Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

Selecting an orthodontist in Rogers who can help you achieve your smile dreams is important. Dr. Sarah from Imagine Orthodontics has the knowledge and expertise to create personalized treatment plans for each patient’s unique smile.

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see an orthodontist.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21.

Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.

This can be determined at your initial consultation at our Rogers office.

Braces do not often hurt though you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces.

You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Dr. Sarah can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask Dr. Sarah or your family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do NOT put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly.

With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up which can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease.

Dr. Sarah will work closely with your dentist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities.

If you play a contact sport, we recommend that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

Dr. Sarah will recommend how long to continue wearing your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth).

Because the bone around your teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed.

By wearing your retainers, your teeth are more likely to remain where Dr. Sarah has placed them through braces treatment.

The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even though you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect changes in tooth position.

Many factors at work may cause teeth to shift. Such changes are different for everyone, and most of the time, they are hardly noticeable.

However, on occasion, changes can occur that are disappointing to both the patient and Dr. Sarah. Changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment.

They are a natural process. We expect changes in our bodies as we grow older, and teeth are no exception.

To help control and limit these changes, retainers are prescribed after your braces are removed.

Not necessarily. Research suggests that wisdom teeth don’t always cause teeth to shift.

In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic health. Your family dentist or Dr. Sarah can help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

The small changes that happen after braces are removed are due to settling in as you use your teeth for biting and chewing. The more serious and unwanted changes may be traced to genetics or later-than-normal growth, which is unpredictable.

Movement is most common in lower front teeth. This is particularly true if the teeth were extremely crowded prior to treatment. Changes in tooth position are a lifelong and naturally occurring phenomenon.

The best way to keep your teeth from shifting is to wear your retainers as prescribed. If you notice movement after your braces are removed, please contact Imagine Orthodontics.

Simply call our Rogers office! Our front desk team will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience.

If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.