FAQ

WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?

Orthodontics or dentofacial orthopedics is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

WHO IS AN ORTHODONTIST?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received three years of additional training in the field. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

WHAT'S THE BEST AGE TO VISIT AN ORTHODONTIST?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. It is recommended that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH IF I'M WEARING BRACES OR A RETAINER?

• Always remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride mouthrinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your dentist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces. Break and cut food into small pieces before eating.
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

WHAT ARE BRACES?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including :

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisalign

IF I GET BRACES, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WEAR THEM?

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 12 and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 24 months.

DO BRACES HURT?

Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

DO I NEED TO BRUSH MY TEETH MORE OFTEN IF I HAVE BRACES?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

IF I HAVE BRACES, DO I STILL NEED DENTAL CHECKUPS EVERY SIX MONTHS?

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

WILL MY BRACES INTERFERE WITH MY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES LIKE SPORTS, PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT, OR SINGING?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

HOW LONG DOES A DENTAL FILLING LAST?

The longevity of a dental filling depends upon the material of the filling. It also depends on how well you take care of your filling. The life of a dental filling varies from 10 years to 20 years.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY FILLING COMES OUT?

Call and inform us, and we will give you an appointment to visit our clinic soon.

MY DENTIST SAID I NEED A ROOT CANAL. HOWEVER, CAN AN INFECTED TOOTH HEAL BY ITSELF?

No, an infected tooth cannot heal by itself. In fact, the infection can spread to other areas of your jaw causing serious pain and complications. Treating an infected tooth requires medications and a root canal treatment.

DO ROOT CANAL PROCEDURES HURT?

No, a root canal treatment is pain-free. Before proceeding with the root canal treatment, a dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the infected area ensuring a painless treatment. If the infection has progressed severely, there might be a little amount of pain, but our endodontist will make sure you are comfortable and pain free.

DO WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?

It depends on how they are erupting or have erupted. In many instances, it is seen that the mouth does not have enough space, thus causing crowding due to the impacted wisdom tooth. In such cases, the wisdom teeth needs to be removed. If they have erupted in your mouth completely without any hassle, then there is no need. We will take an OPG (Full mouth x-ray) to decide the course of action.

IS EXTRACTION DONE UNDER ANAESTHESIA?

Dentists prefer to numb the area before wisdom or any tooth extraction using a local anesthesia. The procedure is pain-less and you might only feel pressure during the extraction.

HOW LONG DOES THE PAIN LAST AFTER WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION?

The wisdom tooth pain may be there for at most a couple of days. In these days, you will need to take all the necessary precautions as directed by your dentist.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL IMPLANTS LAST?

Dental implants are known to last for very long, especially with proper care. They can last for as long as 25 years or even more.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REMOVE DENTURES AT NIGHT?

Your gums and bones need to relax at night time which is why removing denture is advised by dentists. Removing dentures also allow the gum to come in contact with saliva which is considered good for the oral health of an individual. If you do end up sleeping with dentures on at night once, don't panic, remember and take them off from the next day.

DOES ONE NEED A DENTAL CROWN AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT (RCT)?

Root Canal Treatment means that the pulp inside the tooth will be cleared out. Therefore to provide strength after filling up the cavity, crowns are usually used. Adding a crown to the tooth after RCT is highly recommended. However, if your endodontist makes an exception depending on your case, then you won't require one.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET YOUR TEETH WHITENED?

A teeth whitening treatment by a professional lasts for about a year. Thus, undergoing a teeth whitening process after one year is considered healthy for overall oral health and a lasting smile.There are whitening kits available which can be used at home. Visit us to know more about what would be the best choice for you.

CAN ONE BRUSH THEIR TEETH AFTER THE WHITENING PROCESS?

Brushing teeth right after a teeth whitening treatment is not advised by dentists. Individuals must allow few hours to pass before brushing the teeth for the first time after treatment.It is also advised to use a desensitizing toothpaste for a few days after teeth whitening.

IS TEETH WHITENING PERMANENT?

There are many types of teeth whitening treatment. The effect of each treatment differs from a few months to up to two years. However, individuals who consume a lot of tea, coffee, and tobacco, or smoke will not be able to see the results for a longer time.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE MY NEXT APPOINTMENT?

Simply call the clinic! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need..