Frequently Asked Questions

(*click the questions for the answers)

1. How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?
2. What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
3. Why should children have an orthodontic screening before all of the permanent teeth are in?
4. What are the benefits of early treatment ?
5. Does everyone need early treatment?
6. Will treatment be uncomfortable?
7. How long will orthodontic treatment take?
8. What are extraction and non-extraction treatment to straighten teeth and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
9. What is a space maintainer?
10. Can my child play sports while wearing braces?
11. Will my braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
12. Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
13. Will my child's tooth alignment change later?
14. What about the wisdom teeth (third molars) - should they be removed?
15. Can orthodontic treatment do for adults what it does for children?
16. How does adult treatment differ from that of children and adolescents?
17. What are the different types of braces?
18. Are there less noticeable braces?
19. What are lingual braces?
20. Do teeth with braces need special care?
21. How is treatment accomplished?