Frequently asked questions
Treatment timing
When should I take my child for their first orthodontic consultation or checkup?
Visit an orthodontist by the age of 6 years of age, or when the first permanent molar has erupted in the mouth. However, if you or your pediatric dentist notice any abnormality in the bite, face, or recognize any habit that could have ill effects prior to the age of 6 years, visit an orthodontist at the earliest.
Should I wait for all permanent teeth to erupt before braces treatment?
No, braces treatment can be started before all deciduous (milk) teeth exfoliate or fall off. Let your orthodontist decide.
Can the orthodontic treatment be started when milk (deciduous) teeth are still present?
Yes, treatment can be initiated. Depending on the severity at hand, your doctor may choose to start, wait and watch, or postpone your treatment.
Problems in children
Can an orthodontist help if my child is snoring at night?
Snoring could be due to multiple reasons that require clinical assessment. An orthodontist can certainly help this diagnosis. If the snoring is due to abnormality in the growth of the jaws, leading to a smaller airway, an orthodontist can help correct it effectively.
Can an orthodontist help if my child has regular flu or cold infections?
Consult an ENT or pediatrician. This needs to be resolved at the earliest to prevent abnormal growth of the face and jaw bones. an orthodontist can conduct a further assessment to ensure a normal growth pattern.
Can an orthodontist help if my child has difficulty breathing or breathing through their mouth at night or day?
This problem should be resolved as early as possible. Your orthodontist will clinically assess the situation to determine a plan of treatment. You may require a consultation with an ENT as well.
Can an orthodontist help if my child has a Thumb or finger-sucking habit beyond the age of 4 years?
It is not natural for your child to continue any form of a non-nutritive sucking habit, including finger or thumb sucking beyond the age of 4 years. It adversely affects the growth of teeth, face, and jaw bones. An orthodontist can guide you correctly to resolve such a habit.
Aesthetics
I feel my chin is very prominent, what can I do?
Your chin may appear prominent because of a variety of reasons. Visit an orthodontist so that they can assess the situation and suggest a treatment plan that suits your requirements.
I feel my upper teeth are too forward, what can be done to correct it?
An orthodontist needs to check your clinically to assess the cause of this problem; whether it is in the teeth, jaw, combination, or others. Depending on your age, habits, lifestyle, and function, they will suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
I have abnormally positioned teeth, will I need extraction of teeth to correct it?
With modern orthodontic treatment methods, a majority of cases can be managed without extractions of healthy teeth. However, a proper clinical assessment will help your orthodontist decide what is best for you.
My tooth was extracted a few years back. I want a new tooth placed in the gap but my dentist says there is insufficient space. What are my options?
An orthodontist will be able to assess the situation - bone health, gum condition, the position of other teeth - and decide the course of management. They may suggest closing the gap or opening up space for your dentist to place a new tooth.
Health issues
I have been diagnosed with sleep apnea/ obstructive sleep apnea. Should I visit an orthodontist?
If your sleep medicine doctor or general physician has already diagnosed you with obstructive sleep apnoea or sleep apnoea, they may refer you to an orthodontist especially if your sleep apnoea is caused by abnormal jaw relationship. An orthodontist will be in a good position to resolve this problem.
Can an orthodontist help me know if I suffer from obstructive sleep apnea?
An orthodontist can only identify if you may suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea. This suggestion is best diagnosed and can only be confirmed at a sleep clinic by a physician trained in sleep medicine.
Do orthodontists treat TMDs (temporomandibular disorders) or jaw joint pain?
Yes, an orthodontist can help relieve TMJ pain (temporomandibular joint pain/ jaw joint pain). However, you should know that TMD pain is complex and often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving clinicians from other specialties.
Orthodontic consultation
What should I expect at my first orthodontic consultation?
The first appointment is crucial to form a rapport. Your orthodontist will understand your concern and ask you questions about your medical and dental history. They will examine you clinically to assess the problem. Based on their findings, they will advise the appropriate records such as X-Rays, dental molds, and photographs.
Is braces treatment painful?
Orthodontic treatment is usually non-invasive and comfortable. With modern treatment options and proper execution of treatment, there is little to no discomfort or pain during the treatment.
Are braces harmful to teeth?
Braces are not harmful to teeth. With or without braces, however, if you do not take proper care of your teeth - brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups - you risk damaging your teeth by developing cavities, swelling in your gums, and bleeding gums, among others.
Does braces treatment always need extractions of teeth?
No, there is no such rule and it depends on a variety of factors. Your orthodontist will discuss your treatment plan with you before anything is done.
What is the duration of braces treatment?
An average orthodontic treatment is 1.5 to 2 years long. However, some treatment duration may be shorter or longer depending on several factors such as patient compliance, the complexity of the case, age, type of treatment, and more.
