You Have Questions – We Have Answers
When you’re making an investment in your smile and your oral health, it’s natural to have questions! As your orthodontist and Sawgrass team, we’re here to answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease as you or your children enter into this exciting time of transformation.
While we’re happy to sit down with you and go over anything that’s on your mind in a free consultation, we’re also listing a few frequently asked questions right here for your convenience. We hope you find these FAQ’s helpful, and we look forward to talking with you more about orthodontic treatment.
What does an orthodontist do?
An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who has received 2-3 years of extra training in straightening and adjusting teeth and jaws. In other words, we’re all about both the look and feel of your smile, and our main goal is to maintain and improve your oral health.
What are braces?
Braces are one of the treatment methods that we orthodontists commonly use to give you a straighter, healthier smile. While there are many different types of braces, they basically consist of metal or ceramic brackets adhered to your teeth, strung together with a wire and usually rubber bands.
All of these elements work together to apply a gentle force that gradually guides your teeth into a straighter position.
At what age should you have braces?
Patients can have braces at just about any age! We have plenty of adult patients, and of course, many teens and kids have braces during their elementary and high school years.
If you’re a parent, keep in mind that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child have an initial orthodontic exam around age seven. That way, we can diagnose issues early and get started on treatment while the jaw is still growing and the teeth are easier to move. You can learn more about early orthodontic treatment in our Braces for Kids section, or check out our Braces for Teens section if you have older children.
If you didn’t have the opportunity to have braces as a child though, don’t sweat it! We love to help adults achieve the smile they have always wanted.
How can I keep my teeth clean with braces?
When you get your braces put on at our office, we will show you the proper technique for cleaning them. With braces, it’s more important than ever to brush after every meal. If you can, it’s even helpful to bring a toothbrush along to school or work to brush after lunch.
You can also use helpful aids like floss threaders and Waterpiks, which will help you get to hard-to-reach places and make sure nothing is lodged in your braces. Don’t worry, we will give you plenty of tips and advice to master all of this!
How long will my orthodontic treatment last?
Orthodontic treatment times are as unique as our patients and their smiles. Typically, treatment will last between one and three years, and we should be able to give you a good estimate of where you fall within that range when we decide on your individual treatment plan.
Do braces hurt?
Good news - traditional braces are now more comfortable than they have ever been! Probably the only discomfort you will feel is when you get your braces tightened, but that will wear off within a day or two.
Do I still need to see my dentist while I have braces?
Yes! We’re here to focus on straightening your teeth and/or aligning your bite, but you still need to visit your dentist for regular teeth cleanings, at least every 6 months. It’s even more important to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your orthodontic treatment so that you can stay on schedule towards getting your braces removed.
Will braces prevent my child from participating in sports or playing musical instruments?
No! Children and teens (and adults too!) should be just fine to continue doing what they love as soon as they get used to the feel of braces on their teeth. As a reminder, just like any other athlete, kids with braces should make sure to wear protective mouthguards for contact sports.
How can I schedule a consult with Sawgrass Orthodontics?
We’re glad you asked! You can schedule your free braces consultation with us here on our website, or give us a call at (954) 514-2111. We’ll find a time that works with your schedule, and we can’t wait to meet you.