10 Common Orthodontic Questions

Wazio Orthodontics

If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you might have some questions. Below are the top 10 questions the team at Wazio Orthodontics has gotten from patients who are just starting their smile journey. 

1. How soon can I bring my child in to see Dr. Wazio? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. Bringing your child to see an orthodontist this early on, can save you money and time later. Most kids at this age will not need any treatment. However, Dr. Wazio can provide preventative treatment by detecting any problems early. 

2. How old should you be to get braces? As we mentioned in the answer to question 1…The American Association of Orthodontics recommends every child be seen by an orthodontist as early as age 7. This does not necessarily mean your child will need braces at age 7, but it does mean that an orthodontist has checked everything to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. In general, there is no specific age for kids to get braces, but braces are typically recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13. However, you can get braces at any age! So, all of you adults out there wanting to better your smile, be sure to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wazio today.  

3. How much do braces cost? At Wazio Orthodontics, prices vary depending on treatment options and insurance plans. Our team will discuss the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options during your initial consultation so that you can make the best choice for you, and your smile. 

4. Can my child’s dentist provide orthodontic treatment? While your dentist can offer orthodontic care, they typically refer complicated cases to an orthodontist who specializes in this kind of treatment. An orthodontist can provide prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and bite patterns. A dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, but you do not need to have a referral from a dentist to make an appointment to see Dr. Wazio.  

5. How long will I need to wear braces? Each patient’s treatment time is different based on the severity of their case. As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment plan affect how long a patient will need to wear braces. When you schedule your consultation with Wazio Orthodontics, we will give you your estimated treatment time before you decide to get started. However, to insure you complete your treatment on time, it is important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result in extended treatment time. 

6. How often do I have appointments? Towards the beginning of treatment, we typically see most patients every 8 weeks. As treatment progresses, we will start seeing patients more often between 4-6 weeks. 

7. Do braces hurt? Getting braces placed does not cause the patient any pain. Initially the braces do feel like they "stick out". This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces and your tooth alignment improves, this sensation will disappear. You will probably notice some discomfort beginning a few hours after your braces are placed. Some teeth, usually the front teeth, may be tender and sensitive to pressure. You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies commonly taken for other discomforts such as headaches. 

8. What can I eat with braces? Eating with braces at first can be a bit tricky while adjusting to your new eating habits. We recommend staying away from anything hard or crunchy to help avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities and decalcification. 

9. How do I care for my braces? Caring for your braces means caring for your overall dental health. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. We recommend brushing your teeth about three times a day and flossing at least once a day while wearing braces. Make sure to brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the top, bottom, and sides of your braces. It would also help to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. A fluoride rinse is also recommended to help prevent against cavities. 

10. Do I Still Need To Go To My General Dentist During My Orthodontic Treatment? Yes. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success. During professional cleanings, the hygienist will use special tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar) that you can’t eliminate at home by brushing and flossing.

Still have questions? Contact Wazio Orthodontics today. We can answer all of your questions…we even offer Complimentary Consultations!