FAQ

When is the first time to see an orthodontist?

If a child is developing normally, it’s best to visit an orthodontist around age 5-6, when the first permanent teeth begin to erupt. The dentist will assess whether there are any problems with the jaw shape and tooth alignment. Depending on the type of problem, they may begin correction immediately or schedule a follow-up appointment in a year or two, or after the baby teeth have been replaced. Until age 11-12, the orthodontist works to even out the jaw proportions (e.g., by stimulating their growth). Straightening and aligning teeth is usually postponed until the child has all their permanent teeth (12-14 years and older).

Can an adult correct their bite?

Anyone can undergo malocclusion correction, regardless of age. However, in adults, it generally takes longer because the bone is more calcified and therefore more difficult to form. Additionally, certain oral conditions may delay the placement of braces. Sometimes, the presence of extensive missing teeth, crowns, or bridges impacts treatment outcomes.

Is teeth straightening painful?

The actual procedure of getting braces doesn’t hurt, but it requires patience, as it takes about an hour. Afterward, your teeth may hurt spontaneously or when biting for 7-10 days. During this initial period, if the discomfort is significant, you can take commonly available painkillers to alleviate the pain. After follow-up visits, the pain is shorter and significantly less intense, but it all depends on individual sensitivity.

For some, wearing braces is initially only unpleasant, for others it’s downright painful, while some experience no discomfort at all. If the braces rub against your cheek, for example, you should apply special wax to the brackets to stop the pain. This is not always used, but only in exceptional cases. If, after having the appliance fitted, the patient feels that certain parts of the appliance are rubbing against the mucosa (most often around the brackets on teeth that are very misaligned), wax should be applied to the parts of the appliance that are causing irritation. If the wax wears off (washes off, eats away), it should be reapplied. Patients receive wax after the appliance is fitted.

How do you brush your teeth with braces?

During treatment with fixed braces, special attention must be paid to oral hygiene, which is why more time should be devoted to brushing to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces and braces. Special accessories for braces and teeth care are available for this purpose, such as special orthodontic brushes, interdental brushes, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.

Can I have my teeth treated while wearing orthodontic braces?

Before getting fixed braces, it’s essential to treat all teeth. However, wearing braces increases the risk of cavities. This is because food debris often gets trapped in the braces, and removing them requires special care. It’s also possible that previously invisible cavities will become apparent as the teeth adjust and require immediate treatment. Dental treatment during orthodontic treatment is not only possible but also necessary in such cases. If the decay affects teeth with bonded braces, the metal archwire is removed during treatment and reinserted after the tooth has healed.

Does removing the braces mean the end of treatment?

To maintain the results of treatment, we must continue orthodontic treatment for many years, which is called retention treatment. This treatment aims to consolidate the effects of orthodontic treatment and prevent relapse. To achieve this, the dentist applies a retainer, which prevents the teeth from shifting back to their former positions. Methods vary. Sometimes, metal archwires are bonded internally to the lower and upper teeth, and a removable brace is also attached to the upper teeth. Other times, a metal archwire is bonded only to the lower teeth, while removable braces are worn on the upper teeth.

The orthodontist decides which method is best. It’s best to wear removable braces continuously for the first month, removing them only for eating and brushing. Afterward, the dentist gradually reduces the time they are worn. Braces are usually needed for as long as the teeth straightening process took. The archwires are worn for an average of two years, but in some cases, they must be worn for life. They are then replaced every 5–10 years. While wearing retainers, you should visit your dentist every 1–6 months, or on average every three months.

After orthodontic treatment, you may notice that the structure of individual teeth is not always perfect. Their shape, which has changed due to years of malocclusion, often requires correction, known as recontouring. This can be achieved by appropriate, gentle grinding of the teeth, their composite superstructure, or the use of veneers to correct the shape and color of the teeth.