10 Common Orthodontic Questions

Medina Orthodontics

If you have been considering orthodontic treatment for you or your child, you might have a few questions.  Below are the top 10 questions our team has been asked from patients who are just starting their smile journey. 

1. How old do you have to be to get braces? Braces are typically recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 13. However, you can get braces at any age! 
   
2. How soon can I bring my child in to see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends bringing your child to see an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old. By bringing your child in to see Dr. Medina this early, you can save money and time later. Most kids at this age will not need any treatment. However, Dr. Medina can provide preventative treatment by detecting problems early. 
3. How much do braces cost? At Medina Orthodontics, prices vary depending on multiple factors. Expenses can also vary based on treatment options and insurance plans. Our staff will discuss with you the cost of your treatment and your payment plan options so you can make the best choice for you, and your smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget so you will know what to expect before beginning treatment.
4. How long will I need to wear braces? Each patient’s treatment time is different based on the severity of their case. As each case is different, the duration of wearing braces varies from patient to patient. Factors like age, type of problem, and treatment affect the period of wearing braces. When you schedule your consultation with our practice, we will give you an estimated treatment time before you decide to get started. To insure you complete your treatment on time, it is important to keep your scheduled appointments. Delays in adjustments can slow progress and result extended treatment time. 
5. Do braces hurt? Getting braces put on does not cause any pain. For the first few days you may feel some tightness occurring as your mouth adjusts to the change. Any over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol will help with the mild discomfort. 
6. What can I eat with braces? We recommend staying away from anything hard or crunchy to help avoid breaking a bracket or wire. Watching your sugar intake is also key while wearing braces to avoid cavities and decalcification. 
7. How do I care for my braces? Caring for your braces means caring for your overall dental health. The brackets and wires of your braces provide food and plaque with the ideal hiding places, making you more susceptible to cavities if they are not cleaned. We recommend brushing your teeth about three times a day while wearing braces and flossing at least once daily. It also helps to use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing with braces. 
8. How often do I have appointments? Towards the beginning of treatment, we typically see most patients every 6 to 8 weeks. As treatment progresses, we will start seeing patients more often between 4-6 weeks. 
9. Do I Still Need To Go To My General Dentist During My Orthodontic Treatment? Yes. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting your general dentist for normal check-ups and cleanings is a key to braces success. 
10. Can my child’s dentist provide orthodontic treatment? While your dentist can offer orthodontic care, an orthodontist can provide prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth and bite patterns. A dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, but you do not need to have a referral from a dentist to make an appointment to see Dr. Medina. 

Still have questions? Contact Medina Orthodontics today, and we can answer all of your questions...we even offer complimentary consultations!

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5 Things You Didn't Know About Your Teeth

Medina Orthodontics

We use our teeth to bite, chew and talk countless times throughout the day. However, it's very easy to take our teeth for granted. When it comes to our teeth, many of us still have a thing or two to learn. Here are 5 facts about your teeth that you may not have known...

1. Your Enamel is the Hardest Part of Your Body - The enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth. Like a hard shell, its primary purpose is to protect the rest of the tooth. Even though it is there to protect your teeth, your enamel can still chip or crack. Sugars and acids, like those found in soft drinks, interact with bacteria in your mouth and attack your enamel, which marks the start of tooth decay. 

2. Your Mouth is Home to 300 Types of Bacteria - Plaque contains millions of bacteria, made up of up to 300 different species. The main culprit for poor tooth health is Streptococcus mutans, which converts sugar and other carbohydrates into the acids which eat away at your teeth. White and sticky, Plaque is constantly growing. If you don’t remove it regularly by brushing and flossing, it can cause tooth decay. Without removal, plaque hardens and develops into tartar. So, brush and floss at least twice a day and see your dentist for regular cleanings.

3. Yellow May Mean Decay - When you think of the reasons your teeth might be looking yellow, your first thought likely goes to stains. While teeth can get stained by foods, drinks, and other substances, these stains are not the only reason your teeth might change color. Enamel is partly responsible for your teeth’s white appearance, and when it decays, your teeth may start to appear yellow.

4. Your Teeth Cannot Repair Themselves - A tooth is the only part of your body that cannot heal itself. Your tooth enamel is a very strong part of your body, and it is essential to look after it so your smile can look and feel healthy your entire life.

5. Your Teeth Can be an Indicator of Your Overall Health - One in 7 adults age 35 to 44 have gum disease. For adults older than 65, that number increases to 1 in 4. Tooth decay and other infections in the mouth may be associated with health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. People who have higher levels of gum disease also have a higher level of heart disease.

Healthy teeth and gums are critical contributors to your overall good health. If you have any questions about oral hygiene or your dental health, please give Medina Orthodontics a call.