What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How can I take care of my teeth if I’m wearing braces or a retainer?

ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
When you take out your retainer to eat, return it to its container and store container safely (away from pets) or anyone who may toss out container inadvertently. Please brush and floss teeth after every meal and clean retainers before replacing them on your teeth.
Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the number of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

Clear braces
Ceramic braces
Lingual braces
Self-ligating braces
Invisible braces
Traditional metal braces

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

Are braces right for me?

While many people consider braces to be for teenagers, you can benefit from wearing them at any age. Braces are effective at realigning your teeth into the proper position, improving both your smile and self-confidence.

Braces are also effective at correcting dental issues and improving your oral health, including correcting your bite and a misaligned jaw.

Dr. Hukmani can determine if you’re a good candidate for braces based on a thorough evaluation and review of your oral health history.

What can I expect when having braces put on?

The process of placing your braces involves minimal discomfort, and Dr. Hukmani ensures you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.

He initially polishes your teeth and applies a priming agent to prepare them for the adhesive. Once your teeth are ready, Dr. Hukmani uses a dental-safe bonding glue to attach brackets before adding the wires.

Will braces hurt?

There will be a period of adjustment for you to get used to having the appliances in your mouth. During your initial weeks wearing braces, you may use over-the-counter pain medications to relieve any discomfort you have. Overall though, braces shouldn’t hurt.

If you feel any discomfort during your treatment, let Dr. Hukmani know right away so that he can make necessary adjustments.

How long will I need to wear braces?

Dr. Hukmani first creates a customized treatment plan and discusses how long he anticipates your need to wear braces, based on your specific dental health and alignment issues. You can expect to wear braces for 1-3 years to achieve your desired results. Please replace with 12–30 months. But this info should be incorporated into FAQs versus stand alone.

How often do my braces need to be checked?

Based on your treatment plan, Dr. Hukmani may request check-up appointments every month or two to make necessary adjustments. He also checks your teeth throughout treatment to ensure they’re moving into the proper position.

You also need to keep up with your regular dental visits while wearing braces for cleanings and checkups. These visits ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy.

Additionally, you should be consistent with your oral hygiene, brushing your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed. Brushing frequently ensures a clean, healthy mouth.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.