FAQ

Orthodontics is devoted to moving teeth into the correct positions. Although this has esthetic effects, its primary purpose is to restore proper alignment to improve the health of the teeth and jawbones.

After completing the typical four or five-year dental program, an orthodontist must enter a residency that lasts two to three years. Here they learn to become specialists in tooth and jaw alignment.

Orthodontists correct misaligned teeth or problems with jaw alignment. Among the conditions they treat are crowded or too widely spaced teeth, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites and cross bites.

No. Adults can also be treated. The teeth will move no matter what the patient’s age. However, once the bones stop growing, correcting a problem like a narrow jaw may require assistance from other surgical or dental specialists.

Braces apply constant, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into position. There are several different systems of braces:

• Stainless steel or ceramic brackets are attached to the teeth and a wire is attached to the brackets. In some cases, rubber bands may also be used to move the teeth into the correct positions.
• Lingual braces are a subcategory of traditional braces. They are mounted on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside.
• Invisalign is a type of braces that consists of a custom-made removable clear plastic aligner that fits over the teeth.

31643674 – female patient showing her invisible lingual braces braces on dental mirror

Heredity is the most common reason for orthodontic problems. Thumb-sucking or lip-sucking, especially much past the age of five can increase the risk of protruding front teeth. An injury that results in tooth loss may allow teeth to shift.

Straight, properly spaced teeth are not only more attractive, they are easier to clean, which decreases the risk of periodontal disease, tooth and bone loss. Crooked teeth may eventually lead to problems with speech, biting or chewing and may cause headaches or jaw pain.

Research has shown that a smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When your teeth and jaw are properly positioned and in proportion, it can have a big impact on your appearance and self-confidence.

Misaligned teeth do increase the risk of dental decay because it can be harder to floss correctly and get all surfaces of the teeth clean. Once decay begins, the risk of periodontal (gum) disease goes up. Periodontal disease can actually cause destruction of the bone in the jaw as well as tooth loss. Poorly aligned teeth make it more difficult to chew food properly, which can affect your nutrition and overall health. If your dental problems contribute to sleep apnea, you’re risking your overall health, as sleep apnea has been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Some kinds of foods (like popcorn, hard and sticky candies) are notorious for causing problems and many orthodontists recommend their patient not eat these foods until the braces come off.

It’s important to avoid chewing on your fingernails, pencils, pens or similar objects to protect the braces. Never use your teeth to perform tasks like opening a package.

Some orthodontists extract teeth to make more room for teeth in a narrow jaw, but an expander can usually achieve the same result. Expanders stretch the soft tissue and bone of the palate to reshape the jaw as it grows. Expanders cannot be used in an older teen or adult as the bone is already fully grown and stabilized.

To stay updated on how our office is responding and to maintain a centralized place for resources such as this, we will be updating our website regularly at https://theschulhofcenter.com/. Our food and teeth health information is also located on the blog page of our site. Social media will be the fastest place to learn new information from us. Follow us on Instagram @theschulhofcenter and Facebook for updates.

Thank you for your understanding, and we are truly grateful that you have chosen to support our small business. We wish you all good health, and we can’t wait to see you again in person real soon!

Even when there are no obvious dental problems, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be evaluated by an orthodontist by about age seven. Reasons to evaluate a child early rather than later include:

• Thumb-sucking or lip-sucking
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Crowding or overlapping of permanent teeth
• Obvious abnormal bite development
• Clicking or popping when the jaw moves
• Repeatedly biting the cheek
• Speech problems or impediments
• Protruding teeth
• Uneven wear

In most cases, yes. Once the braces come off, there is a tendency for the teeth to shift. A retainer helps keep them in the correct position. Many people need to wear a retainer at night for the rest of their lives.

When braces are first placed, it’s normal to have some soreness. After all, the teeth are actually moving. It’s best to eat soft foods until your mouth feels normal again. A warm saltwater wash can help relieve irritated gums or sore spots. If you feel more than mild discomfort, an over-the-counter product can be used for pain relief. These medications can actually slow down tooth movement, however, so we recommend you use them only if absolutely necessary.

When a brace breaks, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to prevent discomfort and ensure that your child’s orthodontic treatment remains on track. Here are steps to follow if your brace breaks:

1. Contact Us Immediately: Reach out to our office as soon as possible. Explain the situation and schedule an appointment for a repair. Our team is trained to handle brace issues like these and can provide the necessary fixes.
2. Follow Our Advice: Our doctors may provide guidance on how to manage the issue until your appointment. Follow their instructions closely to avoid further complications. They may also give you instructions for post-treatment.

If the bracket is still attached to the arch wire, it’s best to leave it in place. Dental wax can help cover any edges. If the bracket is completely loose or can be easily removed, put it in a plastic bag and take it your your next orthodontic appointment.

Sometimes a wire will come loose from a bracket. You can try to put it back with a pair of tweezers or needle-nose pliers. Cover the end with wax if it’s poking you. As a last resort, clip the wire with a pair of fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is still fastened.

This is a fairly common occurrence. Just give us a call at: 551-231-5323

We have covered the most frequently asked questions above but if you have any other orthodontic related question, contact us here, where we will be happy to assist you.