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Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers are provided to
help you with answers to the most commonly asked questions
about orthodontics:
- What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at
least a two-year residency in the study of orthodontics at an
accredited dental school. As orthodontic specialists, our
practice is limited to prevention and correction of irregularities
in the teeth and jaws and other deformities of the face caused by
these conditions.
- What are the benefits of
orthodontic treatment?
With orthodontic treatment in our practice, you can expect a more beautiful smile, healthier teeth, gums and bone, a balanced
bite and a healthy TM joint. You naturally feel better when
you look better, and an improved facial appearance is a vital
asset to one's self-confidence and self-esteem, which will benefit
social and career success.
- What are the possible
results of untreated problems?
Depending on the severity of the case, untreated
orthodontic problems may increase the risk for tooth decay, gum
disease, jaw joint problems, and loss of teeth. Protruding
teeth can be easily chipped or damaged. An untreated
malocclusion (or "bad bite") may also play a role in one's
self-image.
- What is the objective of the
treatment?
Dr. Adenwalla's objective is to achieve optimal results in
terms of occlusion, facial harmony, esthetics and TMJ health.
He emphasizes non-extraction of permanent teeth to correct the
malocclusion whenever possible.
- When do I need to see my
dentist?
Dr. Adenwalla will work closely with your family dentist to
ensure that the best possible dental health is achieved and
maintained during treatment. It is an absolute must to
continue routine checkup and cleaning appointments with your
family dentist while receiving your orthodontic care.
- What is jaw surgery?
Jaw (or orthognathic) surgery involves the combined effort
of the orthodontist and an oral surgeon. In some cases, the
jaw bones are positioned in a way that makes it difficult, if not
impossible, to obtain a good result with orthodontics alone.
The most common problems corrected with jaw surgery include a
protruding upper jaw (which sometimes causes a "gummy smile"), a
protruding lower jaw, or a recessed lower jaw. Dramatic
improvements in facial features, as well as straight teeth, can be
obtained when surgery is done in conjunction with orthodontic
treatment.
- How frequent are my appointments?
After the braces are on, appointments are usually every 6 to 8 weeks. depending on the individual. Most appointments last about 20 to 30 minutes.
- How long will I have to wear braces?
The average treatment time is approximately 15 to 24 months. Adults may reap the advantages of a shorter treatment time depending on the treatment and the use of Invisalign. Exceptional hygiene habits and keeping regular appointments can greatly minimize the treatment time.
- Can Invisalign© help
me?
Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive
adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help. It's
successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth.
It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites. In fact, we can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just
about any treatment plan. See New Procedures to learn more about Invisalign©.
- What is the cost of the initial examination?
There is no charge for the initial smile assessment. Since a smile makeover can have such a life changing impact, we consider it a privilege to be a part of such an important decision
- Should I still floss?
Flossing is more important than ever when you have braces.
A floss threader, available from your orthodontist or pharmacy,
makes it all possible. Ask your orthodontist to show you how
to use one and you'll be on your way to having a sparkling,
healthy smile!
- What are the different types
of orthodontic problems?
Any number of problems can create the need for orthodontic
treatment, from crooked, crowded or improperly spaced teeth to an
overbite, underbite, closed bite or crossbite.
- What is meant by the word
"malocclusion?"
This is a technical term we may use to describe teeth and
jaws that do not fit and work together correctly. In simple
terms, it means a "bad bite".
- What problems are caused
when teeth are crooked?
Beyond the loss of self confidence many people feel,
crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of
tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes it's harder to chew
certain types of healthy, high fiber foods, causing either
digestive difficulties or avoidance of the offending foods.
Other people may experience discomfort in their jaw joints from
the improper alignment of teeth and gums. If your teeth
protrude, they may be more likely to chip or fracture. An
improper bite may even cause teeth to wear unevenly or faster.
- Are malocclusions
preventable?
Not generally. Most often, the condition is
inherited, such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between
teeth, or numerous irregularities of the jaw and face.
Thumb- sucking or tongue thrusting plus dental disease or
premature loss of primary or permanent teeth are just a few things
that may contribute to an acquired malocclusion.
- At what age should
orthodontic treatment begin?
Children, adolescents and adults can all benefit from
orthodontic treatment; it all depends upon individual
circumstances. The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age seven,
unless a problem is evident earlier. That way, the
orthodontist can determine the most ideal time to begin treatment.
- When should I be concerned
about orthodontic problems in my child?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that
every child visit an orthodontist by age seven, unless a problem
is evident earlier. That way, the orthodontist can determine
the most ideal time to begin treatment.
- If my child has early
treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
In most cases, yes. After the permanent teeth have
erupted, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that
was started in the earlier phase. The objective of continued
treatment is to place the permanent teeth in positions of optimal
comfort, function, esthetics and long-term stability.
- Why is early removal of
certain teeth sometimes necessary?
Early removal of selected teeth may be necessary to guide
the eruption of permanent teeth. Carefully timed extractions
may prevent a variety of problems, including:
- Impacted or unfavorable positioned permanent teeth.
- Damage to the roots of permanent teeth.
- Severe crowding in the permanent teeth requiring lengthy and
complex treatment.
- At what age is a patient too
old for orthodontics?
Patients who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are
never too old for orthodontic therapy. They can spend
the rest of their lives with an attractive smile if they choose
to. Age is not a factor.
- Why are adults seeking
orthodontics in increasing numbers?
Many adults are receiving orthodontic care that was not
available to them as children. They realize that improving
the health of their mouths and the attractiveness of their smile
and facial appearances can result in changes for the better in
their personal, social and professional lives.
- Are there other options to
metal braces?
Some patients would not feel comfortable wearing obtrusive
metal braces. There is good news as there are other options
to conventional braces. Ceramic brackets and Invisalign both
offer an attractive alternative.
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