Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get Braces?
There are many reasons to get braces, starting with the way you feel about your smile. A beautiful smile and sparkling straight teeth can affect your attractiveness to others, as well as your own self confidence. Also, studies have shown that people with an attractive smile do better in social and work relationships. Teeth that are aligned properly, as yours will be after braces, provide better overall bite function, are easier to clean, and are less likely to be chipped or fractured. A well functioning bite is also the first step towards intercepting painful jaw joint problems in the future.
How long will orthodontic treatment take to complete?
The average length of orthodontic treatment is 18 months, but every patient’s treatment is different. Some more difficult cases can take up to 24 months. Dr. Jet will give you an estimate of treatment time at your very first visit, and, with your excellent cooperation, we may sometimes finish sooner than expected.
How long should my appointment take?
Once your braces are put on, and you’re just in for regular checks and adjustments, most appointments are about 20-30 minutes. It does take longer to actually put on the braces….about 90 minutes in most cases.
Will braces interfere with me playing sports?
No, you may certainly still play your favorite sport with braces. We do, however, request that our patients wear a mouth guard for protection when they play sports. Our office will provide you with a mouth guard that will work for most sports when you begin treatment.
Will braces interfere with me playing a musical instrument?
While woodwind players may have slightly more difficulty than brass instrument players, every patient seems to adapt very well to playing with braces after a couple of weeks of practice. Some of them find that placing a special wax (that Dr. Jet provides) on the brackets helps them adjust to braces during those first weeks.
Do I need to go to my general dentist while receiving orthodontic care?
Yes, your regular visits with your dentist and hygienist are extremely important when you have braces. It can be more difficult for you to clean your teeth with braces so you should continue to see your general dentist at least every 6 months for regular cleaning and check-ups.
Would an adult patient benefit from braces?
Orthodontic treatment can be a benefit at any age, because everyone wants a healthy, beautiful smile. Studies have shown that over 20% of today’s orthodontic patients are adults.
What do I need to do if I have a loose/broken bracket?
If a bracket is loose or broken, please call our office immediately to schedule an appointment to have the bracket bonded back to the tooth. If you cannot get in for an appointment, you may apply some orthodontic wax to hold the bracket into place, until you can get in for an appointment. It is important to notify our office as soon as possible to insure that the broken bracket does make you regress in your treatment.
What do I need to do if my wire is broken or poking?
If the wire is poking you in the cheek or gums, you can slide the wire away from the area where it is poking, by using a Q-Tip or eraser. If the wire is still poking, try to place a glob of orthodontic wax over the wire to relieve the irritation. In some cases, the wire is unable to be moved and would need to be clipped. You can call our office to schedule an appointment to have the wire clipped by one of our awesome assistants. If you are unable to come in for an appointment, due to it being on the weekend or a holiday, you can use nail clippers to try and clip the end of the wire. (Make sure you wash and sterilize your clippers with alcohol.)
If I break my retainers, what do I need to do?
You would need to contact our office immediately to get a replacement retainer. It is very important that you leave your retainers in the retainer case, but we do understand that accidents happen.
Foods to AVOID
while in braces!
Fun Facts About Braces!
#1: NASA originally created the wires used for braces.
You may already know that some wiring used for braces contains nickel titanium, but did you know that NASA originally developed this alloy for use in the space program? When used in orthodontic appliances, these thin, highly elastic and flexible wires are activated by body heat and able to maintain their shape after being bent and attached to the teeth.
#2: Braces have been around for nearly 300 years.
In 1728, Pierre Fauchard, also known as the Father of Dentistry, designed the first official braces. These braces consisted of flat metal material connected to the teeth by a thin thread. As we entered the 20th century with a better grasp on malocclusion, dentist Edward Angle introduced more advanced and modern orthodontic appliances, like brackets, to effectively address issues with tooth misalignment.
#3: Not all Dentists are Orthodontists.
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention and treatment of teeth irregularities, such as improper bite. After graduating from dental school, an orthodontist must successfully complete an additional two to three years of education from an accredited orthodontic residency program.
#4: The desire for straighter teeth can be traced to ancient Egypt.
Even though braces weren't designed until the early 18th century, people have had a yearning for straight, attractive smiles for thousands of years. Many mummies have been discovered with cords made from animal intestines wrapped around their teeth, much like modern braces wiring, which archaeologists believe was an attempt at straightening crooked teeth.
#5: Retainers are just as important as braces.
The success of a patient's orthodontic treatment depends on how dedicated he/she is about wearing their retainer. Unfortunately, approximately 25 percent of patients who wear braces have to get them again because they fail to wear their retainers as instructed. For this reason, their teeth shift to their original, crooked position. Bottom line: Wear your retainer to maintain a beautiful, straight smile for a lifetime!
#6: Braces aren't just for kids.
If you think your time for a straighter smile has long passed, think again. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about one in five orthodontic patients is an adult & many patients are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. That means kids, parents and grandparents can reap the benefits of a straighter smile through orthodontic treatment.
#7: Famous people wear braces, too!
Do you ever wonder how celebrities get those Hollywood smiles? Just like the rest of us. Many famous actors, singers and professional athletes have worn orthodontic appliances to correct issues with their teeth and enhance their smiles, including Tom Cruise, Kathryn Heigle, Chelsea Clinton and Whoopi Goldberg, to name a few.
#8: Millions of people in the U.S. are wearing braces, right now.
As you read this, approximately four million people in the United Sates are wearing braces or another form of orthodontic appliance to straighten their teeth, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Of those receiving treatment, 75 percent are younger than 18.
#9: Not everything you hear about braces is true.
Rest assured that braces don't live up too many of the rumors you have heard. Braces will not set off metal detectors. It is not possible to lock braces while kissing. Braces do not interfere with radio signals. Wearing braces will not increase your odds of being struck by lightning. You can still safely and effectively play instruments and participate in sports while wearing braces.
#10: Orthodontic treatment should begin by age seven.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends having your child seen by an orthodontist as soon as tooth irregularities appear no later than age seven. An early evaluation can help determine if problems are present and anticipate the most appropriate time for orthodontic treatment, if necessary. More so, many conditions are far easier to treat if they are identified early.