Frequently Asked Questions and Videos
Frecuently Asked Questions
- What is orthodontics?
- What is an orthodontist?
- What are braces?
- Why are some treatments started early and some later on?
- Do braces hurt?
- Will I have to have teeth taken out?
- How long will I have to have my braces on?
- What happens if something breaks or I have a wire poking?
- Why do I have to wear retainers when my braces come off?
What to eat when you have braces
Brushing & Flossing
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the correction of tooth and jaw irregularities. Top ↑
An orthodontist is a dentist who has returned to university for additional education and training in the specific field of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. In order to be licensed as an orthodontist in Canada, a dentist must complete a two or three year graduate program at an accredited university and then pass a fellowship exam with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. Top ↑
Typically braces are considered any appliance that moves the teeth or helps realign the jawbones. They can be metal, ceramic, or plastic. With traditional braces the bracket (brace) is attached to the tooth and a wire is attached to the bracket and together they provide the required mechanisms for movement. The bracket (brace) can be attached to either the outside or the inside of the tooth. When using Invisalign® it is the clear plastic aligner that moves the teeth. Removable appliances with springs are also used to move teeth. Top ↑
Occasionally it is necessary to start orthodontic treatment early to correct a problem that would be more difficult to correct later on. This “phase” of treatment is usually limited to just the specific problem with a second “phase” of comprehensive treatment recommended later during adolescence. Top ↑
Braces work by applying light, gentle pressure to move the teeth. After the braces have been placed, and after each adjustment appointment, the teeth will feel sore but this discomfort will only last on average for one to two days. It will take some time for the lips, tongue, and cheeks to get used to the bulkiness of the braces and they too can be sore after the braces have been placed. Top ↑
Sometimes the size of the jaws is too small to accommodate all of the teeth and it becomes necessary to remove adult teeth so that the remaining teeth can be placed in a stable and healthy position. Top ↑
The complexity of the case dictates just how long braces will be needed. The average time in braces is around two years.Top ↑
If you have any kind of problem with your braces call or e-mail our office as soon as you can. Sometimes you will be seen before your next scheduled appointment. Often you can wait until your regular appointment to fix the problem but we need to know about problems in advance so that we can schedule you the additional time. Top ↑
After the teeth have been moved to their new positions the braces will be removed. However, the fibers that connect the teeth to the bone need time to reorganize. The purpose of the retainers is to hold the teeth in these new positions while the fibers are reorganizing. The amount of time the retainers are worn is slowly reduced, but because teeth will always have a natural tendency to move, many people find they need to wear their retainers at night indefinitely. Top ↑