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610 South Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
| 410-838-2244 410-879-9911 |
 | |  | |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
| info@belairortho.com Designed by Bel Air Orthodontics. All rights reserved. |
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program
following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and
guide facial development. For more information, visit the American Association of
Orthodontists website.
What Is The Best Age to Start Treatment?
Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, and children and adults alike can benefit
from orthodontic care. While there is no exact age to begin orthodontic treatment, the
American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be seen for
orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By age 7, the first molars erupt,
establishing the back bite. This is the best time for Dr. Godwin to evaluate front-to-back
and side-to-side tooth relationships. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of
problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention
allows us to guide growth and development, preventing serious problems later. Here are
a few signs and symptoms that may indicate that it's time for an orthodontic evaluation:
The great news is that orthodontic treatment has never been easier, more efficient, and
more affordable. Our advanced techniques and materials will increase you or your child's
comfort while reducing treatment time. If you, your dentist or other health care provider
thinks it's time for an orthodontic screening, email or call us at 410-838-2244 for a
complimentary initial consultation.
Why Straighten Teeth?
A beautiful, healthy smile is an amazing part of looking and feeling your best, but an
attractive smile is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Here are some other
great reasons to consider orthodontic care:
What Can I Expect On My First Visit?
Your first step to a healthier smile begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
During your initial visit, Dr. Godwin will listen carefully to your concerns and will examine
your teeth and jaw to determine your orthodontic needs. There are four essential
questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies and is often determined by the patient’s age, bite, and treatment
type. For most patients in braces, treatment time ranges from one to two years. Actual
treatment time can be affected by the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the
severity of the problem. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance.
The patient's diligent use of any prescribed appliance and maintaining regular
orthodontic appointments are important factors in achieving the best, most efficient
treatment result. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, patients are
rewarded with healthy teeth, proper jaw alignment, and a beautiful smile that can last a
lifetime.
How Often Will I Have Appointments Once I Get Braces?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces
are seen every four to six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more
frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly. For more information,
visit our Scheduling page.
Are There Any Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?
You will need to make a few changes to your diet to prevent damage to your braces.
Once treatment begins, you will be given specific instructions on foods that you will need
to avoid. For the most part, common sense will tell you what you can and cannot eat. For
instance, hard foods such us ice, nuts, and hard raw vegetables that you bite into can
break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods such as caramel and taffy can get
caught between brackets and wires. We recommend that you also minimize sugary foods
since they can cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil or pen chewing
and chewing on foreign objects should also be avoided. You can help prevent most
emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our
instructions.
What Is An Orthodontic Emergency And How Are They Handled?
While true emergencies are rare, we want you to know that we are available whenever
you need us. Occasionally, minor orthodontic emergencies such as poking wires, loose
brackets or bands, loose wires, or loose appliances can occur. If you have a broken
appliance or are experiencing an abnormal amount of discomfort, please give us a call as
soon as possible so that we can schedule an appointment for repair.
How Do I Care For My Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?
At Bel Air Orthodontics, one of our top priorities is oral hygiene. It's very important to
brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy
throughout your treatment. For complete toothbrushing instructions, download our oral
hygiene brochure. Don't forget to visit your general dentist every six month for an oral
exam and cleaning.
Why Are Retainers Needed After Orthodontic Treatment?
After braces are removed, the teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.
Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected
positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers
exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a
lifetime. For more information, print our Keeping Things Straight brochure.
What's The Next Step If My Child Is Not Ready To Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Since we recommend that all children be screened for orthodontic treatment by age
seven, some young patients may not be ready for braces. In those cases, Dr. Godwin
recommends a "wait and see" approach to orthodontic care. Your child will be placed in
our Pre-Treatment Guidance Program and will be monitored every six months to review
growth and development. This allows us to choose the optimal time to begin treatment
and provides a greater opportunity for an effective treatment outcome.
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and
treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
What Is An Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program
following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and
guide facial development. For more information, visit the American Association of
Orthodontists website.
What Is The Best Age to Start Treatment?
Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, and children and adults alike can benefit
from orthodontic care. While there is no exact age to begin orthodontic treatment, the
American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be seen for
orthodontic screening no later than age seven. By age 7, the first molars erupt,
establishing the back bite. This is the best time for Dr. Godwin to evaluate front-to-back
and side-to-side tooth relationships. Early evaluation provides both timely detection of
problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention
allows us to guide growth and development, preventing serious problems later. Here are
a few signs and symptoms that may indicate that it's time for an orthodontic evaluation:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger and thumb sucking or other oral habits
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
- Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude or retrude
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
The great news is that orthodontic treatment has never been easier, more efficient, and
more affordable. Our advanced techniques and materials will increase you or your child's
comfort while reducing treatment time. If you, your dentist or other health care provider
thinks it's time for an orthodontic screening, email or call us at 410-838-2244 for a
complimentary initial consultation.
Why Straighten Teeth?
A beautiful, healthy smile is an amazing part of looking and feeling your best, but an
attractive smile is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Here are some other
great reasons to consider orthodontic care:
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to
keep clean making them less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.
Properly aligned teeth and jaws can alleviate or prevent other physical health
problems. Straight teeth also make it easier to bite, chew and speak more clearly. - A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence. Straight teeth play a large part in
how you feel about your smile. Orthodontic treatment can boost your self-esteem,
self-confidence and self-image, giving you the freedom to smile without holding
back. - Untreated orthodontic problems can make matters worse. According to studies
by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions (bad bites)
can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more susceptible to decay,
periodontal disease, and abnormal wear of the tooth surfaces. When jaw joints
become misaligned due to misaligned teeth, patients may experience chronic
headaches or face and neck pain. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than create
a pretty smile . . . it creates a healthier you!
What Can I Expect On My First Visit?
Your first step to a healthier smile begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.
During your initial visit, Dr. Godwin will listen carefully to your concerns and will examine
your teeth and jaw to determine your orthodontic needs. There are four essential
questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Treatment time varies and is often determined by the patient’s age, bite, and treatment
type. For most patients in braces, treatment time ranges from one to two years. Actual
treatment time can be affected by the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the
severity of the problem. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance.
The patient's diligent use of any prescribed appliance and maintaining regular
orthodontic appointments are important factors in achieving the best, most efficient
treatment result. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, patients are
rewarded with healthy teeth, proper jaw alignment, and a beautiful smile that can last a
lifetime.
How Often Will I Have Appointments Once I Get Braces?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces
are seen every four to six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more
frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly. For more information,
visit our Scheduling page.
Are There Any Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?
You will need to make a few changes to your diet to prevent damage to your braces.
Once treatment begins, you will be given specific instructions on foods that you will need
to avoid. For the most part, common sense will tell you what you can and cannot eat. For
instance, hard foods such us ice, nuts, and hard raw vegetables that you bite into can
break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods such as caramel and taffy can get
caught between brackets and wires. We recommend that you also minimize sugary foods
since they can cause tooth decay and related problems. Nail biting, pencil or pen chewing
and chewing on foreign objects should also be avoided. You can help prevent most
emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our
instructions.
What Is An Orthodontic Emergency And How Are They Handled?
While true emergencies are rare, we want you to know that we are available whenever
you need us. Occasionally, minor orthodontic emergencies such as poking wires, loose
brackets or bands, loose wires, or loose appliances can occur. If you have a broken
appliance or are experiencing an abnormal amount of discomfort, please give us a call as
soon as possible so that we can schedule an appointment for repair.
How Do I Care For My Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?
At Bel Air Orthodontics, one of our top priorities is oral hygiene. It's very important to
brush and floss after every meal in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy
throughout your treatment. For complete toothbrushing instructions, download our oral
hygiene brochure. Don't forget to visit your general dentist every six month for an oral
exam and cleaning.
Why Are Retainers Needed After Orthodontic Treatment?
After braces are removed, the teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized.
Retainers provide that stabilization. They are designed to hold teeth in their corrected
positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers
exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a
lifetime. For more information, print our Keeping Things Straight brochure.
What's The Next Step If My Child Is Not Ready To Begin Orthodontic Treatment?
Since we recommend that all children be screened for orthodontic treatment by age
seven, some young patients may not be ready for braces. In those cases, Dr. Godwin
recommends a "wait and see" approach to orthodontic care. Your child will be placed in
our Pre-Treatment Guidance Program and will be monitored every six months to review
growth and development. This allows us to choose the optimal time to begin treatment
and provides a greater opportunity for an effective treatment outcome.
As a parent or patient, it's common to have
questions about orthodontic treatment. We
encourage our patients to ask lots of
questions, and we're always available to
address your concerns. Listed below are
some of the questions that we most frequently
receive, as well as brief answers to them. We
hope that this section helps to answer some
of those questions. Please give us a call if
you'd like more information on these or any
other orthodontic-related topics.
questions about orthodontic treatment. We
encourage our patients to ask lots of
questions, and we're always available to
address your concerns. Listed below are
some of the questions that we most frequently
receive, as well as brief answers to them. We
hope that this section helps to answer some
of those questions. Please give us a call if
you'd like more information on these or any
other orthodontic-related topics.
