3 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist If You Just Got Braces
Posted on January 14, 2022
Most people know that good dental care and oral hygiene is important for the sake of our teeth and gums as well as for our overall health and wellness. Good oral care habits need to be taught from an early age. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child’s initial orthodontic evaluation should be by age seven, if not sooner. Good oral care protects your teeth and gums from a range of common issues, but, even with great hygiene, sometimes advanced treatments are needed. Although braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment, having braces can be a difficult and confusing experience. Asking questions about you or your child’s orthodontic treatment upfront can help alleviate a lot of stress and fear. Read on for five questions to ask your orthodontist.
Top 3 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist
1. How Long Will I Need to Wear the Braces?
The answer here depends on several factors, including the current state of your oral health and what other issues might be affecting your teeth and gums. Some oral issues may need to be addressed before proceeding with orthodontic treatment. Depending on the type and severity of your alignment issues, your orthodontic treatment could extend over a few years. There are several types of braces available, so you will want to talk to your orthodontic team about the timeline for whichever you pick.
2. How Do I Take Care of My Teeth and Braces?
Braces are usually longer-term treatments that can be worn for months at a time, and as such, you will need to be sure you talk to the dentist about how to clean and care for your braces, so they are as effective as possible. Proper oral care is even more important when you have braces because it can be harder to brush and floss with them. Your orthodontist will likely go over modified cleaning routines that you should follow while wearing your braces.
3. Will the Results Last After the Braces Are Gone?
Orthodontics is a specialty field that addresses and corrects misaligned teeth and bite patterns. This means that your orthodontic treatment plan will move your teeth over time. Your post-orthodontic results will be relatively permanent, so long as you follow through with the care prescribed by your orthodontist. You will need to be diligent about your oral hygiene, including follow-up appointments and regular cleanings. If your teeth start to shift again, additional orthodontics should take less time.
You’re taking the first step to getting a beautiful smile, so make sure you’re comfortable with your orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment can offer you increased self-esteem and confidence, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to ask your orthodontist these important questions. Contact the friendly team at Today’s Orthodontics to learn more!