The Top 11 Common Questions About Orthodontic Treatments

The orthodontic dentistry we offer corrects a range of issues spanning from the appearance of your smile to functional problems with the alignment of your teeth and jaw.

Whether you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile when you snap those selfies or your dentist finds you are in need of treatment to correct specific issues, orthodontic treatments can be required for a number of reasons from genetics to accidents, and from environmental factors to jaw development.

Because orthodontic treatments address so many issues which can be caused by many factors, we have put together a list of the top 11 questions our patients tend to ask.

1. What do orthodontic treatments address?

Orthodontics address irregularities referred to as dental malocclusion which includes:

• Impacted teeth
• Crowding
• Crooked teeth
• Large gaps and spacing of the teeth
• Bite and misalignment issues
• Jaw issues

Most issues are identified by either you or your dentist, while others might be harder to notice as you might not realize symptoms are related to your bite or jaw.

2. How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

An assessment by your dentist will determine whether you need orthodontic treatment or not. However, if you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, or are experiencing issues such as jaw pain, you should bring this up with your dentist so they can determine if you require orthodontic treatment.

Through examination of your teeth and jaw and, in many cases, through x-rays, we can determine your needs. You can also discuss any concerns you may have about the appearance of your smile and a treatment plan might include orthodontic treatments.

3. What is considered an orthodontic treatment?

There are many different orthodontic treatments we might recommend including:

• Retainers
• Clear braces
• Traditional metal braces
• Invisalign clear aligners

4. Do I need to see an orthodontist for orthodontic treatments?

Your dentist will be the first dental professional to assess orthodontic needs. Depending on what is required, we might be able to help, while in other cases you might need an orthodontist. This would include situations where you have specific needs they can address because they specialize in what is called dentofacial issues.

So if your case is more complicated, your dentist will provide a recommendation to see an orthodontist to deal with irregularities such as jaw growth, facial development or more complicated teeth and bite issues.

5. Will braces hurt?

This question is understandable as no one wants to endure discomfort or pain. However, it really depends on your pain threshold and what types of braces you have.

For example, traditional metal braces can lead to pain issues, especially following adjustments. You can also encounter issues such as little abrasions from the wires rubbing against your cheeks.

If you have clear aligners such as Invisalign, you will experience less pain but when you change aligners, it is common to go through a day or so of discomfort as you become accustomed to the new fit. All in all, however, the small amount of discomfort you experience occasionally is worth the end results of your treatment.

6. What causes the discomfort or pain of braces?

Generally, the discomfort is caused by the pressure placed on your teeth. Braces are designed to reposition your teeth and so must force your teeth into the ideal position. This continuous pressure eventually gets your teeth in the ideal position whether it is to correct your bite or the appearance of your smile, or both. As your teeth adjust to the new adjustments or aligners, your tissue becomes temporarily inflamed but it doesn’t last long and in a day or two you become accustomed to the new position.

7. Can I eat whatever I like with orthodontic treatment?

It depends on the treatment. With Invisalign, you remove the aligners when you eat and can also brush and floss more easily because they are removable. On the other hand, with traditional braces, anything that is sticky, sugary and crunchy is not advised. You also might find various foods get caught in your traditional braces so you might want to avoid them as well.

8. Can I play sports with orthodontic treatment?

You can arrange to have a custom-made sports guard to cover your braces when playing sports. You’ll want to do this because if you get hit in the face, you are at higher risk for serious lacerations from the wire and metal. If you wear Invisalign you can enjoy sports without worries, and can even remove them if necessary although it’s best not to do so as it interferes with the progress of your treatment.

9. Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

While age does come into play for children, adults of any age can have orthodontic treatment. Unlike children, your jaw has stopped growing so you can start at any time. You can finally get the perfect, straight teeth you’ve always wanted and Invisalign makes it less noticeable, thanks to the clear trays.

10. How long will orthodontic treatment last?

This depends, of course, on the type of treatment but on average, you are looking at between six months and three years. While this is quite a difference, the simpler your challenges, the shorter amount of time it will take to correct them. Also, when it comes to Invisalign, the more you stick to the regime of wearing your aligners 22 hours a day, the more likely you are to finish your treatment on time.

11. Will I need to wear a retainer?

Yes, retainers are a very important aspect of treatment as they ensure your teeth and bite remain in the ideal position. You can expect to wear a retainer 24 hours a day for a while, and then eventually, you will just need to wear it at night. Your gums, muscles and teeth need the additional support to keep everything aligned so you enjoy your new perfect smile for life.

If you would like to know more about orthodontic dentistry in Mississauga, call Bristol Dental at 905-712-3409 or contact us here.