The following are the most frequently asked questions from our Tots To Teens families regarding braces and orthodontic care. If you have additional questions, please ask Dr. Kapoor, or contact our office.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities (“crooked” teeth and mal-positioned jaws).
An orthodontist, like Dr. Kapoor, is a “dentist- specialist” who is educated and trained to “straighten teeth” by comprehensive means usually involving the utilization of braces. Dr. Sonalee Kapoor believes your smile is your greeting to the world. She knows it’s also a window to an important part of your dental health — the alignment of your teeth. Not everyone is born with beautiful teeth. Crooked teeth or spaces between the teeth may be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Improperly aligned teeth and jaws — called a “malocclusion” — also can lead to a host of sometimes painful dental disorders.
The good news is that Dr. Kapoor’s orthodontic treatments can correct these problems … and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that’s good for life.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional dental care later in life.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems. Other malocclusions are acquired by thumb or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents and the early or late loss of baby (primary) teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven, or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician. Early orthodontic treatment, in some cases, can prevent major orthodontic treatment later on. In some instances, children need two phases, or stages, of orthodontic treatment. For many children, orthodontic treatment can be postponed to a later time.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every five orthodontic patients today is over age 18. Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible, more comfortable orthodontic appliances, including fixed braces and removable appliances, adults are finding treatment more appealing. Most people desire a better appearance, including a nice smile. Today, 20 – 25% of orthodontic patients are adults.
This is ultimately governed by the recommendation of Dr. B, Dr. Lin, or Dr. Kapoor. The number one reason to choose braces is the desire to improve your smile. Orthodontic care can also address problems such as dental open bites, which make it difficult to chew food properly.
Treatment time in orthodontics is quite variable depending on difficulty and also patient cooperation. Sometimes new technologies, proper diagnosis and treatment plans can shorten treatment times. Typically, for comprehensive cases requiring a full set of braces, the range of treatment time is 18 to 27 months. Keeping your appointments, following Dr. Kapoor’s instructions, caring for your braces and practicing good oral hygiene is the best method of completing your treatment on time, or in some cases, earlier than anticipated.
At your complimentary initial visit, Dr. Kapoor will determine a course of treatment and provide an estimate of the treatment costs. If you decide you would like to move forward, we can take the required records including X-rays, and make an appointment to proceed with your orthodontic care.
Today, braces can be a fashion statement. At times, instead of traditional metal braces, contemporary-looking braces can be used. Self-ligating braces, which require no elastic ties, can possibly reduce the number of orthodontic visits. There are several types of so-called “invisible braces.” Some of these are clear/transparent in color but work like traditional metal braces. In addition, there is a series of invisible mouth guard like appliances (not really braces) that patients can remove to eat and clean. The choice of appliance is somewhat dependent on the arrangement of the crooked teeth.
It depends on the individual case, but typically 50 minutes to one and one-half hours.
Modern bands and brackets are designed to minimize any discomfort. However, your mouth will usually be sore the first few days after you get braces and for a day or two each time they’re tightened. This varies from patient to patient. If you experience pain that doesn’t diminish, alert Dr. Kapoor and she will determine the cause of your problem. Also, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen may help if it is taken one hour before your appointment as needed.
They may at first. A soft piece of wax (provided by Dr. Kapoor) can be used to cover a brace or wire that may be causing the sore. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water often helps, as well.
The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, its complexity, and length of treatment. Our Patient Coordinators will be glad to discuss the cost of treatment and your financing options with you before treatment begins. At Tots To Teens & In Bee-Tween, families are finding that braces are more attractive and affordable today than ever.
Yes, while you’re getting used to the braces, eat softer foods. Most importantly, spend more time cleaning your teeth and braces.
With braces, you will need to practice diligent oral hygiene since the braces and wires attract more food. Plan to brush with fluoridated toothpaste after every meal and a fluoride gel before you go to bed. Flossing, or other means of cleaning between the teeth/braces, can be important to remove trapped food.
Yes! However, plan to wear an orthodontic mouthguard for protection.
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment and there may be the need to use a “brace cover” (this could be a lump of soft wax) for a while.
Gum is not a good idea during orthodontic treatment because it can stick to your braces and cause breakage. In addition, the sugar in most gums can cause cavities.
Stay away from hard, sticky, gooey or crunchy foods. If food is too hard, it could cause some of your braces to loosen, bend or break. Hard, nutritious food like vegetables and fruits should be cut and sectioned before eating.
This is typically not an emergency that needs immediate care. Secure it into place with wax and call the office for an appointment.
The rubber bands are used to move teeth forward, backward, and/or up and down. If rubber bands are recommended by Dr. Kapoor for you and you don’t wear them, it could lengthen your treatment time.
Separators (also called spacers) are small rubber bands that are placed between the back molars to allow more comfortable seating of the orthodontic bands. If one does come out, it usually means that space has been created, which is good. There is usually no concern and the next appointment for placing the braces can still go on as usual. If there is a little discomfort, you may try rinsing with warm saltwater. Tylenol or Motrin may help also.
Absolutely, you should continue to see them at least every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.
Yes! Retainers keep your teeth straight after the braces come off. Without them your teeth will move and the entire treatment could be jeopardized. Typically, retainers are recommended to keep your beautiful smile for life.
At Tots To Teens, orthodontic treatment is a partnership between Dr. Kapoor and the patient. Dr. Kapoor provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. For the patient, orthodontic treatment always requires following Dr. Kapoor’s instructions, keeping scheduled orthodontic appointments and maintaining excellent oral hygiene to achieve the best results. You will also need to see Dr. B, Dr. Lin or your general dentist as recommended to continue your general dental care
Our doctors at Tots To Teens & In-Bee-Tween are dedicated to meeting your pediatric and orthodontic dental needs.
Pediatric Dentistry
Orthodontics
Our doctors are dedicated to meeting your pediatric and orthodontic dental needs. We want our Tot and Teen patients to achieve optimal oral health, and that is why we utilize the latest techniques and equipment with every procedure. We offer a warm, comfortable, welcoming office setting.