A. Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile; orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.

A. According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear and our deepbite patients often present with existing incisor wear. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile—it creates a healthier you and helps your smile last a lifetime.

A. At the beginning of your orthodontic treatment we will see you every 10-12 weeks. As we get closer to finishing your treatment we will see you every 4-7 weeks. It is normal to align your teeth and then take an x-ray to check for root alignment to determine if any braces need to be changed as we near the midway point of your treatment.

A. The short answer is YES. Retainers should continue to be worn as long as you wish to have straight teeth! You will likely have some combination of removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (glued behind your teeth), or a combination of the two. A great rule of thumb is if your removable retainer feels passive (no pressure) your bite is stable. We see a lot of adults seeking retreatment for lower crowding after their fixed retainers were removed. Because it’s impossible to predict whose teeth will shift, we recommend always wearing your removable retainer at least 3-5 times a week after a year of every night.