FAQs
At Zitterkopf | Gaworski Orthodontics & Falcon Orthodontics, we understand many people have questions related to orthodontic care. We are here to answer all of your questions prior to the visit. Some of the most common questions that people have include:
Is it possible for orthodontic care to take place even though my child still has baby teeth?
Yes. In many situations, orthodontic care can be possible even when baby teeth are still in place. This is typically called early treatment, and a few examples of problems that we can address during this time include crossbites, crowding, and abnormal jaw development. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, all patients should receive an orthodontic screen by age 7. That way, if early treatment is appropriate, it can be done.
What are the benefits of getting treatment as early as possible?
There are several significant benefits of getting early treatment. Some of the biggest benefits include:
- Developing the upper and lower arch to make room for permanent teeth to come in cleanly
- Correcting potentially harmful oral habits
- Reducing the risk of trauma to teeth that might otherwise take out of the mouth
- Shorten the treatment process in the future
- Preserve space for permanent teeth that may still be coming in
- Increase personal appearance and self-esteem
- Increase the relationship between the upper and lower jaw to make sure future development occurs normally
It would be our pleasure to work with you if you have any questions about the early treatment process.
How long does it take to finish the treatment process?
Many factors are involved and how long it will take to finish the treatment process. Every patient is unique, and patients develop at different rates. For example, some treatment plans may take a few months, and others might take a few years. If you have questions about what you can do to shorten the treatment process, we are always available to help you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you might have.
Will my child still need braces if you intervene early?
It is possible that your child may still need braces even with early treatment. It depends on the course of the treatment, the nature of the issue we are correcting, and your child’s overall health.
How often do I have to come back to the office for more appointments?
The frequency with which you will need to come back for future appointments will depend on the nature of the problem we are correcting. Generally, regular appointments are required every four to eight weeks. You might also have to see your regular dentist even as you are going through orthodontic treatment.
Can my child still play sports even if he or she has braces?
Yes, it is possible for your child to play sports with braces, but a mouth guard might be needed to protect the braces. If you are interested in a custom mouthguard, it would be our pleasure to help you with that.
Will playing a musical instrument be hard with braces?
You can still play musical instruments, but wind or brass instruments might require some adaptation. If you have questions about how to make the process of playing musical instruments easier with braces, we are here to help you.
How often do I need to brush my teeth while I have braces?
You need to brush your teeth approximately three to five times per day with braces. Cleaning under and around braces, brackets, and wires may be challenging. We have recommendations you can follow regarding how to protect your teeth while you have braces and place. We can also apply fluoride varnish to help you protect your teeth during the treatment process.
Are there any foods I need to avoid if I have braces?
You need to avoid any foods that are sticky or crunchy to keep the braces intact. We will give you a comprehensive list of foods and drinks to avoid once the braces are in place.
Why do I need retainers after orthodontic treatment?
After the braces have been removed, it is possible for your teeth to move back to their original positions. We do not want all of your hard work to be undone, so we will recommend a retainer to keep the teeth in place. You need to wear the retainer as instructed to ensure that the improvements made during the orthodontic treatment process last for the rest of your life.
What happens if a bracket or wire gets damaged during treatment?
If a bracket or wire is damaged, we encourage you to reach out to us as quickly as possible. We are always available to help you correct any issues with your orthodontic appliances. Some issues can be handled over the telephone, but other situations might require you to come to the office.
