What is an orthodontist? Is a referral necessary? Why should children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7? What are the benefits of early treatment? Will my child’s mouth change with growth and interfere with the orthodontic or orthopedic treatment? How does the aesthetic aspects of orthodontics affect you? How long do I have to wear braces? Can I be assured that all instruments are sterilized and that there is adequate infection control? Do braces hurt? Will my braces interfere with playing a musical instrument? How does playing sports affect wearing braces? Why are retainers so important? Should wisdom teeth (third molars) be removed? What is an orthodontist? An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an additional two-to three-year program for advanced dental training in the specialty of orthodontics.   Back to top Is a referral necessary? No. You are encouraged to contact a certified orthodontic specialist directly or upon request of your family dentist.   Back to top Why should children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7? By age 7, enough permanent teeth have erupted and jaw growth has occurred that the dentist or orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents’ concerns if all seems normal. For example: Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth Early or late loss of baby teeth Any ongoing finger sucking, mouth breathing, speech difficulty or other oral habits assessed Jaws and teeth are out of proportion to the rest of the face Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all   Back to top What are the benefits of early treatment? Early treatment presents the opportunity to: Guide the growth of the jaw Harmonizing the width of dental arches Improving eruption pattern Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper front teeth Correcting harmful oral habits Reducing or eliminate abnormal swallowing, or speech problems Improving self-esteem and aesthetics Simplifying and/or shortening treatment time for later corrective orthodontics Reducing likelihood of impacted permanent teeth Preserving or gaining space for erupting permanent teeth Back to top Will my child’s mouth change with growth and interfere with the orthodontic or orthopedic treatment? No. The jaws do not increase in actual space for permanent teeth past the age of eight. In a normal growth pattern the upper and lower jaws grow forward as a unit.   Back to top How does the aesthetic aspect of orthodontics affect you? How one feels about his/her looks has an impact on self-esteem. We know that orthodontics is a way to improve self-esteem because improved appearance of the teeth, mouth and face is a product of orthodontic treatment.   Back to top How long do I have to wear braces? Average treatment time ranges from 18 to 24 months; although, the length of time can be affected by the complexity of the problem; response to treatment; delayed tooth eruption; and patient cooperation.   Back to top Can I be assured that all instruments are sterilized and that there is adequate infection control? Yes. You will notice that Dr. Dailey and our chairside assistants wear rubber gloves when treating patients. This is done for your protection and to minimize the risk of disease transmission. All instruments are fully heat sterilized after each patient. Our heat sterilizers are tested by an independent testing service to assure that the equipment is functioning properly.   Back to top Do braces hurt? Our office uses the most current technology for orthodontic movement of teeth. These latest technological advances have made treatment more comfortable for patients. The orthodontic braces are smaller and smoother, plus high-tech wires provide continuous light forces over a longer period of time. Typically, the patient is not uncomfortable while in the office but will experience some discomfort for two to three days after each adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for the discomfort.   Back to top Will my braces interfere with playing musical instruments? Playing wind or brass instruments, such as the trumpet, will clearly require some adaptation to braces. With practice and a period of adjustment, braces typically do not interfere with the playing of musical instruments.   Back to top How does playing sports affect wearing braces? Wearing a protective mouth guard is advised while playing any contact sport, and our office can make a custom-fitted mouth guard that will generally last throughout the treatment time.   Back to top Why are retainers so important? Retainers keep your teeth straight at the completion of treatment. If they are not worn as instructed, your teeth will move or tend to relapse. We will continue to monitor your retention stage and guide you on long-term wear of retainers.   Back to top Should wisdom teeth (third molars) be removed? Yes. Your orthodontist in consultation with your family dentist can determine what is right. Orthodontic treatment does not increase the incidence to keep or remove wisdom teeth.   Back to top