FAQs

You or your child will only need an appliance if an orthodontist recommends one based on a diagnostic evaluation. Schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to find out more about appliances and whether they can help you achieve your cosmetic and health goals.

If your orthodontist determines that you are a candidate for an oral appliance, you’ll be brought in for a custom fitting. Fixed appliances, such as braces, are applied in the office. Others, such as retainers, are fabricated in a dental lab after your orthodontist takes an impression of your mouth.

Yes, and you will receive those instructions before leaving your orthodontist’s office. Removable appliances must be worn according to your orthodontist’s instructions and also properly cleaned and stored when not in use. Fixed appliances require dietary changes to protect them from becoming a damaged and prolonging treatment.

An Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is most effective between ages 7 and 14, when the upper jaw is still developing.

Mild discomfort or pressure is normal after activating the expander, but this usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help manage any temporary soreness.

Rapid Palatal Expanders (RPEs) are primarily used in children and adolescents because their jawbones are still developing. In adults, jaw expansion may require surgical intervention in combination with orthodontic treatment.

You may need to see a doctor if you or your partner have been awakened by your chronic snoring and/or gasping for air. Though this condition can be very dangerous, your doctor can help you discover ways of managing sleep apnea and protecting healthy breathing during sleep.

Your doctor’s first goal will be to determine whether your snoring is benign or a symptom of sleep apnea. This may be determined by speaking with you and your partner about your symptoms. If you do not have a partner who can confirm snoring or breathing interruptions, your doctor may request a sleep study.

There are many ways of treating the symptoms of sleep apnea. This may include conservative approaches, such as a new sleeping position or the use of an oral appliance. If your apnea symptoms are severe or conservative treatments are not working, you may be prescribed a continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) to open the airway. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Keep in mind that a diagnosis of sleep apnea is not always permanent. Many patients find that losing weight can be an effective way of opening the airway during sleep.

If you feel that you are experiencing a minor emergency related to your orthodontic appliance, contact your orthodontist’s office to find out when you can schedule an emergency visit. While you wait, your orthodontist may recommend temporary solutions to your emergency, such as placing wax on the end of a broken wire that is poking your gums or cheeks.

During your visit, your orthodontist will repair or replace broken appliances. Keep in mind that broken appliances can prolong your orthodontic treatment, so speak with your orthodontist about how your emergency may affect your treatment.

Be sure to follow the instructions provided to you for caring for your orthodontic appliance. This may include avoiding hard or chewy foods like ice and caramel candies, and being sure to wear mouth guards to protect fixed appliances during high-impact activity. You should also avoid ‘playing’ with or picking at your appliances, as this can cause damage. And as always, you should continue to see your family dentist for routine cleanings and periodic check-ups throughout your course of orthodontic treatment.

Yes. Every directive is given for a reason, so it is imperative that you follow doctor’s recommendations between orthodontic appointments. Also, never leave your orthodontist’s office without the supplies necessary to facilitate post-op care. This may include acquiring orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks and gums from poking wires, or obtaining enough elastic bands and cleaning aids to last until your next orthodontic visit.

Possibly. There may be some visits where you are told to wear elastics or activate your expander until your next visit. It is important to never leave your orthodontist’s office until you have a thorough understanding of your responsibilities at home. Continue to use proper brushing and flossing techniques, visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and examinations, and contact your orthodontist’s office if you have any post-op questions.

The duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the case, but most patients wear braces for 18 months to 3 years. Your orthodontist will provide a timeline based on your unique needs.

Mild discomfort is common, especially after adjustments, but it usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help manage any irritation.

No, traditional braces are effective for both teens and adults. Many adults seek braces to correct misalignment issues and improve their long-term oral health.

Brushing after meals, flossing with a threader or water flosser, and avoiding certain foods will help keep your teeth and braces clean. Regular checkups with your orthodontist are also essential.

Teeth can shift over time without proper retainer use. Wearing a retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist ensures long-lasting results.

The length of treatment varies depending on the case’s complexity, but most patients complete Invisalign in 12 to 18 months. Your orthodontist will provide a customized estimate based on your needs.

Mild discomfort is common when switching to a new set of aligners, but it usually subsides within a few days. The gentle pressure from the aligners indicates they are effectively moving the teeth.

Yes, since Invisalign aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions. However, you must take them out before eating and drinking anything other than water.

To achieve the best results, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours daily. Removing them for extended periods can delay progress.

Yes, retainers help maintain your newly aligned teeth and prevent shifting. Your orthodontist will recommend a retainer schedule based on your specific case.

