Orthodontic FAQs
Whitesides Orthodontics can answer your questions
Have questions about orthodontics? Dr. Whitesides can help. Get answers to the most common orthodontic questions we get at our orthodontist offices in North Port, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. If you don’t see your question listed below, always feel free to call our office, and our helpful team members can answer all your questions.
Questions & answers about 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.
An orthodontist, such as Dr. Whitesides, is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist can straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.
If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see an 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.
By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces or clear aligners, such as the Invisalign® system, slowly move teeth to the proper position.
Today, any age is a great age to wear braces! Modern braces and other orthodontic appliances may be removable or they may have brackets bonded to the teeth. You can now choose clear ceramic brackets or metal brackets and, in some cases, the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort.
Orthodontic treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.
Before beginning your orthodontic care in North Port, Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda, Florida, Dr. Whitesides will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.
- 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!
- If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
- 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 orthodontic treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount 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.
Your orthodontist uses braces to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to orthodontic treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple of days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new 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.
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.
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.
Simply call Whitesides Orthodontics! Our front desk team in North Port, Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda 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 request a free consultation and we will provide you with all the information you need.