Why is orthodontic treatment important? Orthodontic treatment can provide benefits that last a lifetime. An attractive smile can improve a person's self-esteem, confidence and therefore, lead to a greater success in all areas of life. Other benefits include improving health by creating a functional bite, aligning the teeth for easier cleaning and helping the patient develop effective oral care habits. At what age should orthodontic treatment occur? Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, however, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend an orthodontic exam by age 7. What is "malocclusion"? The technical term for teeth that do not fit together correctly is "malocclusion". Most malocclusions are inherited, however, it is possible to acquire an improper bite from habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb or finger sucking. The premature loss of baby teeth or the loss of adult teeth can cause the development of malocclusion. Am I too old for orthodontics? About one third of our patients are adults. Many adults are now having problems corrected that were never treated as a child/teenager. How long will I be in braces? Treatment time varies from patient to patient, it depends on your situation and how far your teeth have to move. We are committed to making your treatment time as pleasant and quick as possible while maintaining the highest level of quality. The average treatment time is 24-28 months. Will I have to wear retainers? Yes, everybody that undergoes orthodontic treatment wears a retainer. Retainers hold the teeth in their straight position. We recommend you wear your retainers for an extended amount of time. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances are that your teeth will not relapse. After all, we want your to keep your new smile forever! Will I still be able to play sports? Yes! We do recommend that patients protect their teeth by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. The mouth guard you will need to wear will be a "free-fitting" mouthpiece (not molded to your teeth). This will allow your teeth to continue to move and be corrected. Will braces interfere with playing my musical instrument? No, however there will be an initial adjustment period. We can provide "bumpers" or covers that can be worn while playing your instrument to aid with comfort. How much will it cost? Cost for treatment varies depending on the type of treatment, appliances required and length of treatment. We do offer convenient payment arrangements to help make treatment affordable. Do I still see my general dentist? Yes, it is very important during orthodontic treatment to continue to visit with your dentist. We highly recommend a cleaning every 4-6 months.