Orthodontics FAQ
Carvalho & Roth Orthodontics, we want our patients to be informed about every aspect of their orthodontic treatment. We believe that it is important to inform our patients about every aspect of orthodontics. With knowledge, they are more compliant with treatment, leading to shorter treatment time and better results.
We’ve compiled our most frequently asked questions to help answer any questions you might have. If you have any other questions that aren’t answered below, please feel free to contact us.
At Orthodontists are oral health care providers who specialize in diagnosing, preventing and treating alignment problems and malocclusions (what’s known as “bad bites”) of the teeth and surrounding structures of the face and jaw. Orthodontists use specialized appliances such as braces, retainers and other appliances to fix these problems.
Not only can it improve the way you look in terms of your smile, but orthodontic treatment also improves the functionality of your mouth. By making your teeth straighter, it is easier to clean and care for your mouth, making you less prone to oral disease and infections.
Orthodontic treatments benefit everyone from all ages. However, it can be beneficial to start at an earlier age. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old. This is when adult molars begin to erupt,which allows an orthodontist to monitor the growth of a patient’s mouth.
Installing braces is virtually pain free. Some patients experience minor discomfort during the first few days, but it quickly subsides as they get used to it. If you are dealing with minor pain, over-the-counter medications can be used to relieve discomfort.
Treatment varies by a patient’s needs, but braces are typically work between 6-30 months with additional time needed for wearing a retainer.
It is recommended to schedule an appointment every 4-10 weeks during treatment.
Yes. Any food that may get stuck in your braces including certain raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy, ice cubes, corn chips, and more should be avoided. Ask your orthodontist for a full list of foods to avoid.
Yes, it is important to see your dentist while wearing braces or any orthodontic appliance you may be wearing. While wearing braces especially, plaque can build up, so it is important to keep your teeth clean. A dentist can help solve these problems with regular scheduled cleanings.
Yes. If you do not wear your retainer, your teeth may relapse to their original, crooked position, which will erase all the hard work and expense.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your health. While it may have a big price tag, the cost of malocclusions can end up costing a lot in the long run. To help reduce the cost, financing options and insurance can help.
If you have any more questions that are not answered below, please contact us. We have three convenient locations across Massachusetts in Marlborough, Northborough and Newtown Centre. To schedule an appointment, please feel free to call the closest location or contact us online. Thanks, and we hope to see you soon!