WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

Orthodontists are dental professionals who have 2-3 additional years of Orthodontic residency beyond a general dentist. They have the technical training, skills and experience to treat orthodontic problems caused by misaligned teeth and jaw or bite issues needing orthodontic intervention. Their focus is to restore healthy oral function and prevent damage to healthy teeth.

WHY IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IMPORTANT?

Orthodontic treatment ensures proper function of teeth and jaws, helping to create a healthy, beautiful and stable smile. It often aids in the maintenance of good oral health. Teeth that are crooked or crowded are harder to clean and maintain, which can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel and lead to additional oral health problems.

WHAT CAUSES ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS?

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Inherited orthodontic issues include crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, or jaw growth problems. Others can be a result of thumb or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, or the early or late loss of baby teeth.

COMMON ORTHODONTIC FAQs

WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN GET THEIR FIRST CHECK-UP?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first appointment with an orthodontist by age 7. During that evaluation, your orthodontist will make recommendations and determine the best age to begin treatment. Many potential orthodontic issues may be avoided with early detection and preventative treatments that maintain proper spacing for permanent teeth.

AM I TOO OLD FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Age doesn’t matter. The key factor in determining a good candidate for orthodontic treatment is the health of teeth and gums.

HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TAKE?

It depends on the complexity of the case and what the patient wants to achieve. A short-term touch up can be as little as several months, while comprehensive treatment could last several years.

HOW MUCH DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT COST?

Orthodontic specialists customize both treatments and fees. After a face-to-face consultation, your orthodontist will help you determine what type of treatment and appliances will work best for your desired results. A flexible payment plan, which can include dental insurances, FSAs, and HSAs, may be used to construct an affordable plan.

CAN I GET APPLIANCES THAT ARE LESS NOTICEABLE?

Many of today’s orthodontic treatments are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance and better fit an adult lifestyle, although limiting your treatment options may limit your results. Whether you choose clear braces or clear aligners, you have discreet treatment options to help achieve your desired result.

COMMON ORTHODONTIC FAQS FOR ADULTS

WILL TREATMENT FIT MY LIFESTYLE?

Certainly! You will still be able to sing, play an instrument, dine out, kiss and do almost everything you previously were able to do prior to treatment. Some temporary adjustments may be necessary, but most patients adapt quickly.

HOW OFTEN ARE CHECKUPS?

The frequency of checkups depends on the course of treatment, but on average, check-ups are once every four to six weeks during active treatment.

CAN TREATMENT HELP SOMEONE WHO HAS MISSING TEETH?

Yes! Orthodontic treatment can properly align your teeth and create
the proper space for future dental procedures, including veneers, crowns, and dental implants.

DOES GUM DISEASE IMPACT ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

It depends. You should consult with your general dentist or a periodontist about the overall health of your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment.

WILL I EXPERIENCE DISCOMFORT?

Thanks to new techniques and appliances, and advancements in technology, orthodontic treatment at Columbia Town Center Orthodontics is more comfortable than ever. Discomfort, if any, is short-lived and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications.