A.
Braces
can either be fixed on the teeth or they can be removable. The removable type of braces usually are for more
minor tooth movement so most orthodontic work is done with non-removable braces. If the orthodontist makes a
removable appliance for you, you must still wear it almost all the time, except when eating, in order for it to create the
tooth movement you want. Taking it in and out frequently lets the teeth move back and it will take a much longer time
to get the results you want.
Q. Can braces be done on the inside so they don't show?
A.
Braces
can sometimes be done on the inside so they are not visible, but not always. Also, it is more difficult to
work with braces on the inside and so it usually takes longer and is more expensive.
Q. How long does it take to straighten teeth with braces?
A. A typical orthodontic case takes around two years but can vary considerably due to the specifics of the individual
case. Sometimes young children are treated
in two stages, for example, with one to several years in between.
Q. Can adults get braces?
A.
Braces
can be used for both adults and children. Typically most orthodontists have 30% to 50% of the patients as
adults.
Q. Do you have to get teeth extracted to get braces?
A. In the past, many patients had some permanent teeth removed in the process of
braces. Now, modern orthodontic
treatment prefers to keep all of the permanent teeth unless there is severe crowding and there is just no room for all of
the
teeth.
Q. Do braces cause white spots on teeth?
A.
Braces
do not cause white spots on the teeth. White spots are due to the person having braces on their teeth and
not properly cleaning their teeth.
Q. Do braces cause teeth to decay?
A.
Braces
do not cause decay. Too much sugar and plaque accumulation cause decay. However, braces make it a lot
harder to effectively clean your teeth. As a result, we recommend adults and children with braces get their teeth cleaned
every three months, and to use a water pick to assist in home care and prescription strength home fluoride daily.
Q. Can teeth shift back after braces?
A. The objective of
braces
is to move teeth into a position where the bite is good, the smile looks great and the teeth are
stable so they won't shift back. Sometimes this is not done and long-term retainers need to be used or the teeth will
tend to shift.
Q. Is there an easy way to keep teeth clean when you have braces?
A. There is no easy way to keep teeth clean with
braces. We
recommend that anyone with braces come for professional
cleanings every 3 months, and in addition to a toothbrush, use a Water pick.
