Orthodontics FAQs Gardena CA

Orthodontics FAQs

Orthodontics FAQs Gardena, CA

Gardena Dental Care offers premier orthodontic services to provide our patients with the beautiful, straight smiles they’ve always wanted.

To understand what orthodontics is and how it can help you, we’ve put together a list of the most common questions we are asked. Our skilled orthodontists can help walk you through all the orthodontic choices we offer.

What Is Orthodontics?

A specialized form of dentistry, orthodontics focuses on identifying, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities.

While teeth straightening is what most people think of when they hear orthodontics, this form of dentistry also includes correcting misalignments in the jaw structure and improving smile functionality.

How Do I Choose an Orthodontist?

First, an orthodontist should be trained and certified. This means they are members of the American Association of Orthodontists and/or board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

A great indicator of a good orthodontist is the office staff. The way in which staff talk to and treat you is an indicator of the way your orthodontist will talk to and treat you.

Lastly, it is okay, and highly recommended, to choose an orthodontist that you actually like and feel comfortable with. Orthodontic treatment requires that you see an orthodontist often, so it is in your best interest to choose someone with a personality that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

It’s easy to find a certified orthodontist, but by choosing an orthodontist that you trust, the likelihood that you will stick to your treatment plan and ask questions when necessary increases dramatically.

What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

It is recommended that children be brought to an orthodontist by the time they turn seven years old.

This puts your child in a great position to have any orthodontic problems detected and corrected early on, avoiding long, difficult, and costly treatments later in life.

Am I Too Old for Braces?

Braces are for all ages!

While age is not a determining factor for whether you can get braces, your bone and gum health are. Schedule a consultation with an orthodontist for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan that fits your individual needs.

Can I Get Braces with Missing Teeth?

Of course, you can get braces if you are missing teeth! Not everyone has a full set of teeth, whether by birth, injury, or decay.

For younger patients with missing teeth, we typically discuss treatment options that will close the space.

When adults are missing teeth, our goal is to realign the remaining teeth and position them in such a way where they hold the spaces where missing teeth used to be. Once we remove the braces, we can place a bridge or implant, giving you a full set of permanent teeth.

How Do I Practice Good Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces?

The most important thing to do is brush your teeth after every single meal and floss once a day (at least). To prevent cavities, make sure you use a fluoride toothpaste.

While wearing braces, try your best to avoid sugary, sticky, and hard foods. These make cleaning much more difficult, and in the case of sugary foods, increases the chance of developing tooth decay.

What Are Self-Litigating Braces?

Self-litigating braces are braces that have a built-in system that secures brackets to the arch wire instead of elastic bands, like with traditional braces.

There are a few advantages that self-litigating braces have:

  • Easier to keep clean
  • More comfortable
  • Shorter orthodontist appointments
What Are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces have all the same components of traditional braces, but they are placed behind your teeth, making them nearly invisible.

Though lingual braces are great for correcting most issues, they may not be the best option for certain patient cases. To find out if you are a good candidate for this type of orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with our orthodontist.

How Long Do I Have to Wear Braces?

Treatment with braces can take 6-30 months, and on average standard treatment is around 20-24 months.

Keep in mind that the amount of time your treatment will take will depend on the complexity and severity of your situation and how well you adhere to the instructions given to you by your orthodontist.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Before you start thinking about price, take a moment and think about value. Orthodontics is considered to be the form of dentistry that provides the highest return, because orthodontic fees have increased much slower than other products in the same room as you right now.

Gardena Dental Care offers payment programs, accepts many insurance plans, and takes the time to go over every option available when you come in for an orthodontic consultation.

The time, money and peace of mind braces save you in the long run make them worth the price.

Orthodontic Dentistry Is Here to Help Your Smile!

Contact us at (424) 295-7885 today to schedule an orthodontic consultation and start your journey towards a healthy and beautiful smile!

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