Orthodontic care can be confusing when you are a new patient, but it doesn’t have to be! Before, during, and after treatment, you will have About Faces and Braces Orthodontics in your corner to make the process as pleasant and stress-free as possible! To help you start your research, we have compiled this list of orthodontic FAQs that can help you hit the ground running.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist, like our own Dr. Candice and Dr. Shawn, is an oral healthcare professional who continued their education after dental school to specialize in orthodontics. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, orthodontics is an oral health specialty area that focuses on “diagnosis, supervision, guidance and correction of malocclusions.” Essentially, an orthodontist improves teeth and jaw alignments!
Why should you see an orthodontist?
Orthodontic care can drastically boost your quality of life because your teeth and jaw alignment are directly linked to your physical, mental, and oral health.
For example, did you know crooked teeth can negatively impact your chances of getting a job, getting second dates, and making friends? It’s true! Because misaligned teeth can be seen as aesthetically unappealing and lower your self-esteem, you are less likely to make a good first impression!
Improper placement of the teeth and jaw can also lead to health complications. Overcrowded teeth can make oral hygiene frustrating, and a misaligned jaw can make chewing challenging. If left untreated, this could cause tooth decay, choking, heartburn, gum disease, and more.
Seeing an orthodontist and getting appropriate treatment can minimize these risks and leave you happy and healthy.
Is care only for teenagers?
Despite the association of braces with teenagers, they are not the only age group orthodontic care can help! Many orthodontists, including ours at About Faces and Braces Orthodontics, believe children should see an orthodontist by age seven! Though most children do not need treatment immediately, it is best to have them assessed early, just in case!
Don’t let that make you think you’re too old for braces! It is never too late to invest in yourself. You deserve a beautiful, functional smile that you are proud to share with the world!
What treatment options are there?
No matter your age or orthodontic needs, About Braces and Faces Orthodontics has you covered!
- Metal Braces – great for patients of all ages who require a durable fixed appliance
- Clear Braces – great for adults and older teenagers who want all the benefits of braces but don’t want them to be super obvious to others
- Invisalign – our most discreet treatment option is recommended for patients who can handle the responsibility of a removable appliance
Do braces hurt?
Though we can’t promise that braces won’t hurt at all, we can promise that they don’t hurt nearly as much as you might think they do!
Braces apply gentle pressure to your teeth to move them over time. When you first begin wearing your braces (no matter the type), you will probably feel discomfort as the mouth adjusts. You might feel similar tenderness after every adjustment. You can manage the soreness with ice packs, orthodontic wax, Orajel, or over-the-counter pain medications!
Your braces should never cause severe pain not helped by the above steps. Unless you’ve experienced facial trauma or your braces are ill-fitting or broken, you should not feel anything above discomfort. If you do, please schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible so that we may find and correct the problem! There’s no need to tough it out!
What is the difference between an in-person and online orthodontist?
Online orthodontists market themselves as convenient time savers because you never have to venture to an orthodontist’s office or make an appointment at a less-than-optimal time for you. While we can see the appeal, online orthodontic patients lose so much in exchange for their time!
- You lose the benefit of building a relationship with the provider building your customized treatment plan.
- You have to perform much of your orthodontic work at home, which is less reliable and stress-free than having a professional do it.
- You lose access to top-of-the-line technology, like our 3D scanner, that can find and prevent concerns that can complicate your treatment.
- You don’t get to support a local business and help your community grow.
- You don’t have an oral healthcare professional carefully and closely monitoring your teeth’s health throughout treatment.
- And more!
An in-person orthodontist can do all of the above, and we offer more than one treatment option, so we can help you determine which braces are best for you and your goals.
Have more questions? We have more answers.
At About Faces and Braces Orthodontics, we take pride in addressing and answering all your questions before and during treatment so that you can be comfortable and confident throughout your orthodontic journey.
If you have questions not mentioned above, contact our offices in Springfield, Clarksville, and Nashville to speak to a helpful and kind team member. They can help you schedule an appointment to talk to the doctors if necessary. Once you’re ready, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation to discover which treatment option you qualify for.
Remember, no question is silly, redundant, or not worth asking, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!