Braces
If you are about to begin treatment, chances are you have plenty of questions. Below you will find answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Q: Can I still play my instrument?
Q: Do I need to change my habits when wearing braces?
Q: Can you put braces on the backs of my teeth instead?
Q: Do braces hurt?
A: When braces are first placed, your teeth will be a little sore and sensitive to biting pressure, this does subside as the teeth start to move and adjust to the new pressure. This same familiar pressure may be also felt when your braces are adjusted. This feeling normally subsides within a few hours. With that said, braces should never hurt. If you feel your braces are causing you pain, be certain to let us know.
Q: Can I still play sports?
A: Yes, but a special mouthguard will be required to protect your braces. We can make one for you or you can DIY and use a boil and bite style sold at local sporting goods stores.
Q: Can I still play my instrument?
A: Yes, but there will be an adjustment period. Be patient if your playing is a little rough at first. Practice makes perfect. An alternate solution would be to inquire about your eligibility for clear removable aligners. If so, your aligners may be removed during practice time and easily replaced after you finish.
Q: Do I need to change my habits when wearing braces?
A: Yes. You will need to bypass certain foods to avoid damaging your appliance during treatment. You will be asked to re-learn how to brush and floss correctly. It is vital that you are very diligent with your hygiene habits. Braces give plaque and bacteria more places to hide and staining can easily develop.
Q: Can you put braces on the backs of my teeth instead?
A: Yes. These are special braces call lingual braces and must be custom made.
Invisalign
New patients typically have many questions. Below are some questions specific to braces. Find more frequently asked questions about treatment and orthodontics here.
Q: Will Invisalign change the way I talk?
Q: How many hours each day do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Q: Is Invisalign right for everyone?
Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?
Q: Does Invisalign correct all orthodontic problems in teens and adults?
Q: How does Invisalign work?
A: Plastic aligners are used to exert pressure rather than brackets and archwires used in braces. You progress through treatment by switching out your aligners. Aligners are pre-designed during your treatment and each tray expresses small increments of tooth movement.
Q: Is Invisalign painful?
A: You will feel a little discomfort with each new aligner, but it rarely lasts more than a few hours. Invisalign should never be painful. Any rough edges encountered can easily be filed with an emory board at home.
Q: Will Invisalign change the way I talk?
A: At first you may notice a difference. Your speech should adjust back to normal within a day or so.
Q: How many hours each day do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?
A: Invisalign is only effective when worn full time. At least 22 hours of continuous wear is required for treatment to work.
Q: Is Invisalign right for everyone?
A: With some of the advances in clear aligner technology. Invisalign can treat most mild to moderate orthodontic problems. Depending on the severity of the individual case, braces may be used in conjunction with Invisalign.
Q: Does insurance cover Invisalign?
A: Insurance plans that cover orthodontics should cover Invisalign.
Q: Does Invisalign correct all orthodontic problems in teens and adults?
A: Proper case selection is extremely important for a successful treatment result with Invisalign. Although Invisalign’s ability to correct many complex orthodontic problems has increased over the years, some cases benefit from a combination therapy of Invisalign and braces, and some cases are best treated with braces only. We will evaluate all possible options during your complimentary consultation.
Q: Is Invisalign for me?
A: The Orinda Orthodontics doctors have years of experience with this treatment modality, and we can answer this question when we get a chance to meet you. Invisalign Preferred Providers have achieved a significant level of experience in treating patients with the Invisalign system. In addition, some practices, such as Orinda Orthodontics, have distinguished themselves with even higher experience and are recognized as “Elite Providers”. Find out if Invisalign is right for you by scheduling a complimentary consultation today.
If there are any other questions not listed here, or you need additional information, please contact us at questions@berkeleyorthodontics.com.