Swasty Orthodontics FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

An Orthodontist is a dentist with an additional 2-3 years of training beyond dental school who specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

+ An attractive smile

+ Improved ability to keep teeth clean

+ Potentially increased self-esteem

+ Corrects occlusion to create proper functioning of teeth

+ Increased long term health of teeth and gingiva

+ Reduced resk of injury to protruding front teeth

+ Possibly improved facial profile

WHAT IS THE BEST AGE TO SEE AN ORTHODONTIST?

The American Association of Orthodontists advises that your child's first orthodontic check up occur no later than age 7. At this age permanent teeth have started to erupt and the orthodontist can determine if there are any problems that need early treatment especially those requiring growth modification to create the best bite possible.

WHO NEEDS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?

Anyone of any age who is unhappy with their smile because of crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, missing teeth, teeth that stick out, or any other abnormal bite.

CAN OLDER PEOPLE STILL WEAR BRACES?

There is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as the teeth and gums are healthy, adults are eligible to have their teeth aligned regardless of how old they are. In fact, nearly a quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults.

HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT LAST?

Each orthodontic case is unique. Generally treatment lasts approximately two years (+/- 6 months). Treatment may last longer for more severe cases or be shorter for early treatment.

HOW MUCH WILL TREATMENT COST?

Costs can not be estimated until an initial exam has been performed. During your first visit the exact cost and financial options will be discussed with you including what your insurance policy covers. We have many financing options available including no down payment and 0% interest. You may be surprised at just how affordable orthodontic treatment can be.

DO BRACES HURT?

Generally braces do not "hurt". Aftern certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. Pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any discomforts at all.

HOW OFTEN AND WHEN WILL I HAVE APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients will be seen every 5 to 10 weeks. Some situations require more frequent monitoring and will be scheduled sooner. The majority of a patient's appointments can be scheduled in the afternoon but longer appointments such as placing and removing braces are seen in the morning only.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be remedied at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve on your own, call us as soon as possible, so we cn fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, this feature can help resolve minor problems you may encounter during your orthodontic treatment.

IF YOUR TEETH ARE SORE AFTER A VISIT:

You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth, heating pad or warm salt water rinse may reduce the soreness in your jaws.

IF YOUR BRACES CAUSE IRRITATION:

Try moving the wire away from the irritated area witha cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with a small piece of cotton or a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol.

IF THE MAIN WIRE OR A BRACKET COMES LOOSE:

First, call our office to see if the bracket needs to be re-fitted. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. Please call our office on the next business day to schedule a repair appointment.

IF A SEPARATOR COMES OUT:

Call our office to see if it needs to be replaced. Some patients may loose a separator during treatment, which is common.