SureSmile uses advanced 3D imaging, digital treatment planning, and robotically bent archwires, which create more efficient tooth movement compared to traditional braces. This technology helps patients achieve results up to 40% faster than conventional orthodontic treatments.

Yes, SureSmile’s custom-designed archwires apply consistent, gentle pressure, reducing the discomfort often associated with frequent manual wire adjustments in traditional braces.

SureSmile is highly versatile and can be used for mild to complex cases, including crowding, spacing, and bite issues. Your orthodontist will evaluate whether SureSmile is the right option for your specific needs.

Yes, retainers are necessary to maintain the results and prevent teeth from shifting. Your orthodontist will provide instructions on how often to wear your retainer.

SureSmile requires fewer in-office visits than traditional braces because the archwires are pre-programmed for optimal tooth movement. Most patients visit every 8 to 10 weeks for progress checks.

Genetic factors, childhood habits like thumb-sucking, premature tooth loss, or jaw development issues can cause malocclusion. Early orthodontic evaluations can help detect and address these problems before they worsen.

The best treatment depends on the severity of misalignment. Options include traditional braces, Invisalign, expanders, and functional appliances. Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable approach based on your specific needs.

Yes, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Many adults choose Invisalign or ceramic braces for a more discreet treatment experience.

Treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the case but typically ranges from 12 to 36 months. Your orthodontist will provide a personalized timeline based on your specific situation.

Space maintainers can be used when a baby tooth is lost too early, regardless of age.

A space maintainer is typically worn until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, which can take a few months to a couple of years, depending on the individual case.

If a space maintainer comes loose or falls out, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist as soon as possible to prevent unwanted shifting of the surrounding teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation at age 7. This allows early detection of potential jaw or bite issues before they become severe.

If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer may be recommended to hold the space for the permanent tooth and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting.

Preventive treatment reduces the severity of orthodontic issues, but some children may still need braces or aligners. However, their treatment will likely be shorter and less complex.

Signs of bite problems include difficulty chewing, excessive gaps, crowded teeth, jaw clicking, or an asymmetrical smile. A professional evaluation can confirm if treatment is needed.

Most preventive treatments, such as palatal expanders and space maintainers, cause minimal discomfort. Any soreness typically subsides within a few days.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation at age 7 to detect early alignment issues and plan for future treatment if needed.

Signs include crooked teeth, bite issues, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, and speech problems. An orthodontic consultation will determine if treatment is necessary.

No, misaligned teeth and bite issues typically worsen over time. Early intervention can prevent the need for more invasive procedures later.

Phase One (ages 6-10) focuses on jaw growth and space management, while Phase Two (ages 11-13) involves full braces or aligners to finalize alignment.

Invisalign First and ceramic braces offer more discreet options for certain orthodontic cases. Your orthodontist will recommend the best treatment based on your child’s needs.

No, orthodontic treatment is effective at any age. Many adults seek treatment to improve oral health, correct bite issues, or enhance their smile.

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, ceramic, lingual, and traditional braces, are all effective options. The best choice depends on the complexity of the case and personal preferences.

The duration of treatment varies, but it typically lasts between 12 and 36 months. The orthodontist will provide a personalized estimate based on the severity of the misalignment.

Mild discomfort is common when teeth begin to shift, especially after adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help alleviate any irritation.

Yes, retainers are essential to maintaining results. They prevent teeth from shifting back and should be worn as your orthodontist instructs.

While discomfort is common during the initial healing phase, pain is managed with prescribed medications and typically subsides within a few weeks.

Initial swelling and discomfort improve within two to three weeks, but full recovery and bone healing can take several months.

In most cases, pre- and post-surgical orthodontic treatment is necessary to ensure proper teeth alignment before and after jaw repositioning.

Results are permanent if patients follow post-surgical care instructions and wear retainers as prescribed to maintain alignment.

Yes, orthognathic surgery can enhance facial symmetry and balance, providing a more natural and proportionate look.

Two-phase treatment can reduce the need for extractions, surgery, or prolonged braces in the future by addressing alignment and jaw growth issues early.

Most children will still need braces or aligners in phase two, but treatment is often shorter and less complex because major structural issues have already been addressed.

Delaying treatment can lead to more severe alignment issues that require extractions, jaw surgery, or longer orthodontic treatment in the future.

An orthodontic evaluation around age 7 will determine whether early intervention is needed based on jaw growth, bite function, and tooth spacing.

While two-phase treatment involves two separate stages, it can prevent costly and extensive treatments later, making it a cost-effective solution for complex cases.