• What is an orthodontist?
• Why is orthodontic treatment so important?
• When should my child be seen for an orthodontic evaluation?
• As an adult, could I benefit from orthodontic care?
• How long will my treatment take?
• What is expected of me during treatment?
• What foods should be avoided?
• What will orthodontic treatment cost?
• Why are retainers important?
• Do I need to wear a mouth guard?
• Emergencies

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist must complete college, a three- to five-year dental graduate program, and an additional two to three years of advanced orthodontic education.

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Why is orthodontic treatment so important?

Misaligned teeth are difficult to keep clean and this can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum disease, and possible jaw joint problems. Also, an unattractive smile affects self-esteem. Children and adults whose malocclusions (bad bite) are left untreated may feel self-conscious, hiding their smiles.

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When should my child be seen for an orthodontic evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven. At this age there is a mix of adult and baby teeth. Dr. Cavanagh can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. These problems may be easier to treat if found early. Early treatment may also prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later stage shorter and less complicated. Colts Neck Orthodontics offers a complimentary initial evaluation where Dr. Cavanagh provides advice and guidance as to when the appropriate age to start treatment would be.

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As an adult, could I benefit from orthodontic care?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. About one in five orthodontic patients are adults. It’s never too late to get a healthy, beautiful smile.

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How long will my treatment take?

Every patient is different and the length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, growth and tissue response to treatment, as well as how well the patient follows Dr. Cavanagh’s instructions. Generally, the length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment can range from approximately one to three years.

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What is expected of me during treatment?

Patient cooperation is critical in determining the length of treatment and the quality of the outcome. Patient compliance with elastic wear, functional appliance wear, or headgear wear can be very important in insuring a successful outcome.

Proper cleaning of the teeth to remove food debris and plaque is important to prevent cavities, gum disease and permanent scarring of the enamel (“white spots”). In addition, you must continue to see your dentist every six months, or more often if recommended, for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Keeping braces from breaking or wires from getting bent will speed treatment. Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods will go a long way in preventing broken braces. Pen and pencil chewing should also be avoided.

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What foods should be avoided?

Food that is not properly removed from your braces can cause discoloration and decay of your teeth as well as gum disease. Also, keep in mind that your braces are fragile and can be damaged by eating the wrong foods.

Reduce sugar intake by limiting foods and drinks like candy, cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream, soda, iced tea, lemonade, fruit juices.…

Sticky foods increase the risk of dental decay and breakage of your orthodontic appliances. The following foods should NOT be eaten during treatment: gum, caramels, caramel apples, toffee, Now & Laters, Sugar Daddies, Sugar Babies, Tootsie Rolls, Starbursts, licorice, Gummy Bears, dates, figs, ….

Hard foods can break your orthodontic appliances. The following foods can be eaten but with CAUTION: nuts, popcorn, bagels, pizza crust, ice, corn on the cob, beef jerky, spare ribs, hard pretzels, chips, apples, raw carrots, ….

Remember to avoid chewing on pens, pencils and fingernails.

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What will orthodontic treatment cost?

Fees for orthodontic care vary with the severity of the problem and the complexity and length of treatment. At Colts Neck Orthodontics we believe that orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in the overall dental, medical and psychological well being of children and adults. We are sensitive to the fact that people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations; therefore, we offer several convenient payment options:

- Payment in full discount
- No interest payment plan
- Participation and coordination of benefits with most insurance plans
- Provide assistance with your Flex Spending Account

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Why are retainers important?

Wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial to maintaining the success of your orthodontic treatment. Your retainer is specially designed to help maintain the results of your treatment.

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Do I need to wear a mouth guard?

Yes. Any time your are engaged in an activity where your face can come in contact with something hard – another player, a ball, the pavement…, you should be wearing a mouth guard. Mouth guards protect your teeth from being knocked out, protect your lips and cheeks from getting cut by the teeth or braces, and protect you from getting a concussion. Wearing a mouth guard is important while your braces are on and after your braces come off. At Colts Neck Orthodontics, your safety is very important to us. That is why we provide ALL of our patients with braces complimentary mouth guards.

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Emergencies

Problems you may experience with your appliances can be temporarily solved at home. Here are some solutions you can try to solve the problems until you can make an appointment. Please notify us of any problems you have experienced prior to your next appointment. This will allow us to schedule enough time to address your situation.

Lost tie-wire or elastic tie: Notify us at the next appointment.

Loose band or bracket: If still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, wrap in a tissue and bring it with you to your next appointment.

Loose wire: Place the wire back with tweezers. If this is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is fastened. Reduce the possibility of swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area to catch the piece you will remove. If uncomfortable, place wax on it.

Poking wire: Push the sticking wire down with a Q-tip, spoon or a pencil eraser. If this is not possible, place wax on it.

Soreness: It’s normal to have discomfort for three to five days after braces or retainers are adjusted. Encourage soft foods and warm salt-water rinses. Over-the-counter pain relievers, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may be effective.

Headgear does not fit: Call our office.

Loose appliance: If it does not stay in place, call our office

Accidents/Trauma: Call your dentist and our office as soon as possible.