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general questions

To learn more about our payment and insurance policies, check out our Payment & Insurance page.
Orthodontic emergencies can include broken brackets, wires that need to be clipped, or wires that have come completely out. However, if you believe you have an orthodontic emergency, please give us a call when the office opens at 7:30 AM; our office number is 615-376-0969. Furthermore, if it is a dental emergency, please contact your general dentist.
Orthodontic treatment can provide many benefits such as:
  • Improved bite
  • Improved long-term health of teeth and gums
  • Ease of brushing and flossing
  • Helps balance the facial musculature
You can start orthodontic treatment at any age. However, early detection makes many orthodontic problems easier to correct. For example, treating issues before jaw growth slows can lead to better outcomes. Additionally, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit an orthodontist by age 7. Parents, family dentists, or physicians should refer children earlier if they notice any issues.

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A general dentist completes dental school and then pursues 2 to 3 additional years of full-time orthodontic training, earning a nationally accepted specialty certificate. Afterward, the orthodontist focuses their practice exclusively on straightening teeth and correcting jaw problems.
Orthodontists deliver Phase 1 treatment early, before all permanent teeth erupt. In addition, this early care begins correcting harmful malocclusions or poor bites that may worsen over time. As a result, early intervention can prevent issues that might become more difficult or impossible to treat later. However, Phase 1 treatment does not replace conventional orthodontics typically done during adolescence. For example, orthodontists may use Phase 1 treatment to correct individual tooth or jaw crossbites, severe underbites, and overbites when functional, aesthetic, or psychological concerns arise.
Orthodontists begin Phase 2 treatment as a conventional approach to aligning permanent teeth. Additionally, they may start it while the last baby teeth fall out and continue until they evaluate or straighten the 12-year molars. Typically, this treatment lasts between 14 and 18 months.

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Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. Plus, the brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. Furthermore, when the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
  • Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth or are bucked
  • The upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
  • Furthermore, the upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
  • The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
  • Crowded or overlapped teeth
  • The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
  • Finger or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
  • Difficulty chewing
  • Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
  • The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
  • Spaces between the teeth
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires, you may feel some soreness for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth. Wax will be provided for this reason.
Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient. Click here to learn more about adult orthodontics.

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Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by the rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist for routine cleanings and dental checkups.

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No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors.

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No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers and orthodontic wax can be provided to help prevent discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions, most likely, others have had them, too! Browse our list of frequently asked questions, and feel free to contact us directly if you don’t find the answers you need. We’re here to help!

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