Frequently Asked Questions
General
When scheduling appointments, we encourage patients to let us know their preferred days and times, so we can find an appointment slot that works for them.
When patients are ready to schedule their first appointment, they can contact our practice, and our friendly scheduling coordinator will assist them in finding a time that works best for them. We're excited to work with our patients and help them achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
During orthodontic treatment, it's crucial to continue visiting your family dentist for routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any dental issues early on can help ensure the success of the orthodontic treatment. Our team is committed to working collaboratively with your family dentist to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist for an initial consultation by age 7. However, orthodontic treatment can be provided at any age, depending on individual needs and goals. Generally, it's best to address orthodontic issues early on to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes and prevent more serious problems from developing later on.
- Difficulty biting and chewing food
- Crowned, crooked, or blocked teeth
- Speech difficulty
- Protruding teeth
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Teeth that meat of normally or not at all
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking habits
- Late or early loss of baby teeth
Invisalign®
- Consultation: Dr. Khedkar will evaluate your teeth and create a treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
- Digital scans: Instead of traditional molds, your orthodontist will take digital scans of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth.
- Aligner production: Based on the 3D model, a series of custom-made aligners will be produced for you to wear.
- Wearing the aligners: You will wear each set of aligners for approximately two weeks for at least 22 hours daily.
- Progress check-ins: We will schedule check-ins every 10 to 12 weeks to monitor your progress and provide you with new sets of aligners.
- Final results: Once you have completed the entire series of aligners, you will wear a retainer to help maintain your new smile.
Invisalign treatment costs can vary depending on the length and complexity of the treatment needed. Factors such as the number of aligners required, the need for additional dental procedures, and the complexity of your malocclusion can all impact the cost of treatment.
However, many dental insurance plans now cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign, and many orthodontic offices offer payment plans to help make treatment more affordable. Our team will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of treatment and discuss payment options with you.
The length of Invisalign treatment depends on the severity of the patient's orthodontic issues. On average, Invisalign treatment takes about 12-18 months, but it can take longer or shorter depending on the patient's individual needs. Dr. Khedkar can better estimate how long your treatment will take after evaluating your teeth and bite.
One of the main advantages of Invisalign over traditional braces is that there are no food restrictions. Patients can remove their aligners to eat and drink, so they don't have to worry about getting food stuck in their braces. However, it's important to brush and floss before putting the aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles and bacteria against the teeth.
For the best results, patients should wear their Invisalign aligners for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat and brush their teeth. If the aligners are not worn for the recommended amount of time, the treatment may take longer or may not be as effective. Your orthodontist can provide more specific instructions based on your individual treatment plan.
Life with Braces
Here are some tips for caring for your teeth if you wear braces or a retainer:
- Brush your teeth at least three times a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Use an interdental brush or floss threader to clean around the brackets and wires of your braces.
- Use a Waterpik to dislodge large pieces of plaque or food from your braces or appliance
- Avoid sticky or hard foods that can damage your braces or retainer.
- Wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces if you participate in sports.
- Keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings to maintain good oral health.
Following these tips can help ensure that your teeth and braces or retainer stay clean and healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
The duration of braces treatment can vary depending on the individual's needs and treatment goals. On average, braces are worn for a period of 24 months.. Factors that can affect the duration of treatment include the severity of the orthodontic issues being addressed, the patient's age, and how well the patient follows the orthodontist's instructions for the care and maintenance of their braces.
Braces may cause some mild discomfort or soreness when first put on or after an adjustment, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or orthodontic wax. The discomfort typically subsides within a few days to a week, and your orthodontist can provide additional guidance and support.
You should brush your teeth more often if you have braces to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental issues. Brushing after every meal and snack, flossing at least once a day, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash are recommended. Your orthodontist can provide additional guidance and tips.
Braces should not prevent you from participating in school activities such as sports, playing an instrument, or singing. You may need to wear a mouthguard for sports and make adjustments to playing an instrument or singing.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- Hard and crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, and hard candy should be avoided.
- Sticky and chewy foods like gum, caramel, and gummy candies can get stuck in braces.
- Tough and chewy meats like beef jerky, pork ribs, and chicken wings can be difficult to eat with braces.
- Sugary and acidic foods like soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice can increase the risk of tooth decay and damage to braces.
- Corn on the cob and apples can be difficult to chew and may cause damage to braces.
Foods you CAN eat with braces:
- Soft fruits and vegetables: Cooked or steamed vegetables, bananas, berries, and applesauce are all good options.
- Soft grains: Cooked pasta, rice, and quinoa are all easy to eat with braces.
- Dairy products: Soft cheeses, yogurt, and milk are all good sources of calcium and protein.
- Soft bread: Tortillas, muffins, and pancakes are all easy to eat with braces.
- Soft proteins: Eggs, fish, and well-cooked poultry are all good options.
- Soups and stews: These are easy to eat and can be made with soft vegetables and proteins.
- Smoothies and milkshakes: These can be a great way to get nutrients while also satisfying your sweet tooth.
Loose wires and bands are common during orthodontic treatment, and it's important to address them promptly to avoid discomfort and potential damage to the teeth and mouth. The first step is to contact our office to schedule an appointment to fix the issue. In the meantime, you can use orthodontic wax to alleviate any discomfort caused by the loose wire or band or clip a poking wire with nail clippers or cuticle pliers.
It is common to experience soreness and discomfort after getting braces or other orthodontic appliances. This is because the teeth are moving to their ideal positions. To alleviate the soreness, try eating soft foods in the first few days after getting braces and take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
Contact us today!
Let us help you achieve your dream smile. Book your consultation today and discover how Charles River Orthodontics can help you achieve it!