FAQs

Make an informed decision

What is an orthodontist?

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, intercept and treat dental and facial irregularities.

These problems may include teeth that are crowded or too far apart, teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all, teeth that stick out, and mismatched jaws. Orthodontists treat existing problems, and can identify problems that are developing, and take timely action to resolve problems before they fully develop. Orthodontists treat patients of all ages, they regularly treat children, adolescents and adults.

Which treatment is the fastest?

Thanks to advances in technology, just about every type of treatment is relatively fast.

These important steps will make your treatment go as quickly as possible:

Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and diet.
Keep your scheduled appointments with your orthodontist.

What's the ideal age for orthodontic treatment - is there one?

Chronological age is not a factor when deciding whether a patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment; there is not one ideal age for treatment to begin. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Regardless of age, patients can look forward to teeth that not only look better, but work better, too.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist at the first recognition of the existence of an orthodontic problem, but no later than age 7. Few patients will need to begin treatment that young, but there are some who will benefit from early intervention. For these patients, treatment is likely to consist of guiding the growth of the jaws so that the permanent teeth are in good positions as they come in.

A check-up while some baby teeth are still present and while the face and jaws are growing, may reveal that immediate treatment is not necessary, but that the child could benefit from treatment in the future. In these cases, the patient visits the orthodontist periodically to monitor growth and development. This “watchful waiting” gives the orthodontist the opportunity to advise parents when the best time is for that child to begin treatment. Often the orthodontist is able to take advantage of predictable periods of a patient’s growth and intervene so that orthodontic treatment can have the best results possible. There are some things that cannot be accomplished once the face and jaws are no longer growing.

Still, orthodontic treatment can be highly successful in adults. The physiological process of moving teeth is the same in adults as it is in children. Adult orthodontic treatment may take a little longer than children’s treatment due to denser bone tissue in adults. A new smile can be especially profound for adults who have spent years hiding their teeth

How long does treatment last?

The length of treatment will depend on the kind of problem an individual patient has. Simple cases may take only a few months to treat, while a complete bite correction can take a couple years.

I don't want old-fashioned braces. What are my options?

Thanks to advances in technology, your treatment options may include invisible braces, lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, or clear aligner trays.

Today’s standard metal braces are much smaller and sleeker than those of even a generation ago.

Dr Marks will discuss your options with you during your consultation to determine what type of treatment will be best suited to your needs.

How often will I need to see the orthodontist while I'm in treatment?

On average, you will see the orthodontist about every six to ten weeks during treatment. This allows the orthodontist to make the changes needed to progress through treatment and also allows them to keep an eye on your treatment progress and monitor the health of your teeth and gums.

Do I need to change my oral hygiene routine during treatment?

Yes, keeping your teeth and braces (or other appliances) clean requires a little more effort on your part. Our team will explain how to brush and floss, how often to brush and floss, and give you any special instructions based on the kind of orthodontic treatment you are having. Be sure to follow your dental hygiene recommendations to get the best results possible.

In general, patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. They should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils, fingernails and never chew ice. It’s much too hard on your teeth – even without braces.

Also be sure to see your family dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up at least every six months during your orthodontic treatment or more often, if recommended.

Once I finish orthodontic treatment, my teeth will remain straight forever, right?

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

When should I consider seeing an orthodontist?

If you recognise any of these signs or concerns in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.

  • You want a beautiful smile
  • You feel a great smile will improve your self-esteem and self-confidence
  • You want the best for your family
  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or are recessed
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips