Frequently Asked Questions
Orthodontic treatment can correct a variety of orthodontic conditions. Based on your specific condition, our orthodontist will recommend a treatment plan that would be most efficient and effective.
MALOCCLUSION
Malocclusion (or “bad bite”) is the number one reason people see an orthodontist. There are several forms of malocclusion which can lead to complications. Cause of malocclusion could be genetics or environmental factors such as thumb sucking.
CROWDED TEETH
This occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for all teeth. Crowding will get worse over time if not corrected. They are harder to clean which can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
UNDER BITE
An under bite is when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to protrude.
OVER BITE
An over bite occurs when the front teeth cover the lower teeth which can lead to the wearing down of teeth and even cause bottom teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.
SPACING
If there is too much room between teeth, this is known as spacing. Spacing may be due to missing teeth, small teeth or a wide dental arch.
CROSS BITE
A cross bite occurs when the back upper teeth fit into the inside of the lower back teeth which causes tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth.
OPEN BITE
An open bite is when the front teeth, both upper and lower, are forward outwards to the extent that the teeth of the upper and lower jaw do not touch each other, even when the mouth is closed. This is typically caused by thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or continuous chewing on an object.
PROTRUDED TEETH This is when the upper front teeth stick out too far forward, or the lower teeth don’t extend out enough. It can cause injury to the lower teeth.
At Prime Orthodontics, we offer the latest advancements in orthodontic technology so your treatment is fast, comfortable and effective! There are a variety of treatment options available depending on your age, preference and orthodontic needs.
Metal Braces – Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used type of braces. Brackets today are much smaller and more comfortable than braces of the past.
Clear Braces – Many teen and adult patients choose clear braces over traditional metal braces because they tend to blend in with your teeth better. If you’re interested in this treatment option, we’ll discuss the pros and cons.
Angel Aligners® – Angel Aligners® is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment option that uses a series of clear, customized aligners to gradually shift your teeth into place.
No matter what treatment option you choose, we will make sure you have a comfortable and efficient orthodontic journey with us!
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on your specific needs and the type of treatment you choose. Factors such as the complexity of your case, the treatment duration, and whether you opt for traditional braces, clear aligners, or other solutions can affect the price.
We understand that every patient's needs are unique, which is why we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and provide a personalized treatment plan. During this consultation, we'll also discuss payment options and financing plans to ensure you get the care you need at a price that fits your budget.
Our office works with most insurance providers, and we offer flexible payment plans to make treatment more affordable. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and receive a detailed cost estimate!
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children see an orthodontist for an initial evaluation by the age of seven. At this age, permanent teeth are starting to replace baby teeth and it’s easier for our orthodontists to correct jaw growth problems. This does NOT mean that all seven year olds need braces. However, by getting regular dental growth check-ups, our orthodontists will be able to determine the best time to begin orthodontic treatment, if it is necessary, to ensure the best results.
It’s not always easy to know if your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment which is why we offer free orthodontic consultations for our patients. Even though teeth may appear straight, there could be underlying orthodontic issues. However, there are some signs you can look for including:
Any type of malocclusion, or “bad bite”
Crossbite (top teeth are behind or in front of bottom teeth)
Crowding
Open Bite (front teeth do not meet when back teeth are closed)
Protrusion (front teeth stick out)
Deep Bite (upper front teeth almost completely overlap the lower front teeth)
Underbite (lower jaw is more forward than upper jaw)
Spacing
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty in chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Speech difficulties
Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
Facial imbalance
Grinding or clenching of the teeth
We understand how important it is to be confident in your teenage years. Giving a teen a beautiful, straight smile can do so much to boost self-confidence. Patients leave our practice every day with bigger and bigger smiles until the amazing day that braces come off. The confidence transformation during this time is unbelievable!
Most of our teen patients use our self-ligating braces, which come in both traditional metal and clear. With self-ligating braces, the archwire is held in place by a moveable component instead of elastic ties which creates a more comfortable orthodontic experience.
Another option for teen patients looking to straighten their smiles a little more discreetly is Angel Aligners. Angel Aligners use a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into the desired positions. Since they are removable, you can eat the foods you like and brush and floss normally throughout treatment.
At Prime Orthodontics, we believe it’s NEVER too late to straighten your smile. Many of our current patients are adults!
A healthy bite is as important at age 60 as it is at 16. Although most of our adult patients receive orthodontic treatment to achieve a straight smile, treatment also positively affects your overall health. Crooked, crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, which can negatively impact your oral health and in some cases your overall health.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, research has shown a strong link between crooked, unhealthy teeth and periodontal disease, heart disease, stroke and more. A straight healthy smile can not only help boost your self-esteem; it can help prevent these types of diseases from occurring. Orthodontic treatment is a smart investment for your dental, physical and emotional well-being.
Technology continues to advance in the orthodontic industry and there are always new exciting treatment options that are both effective and discreet. We stay on top of the latest trends and offer our patients the most advanced treatment options available.
Most of our adult patients will choose between these two options:
SELF-LIGATING CLEAR BRACES
These clear braces gently move teeth into the desired place in a comfortable and efficient manner. The archwire is held in place by a moveable component instead of elastic ties. Self-ligating technology allows for faster and more comfortable treatment. And clear brackets make it less noticeable that you’re straightening your smile!
ANGEL ALIGNERS®
Angel Aligners® are “braces” that consist of strong plastic trays that are fabricated especially for you. Invisalign® is truly invisible. No one will know that you are straightening your teeth. Invisalign® uses 3D computer graphics to design and manufacture these customized clear aligners. The aligners are comfortable to wear and removable so you can eat whatever you want and brush and floss your teeth normally.
Please call our office as soon as possible if you break or loosen any of your appliances. Please do not come directly to the office – by calling us, you will allow us to create a time to see you. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
The following orthodontic emergencies and their treatments are listed in the order of the least severe to the most severe. Only the most severe emergencies may require immediate attention by an orthodontist. The majority of these are easily treated with a follow up with our office.
FOOD CAUGHT BETWEEN THE TEETH
This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing patient. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food, or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between the teeth and braces.
DISCOMFORT
It’s normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. If your teeth are sore, stick to soft foods and rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
MOUTH SORES
Some patients are susceptible to mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency, but may be uncomfortable. To relieve discomfort apply a small amount of topical anesthetic like Ora-Gel directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab.
IRRITATION OF THE LIPS OR CHEEKS
Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medical relief wax makes an excellent buffer between the metal and mouth. Simply break off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation.
PROTRUDING WIRE
Occasionally, the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the cheeks. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. Please call our office to make us aware of the issue.
LOOSE BRACKETS, WIRES OR BANDS
If the braces have come loose in any way, please notify our office to determine next steps. Brackets are the parts of braces attached to the teeth with special adhesive. They are usually positioned in the center of each tooth. If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out and the patient cannot immediately be taken to the orthodontist, you can temporarily fix to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage. But take care to prevent swallowing or other injury.
To put the bracket back in place, use sterile tweezers to slide the bracket along the wire until it is between two teeth. Rotate the bracket back to the proper position, then slide it back to the center of the tooth.
PIECE OF APPLIANCE IS SWALLOWED
This is rare but when it does happen, it can be fairly alarming to the patient. Remain calm. If the patient is coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could have been aspirated. If you are able to see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it. Do not attempt if you could cause harm.
If appropriate under the circumstances, examine the patient’s braces for problems that may result from the missing piece, such as looseness or irritation and treat as specified above.
If you are unable to see the piece and believe may have been aspirated, notify the orthodontist immediately and seek medical attention.
Source: AAO