Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

Orthodontic treatment is used to correct bites and occlusion as well as to straighten crooked teeth. The treatments can be carried out by either a regular dentist or an orthodontist, but if a dentist is unable to treat your malocclusion, they will refer you to an orthodontist since that is their specialty.
Anyone who is currently or planning on receiving orthodontic treatment is bound to have many questions. Here we will review some of the most frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions on orthodontic treatment
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
No, there is no age limit when it comes to straightening your teeth or correcting your bite. Even though most orthodontic patients are teenagers and kids, adults also see orthodontic professionals when they want to fix their bite or straighten their teeth.
How do I know whether I need orthodontic treatment?
You can tell if you need orthodontic treatments by simply taking a look at your teeth in the mirror. If your teeth are crooked or crowding your mouth, or if either your front teeth or back teeth protrude farther than the other, you should see an orthodontic professional.
Will I need braces?
Not necessarily. Braces are commonly used to correct problems with the teeth, but using braces is not the only available option. If your teeth are crooked, you can fix the problem with clear aligners, which are a popular alternative to traditional braces because they are difficult to spot and can be removed at any time, providing a convenience that braces do not.
Clear aligners take longer to get the desired effect but they eventually straighten out your teeth.
Can I play sports during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Orthodontic treatment will not prevent you from enjoying physical activities like sports. However, if you do intend to play sports when you are getting orthodontic treatment, it is recommended that you visit your dentist to get a custom-made mouthguard to protect yourself from injury if you get hit in the mouth while playing sports, to avoid a potentially serious injury inside your mouth.
Can I brush my teeth the same during orthodontic treatment?
Trying to brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush can be frustrating because the brush was not designed to be used on teeth with braces. Fortunately, there are toothbrushes and flossing materials designed to improve your ability to brush your teeth when you have braces, with small bristles that can clean between your teeth.
Do I still need to go for dental checkups during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. As a matter of fact, you should make more visits to the dentist after your treatment begins to make sure there are no issues. In most cases, your dentist will tell you when to schedule your next appointment.
The bottom line
Getting orthodontic treatment is a great way to improve your smile because the treatment helps to straighten out your teeth. If you want to find out more about orthodontics or need treatment, schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics.
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