FAQ

Signs that early treatment may be needed include crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, thumb sucking past age 5, or a jaw that appears too small or shifts when biting.

Yes! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early visits allow us to monitor growth and determine if early intervention is needed.

No referral is necessary! You can schedule an orthodontic consultation with us directly, even if your dentist hasn’t specifically recommended it.

If applicable, bring your insurance information and any recent dental X-rays. Don’t worry if you don’t have them—we can take new digital scans in the office.

Orthodontics improves more than just appearance—it enhances your bite, prevents excessive tooth wear, makes oral hygiene easier, and can even help with speech and breathing issues.

Clear aligners can be just as effective as braces for mild to moderate cases. However, for complex cases, braces may be the better option. We will recommend the best treatment for your needs.

Rinse them with lukewarm water and use a soft toothbrush to clean them. Avoid hot water, as it can warp the plastic. You can also use aligner cleaning crystals for a deeper clean.

It may take a few days to adjust, but most patients experience minimal changes. Clear aligners can sometimes cause a slight lisp initially, but this typically fades as you get used to them.

Whitening treatments are best done after orthodontic treatment. However, for clear aligners, whitening toothpaste and aligner-safe whitening gels can be used during treatment.

It’s best to stick to soft foods for the first few days as your teeth adjust. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods to prevent damage to your braces.

If an appliance feels loose, stop turning it (if applicable) and contact us immediately for an adjustment. Avoid sticky or hard foods that could make it worse.

If an aligner cracks or breaks, wear your previous set and contact us for a replacement. Avoid using a broken aligner, as it may not fit properly and could affect your progress.

Your teeth may shift slightly, making it harder to fit back into your current set. Try reinserting them, but if they don’t fit properly, contact us to discuss your next steps.

Call our office as soon as you notice an issue. We’ll do our best to see you as quickly as possible and guide you on what to do in the meantime.

Absolutely! Just make sure to bring extra elastics, wax, and any necessary aligners. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, let us know so we can plan accordingly.