Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a dentistry that specializes and focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignments. Treatment involves using techniques like traditional braces and Invisalign® to help patients achieve straighter teeth and a healthier bite.

Orthodontists are dental specialists that are experts in diagnosing and treating orthodontic issues. Dr. Claudia Mortiz, our lead dentist, stands out as a board-certified orthodontist. She has always focused on correcting dental and jaw alignments to help improve her patient's oral health.

When wearing braces or a retainer, brush, and floss regularly, avoid hard or sticky foods, and adhere to a healthy dental regimen.

Dental braces are used in orthodontics to correct teeth misalignment and straighten teeth. They're important in giving patients a better bite and improving their oral health.

The duration of your treatment largely depends on the severity of your malocclusion and how you respond to treatments. On average, patients can expect treatment times to take anywhere from 18 to 24 months.

While braces may cause some discomfort, especially during the initial adjustment period, they do not typically cause significant pain.

If you have braces, brushing your teeth after every meal is recommended. Doing so will prevent food from getting trapped between the brackets and wires.

Yes! With or without braces, we recommend that patients schedule dental checkups every six months. Dental checkups are crucial in helping us monitor your overall oral health. This will also enable us to catch potential issues early on, saving money on future treatments.

While there might be an adjustment period for you to become accustomed to your braces, it should not significantly interfere with your school activities or day-to-day routine.

You can schedule your next appointment by booking a slot online or calling us at CONTACT NUMBER.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends parents and guardians take their child to an orthodontist around seven years of age. This allows the orthodontist to focus on treating any dental issues early on, potentially saving money on future orthodontic treatments.

The rules for braces are to keep your teeth clean by brushing and flossing daily, scheduling regular checkups with your dentist, and avoiding hard or chewy foods.

The rule of 5 refers to brushing thoroughly along the gum lines, toward the gums, underneath and on top of the wire, and on top and behind teeth. You should also brush after breakfast, lunch, dinner, when snacking, and before bed. Allocate FIVE minutes for brushing, and set aside at least FIVE minutes for flossing.

Invisalign aligners should be worn throughout the day and only taken out before eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Invisalign works by gradually shifting teeth into their correct position. The treatment utilizes a series of clear, removable, discreet, and unique aligners for the patient's teeth. It's a customized treatment plan that'll be uniquely tailored to your individual dental needs.

Invisalign treatment will generally take about 18 months to be completed. This will vary between patients depending on the severity of their malocclusion.

It is generally not recommended not to wear your Invisalign for a few hours. Clear aligners should only be removed when going through your dental regimen or eating and drinking.

Yes, after Invisalign treatment, you typically need to wear a retainer. These teeth retainers are used to maintain the position of your teeth and will help prevent your teeth from slowly shifting back to their original positions.

Yes, most people are good candidates for Invisalign. It's important to schedule an initial consultation where we'll assess the severity of your malocclusion and recommend appropriate treatments based on your individual needs.