What is Orthodontics and who is an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that concentrates on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. It is also known as dentofacial orthopedics.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has an additional two to three years of experience in this field. They are experts in straightening your teeth and correcting the jaw’s skeletal discrepancies, improving your smile’s functioning. Orthodontic or metal braces consultation at Accu Dental are always complimentary.

What is the right age to visit an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists suggests children make their first visit to an orthodontist at around age seven. However, Orthodontics is not just for children or teenagers. According to a study, approximately one in every five orthodontic patients is over 21. Our Orthodontist at Accu Dental can advise you if you or your child is a good candidate for full or limited Orthodontic treatment after the free exam.

How to take care of my teeth when wearing braces or a retainer?

  • Make sure you brush your teeth after each meal and floss once a day.
  • Use fluoride-based toothpaste and ask our expert dentists at Accu Dental whether you need a fluoride rinse too. You can prevent cavities.
  • Brush your retainer gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep it clean. You can also soak it in a denture cleaner as suggested by your dentist. Never put it in boiling water or the dishwasher.
  • When undergoing Orthodontic treatment, try avoiding food with more sugar content. Consuming foods with higher sugars may increase the number of bacteria in your mouth that can lead to potential cavities and decay.
  • Avoid sticky, chewy and hard foods or any food that can get stuck in your braces.

What does the term “braces” mean?

An orthodontist recommends braces to improve the malocclusion of your teeth. If you have misaligned teeth and want a straighter smile, consider braces to correct the condition. At Accu Dental our Orthodontist can provide various types of braces:

  • Clear braces.
  • Ceramic braces.
  • Lingual braces.
  • Invisible braces.
  • Traditional metal braces.

What long does it take to straighten my teeth?

The time required to align your teeth varies from one patient to another. The factors influencing the Orthodontic length of treatment are age, amount of misalignment, preconditions before starting Orthodontic treatment (e.g fix cavities or remove infection with Root Canal treatment), bone density, compliance and a person’s bodily response to braces. The treatment time may range from 6 months to 36 months approximately. Majority of the Orthodontic cases are treated within twenty four months.

Will braces hurt?

<p>Braces will not hurt for the most part, although you can experience slight discomfort for a few days initially as the parts of your mouth get used to the new braces.  </p>