Frequently asked questions

Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is devoted to bringing the teeth, jawbones, and facial profile into proper alignment. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two to three years of graduate education in an ADA-approved, university-affiliated orthodontic specialty program. They are truly specialists in dentistry.

• An attractive smile!
• Increased self-esteem resulting from an improved appearance.
• Teeth that fit together properly that will provide for improved function and long-term health of the teeth and gums.
• More efficient chewing that will allow for improved digestion and overall health.
• Reduced chance of developing gum disease and premature loss of teeth by relieving stress on gums and bones which result when teeth do not meet properly.
• Correction of speech problems caused by protruding or misaligned teeth.
• Possibly help reduce and help treat jaw joint difficulties (see TMJ).
• Lower the incidence of decay in crowded, overlapping teeth which can become food trap areas.
• Help the jawbone develop so there is less need to remove adult teeth.

If you have crooked, irregular or protruding teeth or an incorrect relation between the top and bottom teeth and jaws, you should visit our office for a complimentary consultation. Our doctors will do a thorough evaluation and determine whether you would benefit from orthodontic treatment.

There might be some general soreness of the teeth and mouth. Usually, this is not enough to interfere with your daily routine, but if tenderness is severe, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen is the safest form of pain reliever for children (but please consult our team or your dentist first). Try to avoid harder foods that require chewing while the teeth are tender. Stick to soft, nutritious foods such as pasta, soups, etc. Discomfort is usually worse in the first few days after braces are first placed and then gradually resolves. The teeth may even appear loose which is a normal reaction so “don’t panic”. Teeth must loosen first so they can move but they will firm up again.

Our doctors like to see patients at a young age. Between the ages of 5 and 7, the front permanent teeth begin to come in. At this time, potential bite and crowding problems become noticeable to the orthodontist. This is also an ideal time, when indicated, to begin early treatment to take advantage of the child’s growing facial bones to achieve the best treatment results. Because 75% of a child’s growth occurs before the age of 10, early treatment expands and directs moldable, growing bones to produce a greatly improved profile and a healthy, properly functioning mouth. However, it is never too late to receive orthodontic treatment. Even adults can benefit from treatment.

Now that you have your orthodontic appliances or braces in place, keeping your teeth, gums, and appliances clean is most important. Braces, wires, bands and retainers all can trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Plaque is a sticky layer of harmful bacteria, food, saliva and debris which, if allowed to build up, can attack your teeth and gums, causing cavities and gum disease. Brushing and flossing after every meal and snack is the only way to prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Your orthodontist will want you to protect your braces by avoiding the foods mentioned below. Loose braces or bands are not only uncomfortable but also delay treatment. Eating these foods will loosen the braces, but you may not discover the problem until hours or days later. The end result(s) can be loose bands, broken wires, and detached brackets.

• Ice – A thousand times no! It will destroy your braces.
• Pizza crust – The hard crust bends wires.
• Hard pretzels – Bends wires, loosens bands, knocks off brackets.
• Doritos, hard shell tacos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Fritos, etc. – These will form a hard ball and break your braces.
• Caramel, candy, bubble gum – Sticky goo which pulls off wires and feeds the bacteria in your mouth.
• Hard rolls, bagels, bones – Bends the wire and knocks off brackets.
• Beef jerky – Tough as nails.
• Suckers – You might weaken and bite.
• Nuts – No nuts of any kind.
• Ribs – Knocks off brackets.
• Pens and pencils – Favorite exam time food, breaks everything.
• Popcorn – The little shells get between the gum and band – hurts like crazy.
• Raw carrots – Hard as rocks.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint/muscle dysfunction. Many patients experience pain or limitation of movement in their jaw joint (TMJ) at different times of their lives. Clicking or “popping” of the joint, along with pain, when opening or chewing is another common problem. Sometimes the pain of the TMJ will mimic ear pain. Headaches can also result from the jaw joint not functioning properly. If you suspect a TMJ problem, you should consult your dentist or Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics today.