If you are interested in our St. Robert or Rolla braces, clear braces, Invisalign, or another state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment, Dr. Bowen will take the time during your appointment to educate you fully on your options. He will also help you to choose the best treatment for your unique needs. In the meantime, we’ve listed some of our most commonly asked questions here for you to peruse while you wait for your appointment.
Don’t see your question answered here? Feel free to ask us by calling our orthodontic office at 573.364.0700 or clicking here for our online contact form.
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, including the teeth and jaw.
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. While you may sometimes find dentists who practice orthodontic care with treatments like Invisalign, it’s important to realize that dentists have not received the specialized training on jaw structure that a fully educated and experienced orthodontist has.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. While not all children receive treatment at this age, this initial visit helps to identify if your child can avoid tooth extractions or other more extensive treatment later in life by undergoing early treatment.
Of course, 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:
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can range anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.
Braces do not typically hurt, although you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new St. Robert or Rolla 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. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
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 that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist 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, it is recommended that you wear a customized mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
You can also ask your orthodontist about Invisalign or Invisalign Teen as an alternative to braces in Rolla, MO or St. Robert, MO. Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you may not need to make as many lifestyle adjustments during treatment.
Simply call our St. Robert orthodontic office or Rolla orthodontic office! Our front desk staff 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.