During treatment
Do I have to avoid my favorite foods during treatment?
You can enjoy all food during treatment if you take proper care while chewing.
What precautions should I take during my orthodontic treatment?
The most important instruction is to ensure proper brushing and hygiene of teeth and gums. You must avoid eating unhealthy, hard, and sticky food items to prevent emergencies such as broken wires, loose braces, etc.
Can I smoke cigarettes or consume alcohol during my treatment?
We discourage any habit that is unhealthy. While smoking is injurious to health - braces or no braces - there is no adverse effect on your orthodontic treatment should you choose to continue your habit. You may experience stains on your teeth which will require regular professional maintenance. Other smoking-related adverse effects on your oral health that are unrelated to braces treatment will also have to be monitored. The same applies to alcohol consumption.
NOTE: If you are undergoing treatment via aligners, you will have to remove your aligners while smoking and snacking.
My tooth was extracted a few years back. I want a new tooth placed in the gap but my dentist says there is insufficient space. What are my options?
An orthodontist will be able to assess the situation - bone health, gum condition, the position of other teeth - and decide the course of management. They may suggest closing the gap or opening up space for your dentist to place a new tooth.
How often do I have to visit the orthodontist clinic during my treatment?
For traditional braces treatment, you need to visit your doctor once every 4-6 weeks. It is longer if you are using aligners or other special appliances.
What happens if one or more braces become loose or break?
This is one of the rare orthodontic emergencies. If this happens, do not panic. Call your orthodontist’s reception or office to schedule an appointment at the earliest. In case something is hurting your lip or cheeks, or bothering your tongue, use the temporary relief wax given to you by your dentist.
Can I play sports during my treatment?
Yes, you can, with proper care. For any contact sport, it is recommended to use a custom-made mouthguard.
What is a regular orthodontic treatment visit like?
During a regular visit, the doctor checks the progress of teeth movements and changes wires or elastics when needed. They take measurements, X-rays, or photographs on some visits. They also monitor and educate you regarding your oral hygiene and plan for the next visit.
Types of braces
Are braces removable or fixed?
In a large percentage of cases, braces are fixed to the teeth. However, some special cases require removable appliances before, during, or even after fixed braces treatment. Aligners are also removable.
Are there different types of braces available?
Yes, there are different types of braces. They can be metal or tooth-colored. and even of various shapes or colors. Aligners are also a type of brace treatment. However, the outcome of the treatment is independent of the type of brace.
What are aligners? Are they effective?
Aligners are completely clear and transparent, removable, and customized trays that fit on your teeth. They have built-in teeth movements as per the doctor’s plan. As you keep using the aligners and progress in your treatment by changing the aligners every week (or as prescribed) at home; your teeth will move and align. Aligners are effective for even moderate to severe cases due to technological and research-driven advancements in treatment planning and execution, and the manufacturing processes involved.
Why is treatment with aligners more expensive than conventional braces treatment?
The increased cost can be associated with sophisticated software, digital cross-country workflows, and 3D-printed manufacturing equipment. Aligners are customized and made especially for each patient, whereas the majority of conventional braces are mass-produced and therefore, cheaper.
Post-treatment
What happens after my orthodontic treatment is over?
Once your treatment is completed, your braces or attachments (in the case of aligners) will be removed painlessly. This will be followed by thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth. Your orthodontist will plan what type of retainers you need, if any. You will also be given instructions on how to care for your newly aligned teeth. Your doctor may ask you to visit their clinic periodically for follow-ups.
Do I need to continue visiting my orthodontist after my treatment ends? If yes, how often?
Once a retainer is given to you, it is recommended that you schedule one follow-up appointment within the next month to ensure good maintenance and wear. After this, the next appointment is usually after three to six months, unless some specific instructions are given to you.
Treatment in adults
Can orthodontic treatment be done in adults?
Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, even in adults - given the overall health of your gums and teeth is optimal.
What is surgical orthodontics?
If for some reason, your abnormal jaw relationship could not be corrected at an early age, then a combination of orthodontic treatment and surgery is recommended. In the surgery, the abnormalities are corrected to improve the bite, function, and appearance.
My orthodontist recommends orthodontics implants or mini-screws for my treatment. Why are they needed and are they safe?
Orthodontic implants are small screws usually less than 8-10mm in length. To move teeth, orthodontists need adequate support from other structures. If, for some reason, the surrounding support is weak or inadequate, additional support is needed - orthodontic implants or mini-screws are used. They are safe and are removed when they are no longer needed/ your treatment is complete.
Is orthodontic treatment possible if my gum health is not optimal?
Your orthodontist will assess the health of teeth and their supporting structures. If your gum health is not optimal, they will suggest the appropriate course of action before initiation of orthodontic treatment.