Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontic treatment goes beyond just straightening teeth for a beautiful smile.While aesthetics are a wonderful benefit, correcting misaligned teeth and jaws can significantly improve your oral health and overall well-being.Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which reduces your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

A correct bite can also prevent abnormal wear on your tooth surfaces, reduce strain on your jaw joints (TMJ), and improve chewing and speaking.If you have concerns about your bite, crowded teeth, gaps, or jaw discomfort, an orthodontic evaluation can determine if treatment is right for you and explain the potential benefits for your long-term health.

Wearing your retainers as prescribed is absolutely crucial for maintaining your beautiful new smile! After your orthodontic treatment is complete, your teeth will naturally want to shift back towards their original positions. This is a normal biological process as the bone and tissues around your teeth adapt.

Initially, you'll likely need to wear your retainers full-time (except when eating or brushing) for a period, often several months. After that, your orthodontist will typically recommend transitioning to nighttime wear indefinitely. Think of retainers as a lifetime commitment to keeping your smile perfectly aligned. Consistent wear prevents relapse and ensures your hard-earned results last.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is vital throughout your orthodontic treatment, whether you have braces or aligners.

• With Braces: You'll need to be extra diligent. Brush after every meal and snack, paying special attention to brushing around and under your brackets and wires. Use an orthodontic toothbrush, interdental brushes, or floss threaders to clean between teeth and under wires. A water flosser can also be a great tool for dislodging food particles. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your general dentist are also essential.
• With Aligners: Since aligners are removable, keeping your teeth clean is a bit easier. Remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Make sure to also clean your aligners regularly with a soft brush and mild soap or aligner cleaning tablets to prevent bacteria buildup and odors. Always brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

For clear aligners (like Invisalign) or orthodontic rubber bands (elastics) to be effective, consistent wear is key!

• Clear Aligners: You typically need to wear your aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. This consistent wear ensures your teeth move according to the precise digital plan.
• Rubber Bands (Elastics): If prescribed, rubber bands help correct your bite by applying specific forces between your upper and lower jaws. Your orthodontist will give you exact instructions, but they are usually worn full-time (24/7), only removed for eating and brushing, and replaced with fresh ones.