Orthodontic Care & Braces Frequently Asked Questions

Your Healthiest Confident Smile Starts At Bowen Orthodontics

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.

What is orthodontics?

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.

What is an orthodontist?

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.

What is the best age to visit our orthodontist in Rolla, MO or St. Robert, MO?

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!

How can you take care of your teeth while in braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal, and floss at least once a day while in braces.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep your retainer safe in its container. That way, it won’t get lost or broken!
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your time in braces, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your St. Robert or Rolla braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

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:

• Clear braces (ceramic braces)
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces (Invisalign)
• Traditional metal braces

How long do you have to wear braces?

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.

Do braces hurt?

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.

Do you need to brush your teeth more often with 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.

If you have braces, do you still need dental checkups every six months?

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.

Will braces interfere with your school activities, like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

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.

How do you schedule your next appointment?

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.

Bowen Orthodontics Offers 5-Star Orthodontic Treatment Options, Including St. Robert & Rolla Braces, Clear Braces, Invisalign, Orthodontic Treatment for Children & More – Serving Rolla, Cuba, Salem, St. James, St. Robert, Waynesville, Owensville, Licking & Sullivan, MO