FAQs - part 2
Do teeth with braces need special care?
Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods, or hard objects, such as pens, pencils or fingernails. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly
I see ads for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the dentist. Will that give me straight teeth?
Quick-fix veneers temporarily cover crooked teeth. Teeth straightened by an orthodontist are good for life.
I don’t want braces that show. What are my options?
In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. A type of clear orthodontic wire is currently in an experimental stage. Another option may be the use of a series of plastic tray aligners instead of traditional braces to correct some problems.
I have a stud in my tongue. Will this interfere with orthodontic treatment?
Exercise caution. Tongue-piercing jewelry may contribute to breakage of appliances and to tooth and gum damage from contact with the stud.
How may I distinguish an orthodontist from a dentist?
Visit Find An Orthodontist. Orthodontists included in this search are AAO members. AAO membership is the best way to confirm a doctor's status as an orthodontist because the AAO only accepts orthodontists for membership.
Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods, or hard objects, such as pens, pencils or fingernails. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly
I see ads for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the dentist. Will that give me straight teeth?
Quick-fix veneers temporarily cover crooked teeth. Teeth straightened by an orthodontist are good for life.
I don’t want braces that show. What are my options?
In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. A type of clear orthodontic wire is currently in an experimental stage. Another option may be the use of a series of plastic tray aligners instead of traditional braces to correct some problems.
I have a stud in my tongue. Will this interfere with orthodontic treatment?
Exercise caution. Tongue-piercing jewelry may contribute to breakage of appliances and to tooth and gum damage from contact with the stud.
How may I distinguish an orthodontist from a dentist?
Visit Find An Orthodontist. Orthodontists included in this search are AAO members. AAO membership is the best way to confirm a doctor's status as an orthodontist because the AAO only accepts orthodontists for membership.
