dental work you’ve done previously.
While some people will need braces to help fix their misalignment, others may be able to use clear aligners. Personal preference and budget may also play into your decision. Your dentist can explain your options and the advantages and disadvantages of different types of braces, clear aligners and more.
4. Which of the orthodontic treatment options is the fastest?
Straightening your teeth, and correcting bite issues requires an investment of time and money. Both braces and clear aligners are great options for helping patients correct common orthodontic issues – and set you on the path to a straighter smile and better oral health.
Here are some tips to ensure your orthodontic treatment goes as quickly and smoothly as possible:
- Follow your orthodontist or dentist's instructions and treatment plan on every aspect of your orthodontic care, from oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing to what you can and can’t eat during treatment, to how much you have to wear your appliance.
- Care for your teeth. Not only is oral hygiene important, but so is ensuring your teeth receive the TLC they need as they undergo their change in alignment. This means no grinding or biting down hard, as this can cause extra pressure in addition to wear and tear.
- Attend your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist and/or dentist. These give them an opportunity to check in to make sure treatment is progressing as planned, with no obstacles, and to answer any questions and concerns.
5. Should I be a certain age to receive orthodontic treatment?
Typically, the earlier that you begin your orthodontic treatment the more likely that it will produced the desired results.
Where traditionally, orthodontic treatment would begin when patients were 12 to 14 years of age, it’s now recognized that early treatment can be key in resolving orthodontic issues efficiently.
Depending on your child’s orthodontic issue, interceptive treatment may begin between 7 to 11 years old.
That being said, many people wait until adulthood to begin orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth are generally healthy, you could be a candidate for orthodontic treatment whatever your age! Just be aware that typically, orthodontic treatment for adults tends to take longer overall than it does for children.
6. What is the cost of orthodontic treatment using braces or clear aligners?
How long your treatment lasts will depend on a number of factors such as the nature of your orthodontic issue, the treatment option you and your dentist decide is best for you, your age, your general health, and your compliance with your custom treatment plan.
Costs will vary depending on the treatment option chosen, the severity of your orthodontic issue, the duration of your treatment and other factors. Your orthodontist or dentist can help you weigh treatment options and financing opportunities.
7. Do I have to have traditional metal braces?
When it comes to straightening your teeth there is more than one option available. From clear aligners or ceramic braces to lingual braces (which are attached to the back of your teeth), thanks to advances in orthodontic technology patients now have more treatment options than in decades past.
Depending on the nature of your orthodontic issue, you may also be able to use removable and transparent clear aligners to treat your malocclusion.
8. Will I need to visit the dental office often during my treatment?
How often you’ll need to see your dentist will depend on the treatment option you and your dentist choose, whether you encounter any obstacles during treatment and other factors.
In general, with braces, you’ll see your dentist every 4 to 8 weeks during the duration of your treatment. These appointments can range from about 20 minutes for checkups to ensure your elastics are in place and to make any necessary adjustments, to longer initial and final appointments.
For clear aligners, there are no elastics to adjust so you may be able to go longer between appointments and see your dentist once every 6 to 10 weeks.
9. Can I drink pop or juice when I have braces or clear aligners?
Whether you have metal, ceramic or lingual braces on your teeth, we recommend avoiding pop as drinks with carbonation can stain the metal brackets of your teeth. The dyes in pop and even in juices can also stain your tooth surfaces and erode enamel.
In addition, a large amount of sugar typically found in these drinks can lead to tooth decay, so we typically recommend that you do not drink pop even if you don't have braces or clear aligners.
9. Do I need to clean my teeth differently when I am undergoing orthodontic treatment?
While everyone needs to brush and floss daily and maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent cavities, this goes double if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment so you can make sure you preserve your oral health.
Plaque and bacteria can make their home in the spaces between your teeth and your braces.
Carefully brush and floss around wires and brackets if you have braces, and avoid foods like popcorn, gum, or others that can damage your teeth or appliances.
For clear aligners, you’ll need to brush and floss each time you remove your aligners to eat or drink, and only drink water while you have them in. This is because food and bacteria can become trapped between your clear aligners and teeth.
While it can have an immediate effect on your appearance, even more, concerning is that tooth decay and plaque buildup can flourish when trapped for hours behind clear aligners. Usually, your saliva would wash away some of the food particles, but this proves impossible with clear aligners, which fit snugly to your teeth.
One of the most crucial things to remember is to continue brushing and flossing as recommended each and every day.
