La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Most teens will more than likely visit an orthodontist at some point in their childhood and many of those will undergo treatment. But before starting treatment your teen probably has some questions. Gire Orthodontics, serving patients in La Habra/Chino Hills, has answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

1. Just because an orthodontist says I need treatment, does that mean I have to do it? Treatment is always up to the parent and patient. However, orthodontic treatment is about much more than just getting a cosmetically pleasing smile. Crooked, crowded, and misaligned teeth are harder to keep clean which can lead to decay, cavities, and periodontal disease (gum disease). Severe periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. In addition to that a misaligned bite places an uneven amount of pressure when biting down. This can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break. So, even though you may not think you need orthodontic treatment because you aren’t worried about how straight your smile is, you may still need treatment to correct your bite and prevent more serious issues from arising later.
2. How long will I have to wear braces? This question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. There are several factors that play into treatment length including the severity of your malocclusion, the treatment option you’ve chosen, and your compliance. The average time spent in braces is approximately 18 months, however, your treatment could be longer or shorter.
3. Are metal braces my only option? No! There are more cosmetically pleasing options than ever before. Clear and ceramic braces blend in with your smile, while Spark, Invisalign, and Inbrace (behind the teeth braces) offer an almost invisible orthodontic option. If you would like an option that doesn’t stand out, talk to your orthodontist about other options that may be available to you.
4. How will wearing braces affect my day-to-day life? Orthodontic treatment is a commitment and you must be willing to be an active member of your treatment team. That means brushing and flossing to keep your smile healthy as well as complying with all your orthodontist’s directions. If your orthodontist prescribes rubber bands as part of your treatment you’ll need to wear them exactly as directed. If you choose a clear aligner treatment option you’ll need to wear the aligners a minimum of 22 hours a day. Additionally, you may need to make some adjustments to your diet especially if you wear traditional braces. Avoid eating any foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy, so you won’t damage the brackets or wires. If you use clear aligner therapy you’ll need to remove your aligners every time you eat or drink. If you play sports and wear traditional braces you’ll want to wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to your mouth.
5. Do I really have to wear a retainer? Yes – if you want your teeth to stay in their new locations, that is. Your teeth, as well as the ligaments and other tissues in your mouth, will tend to drift back to their previously locations until they are trained to stay in place. And that is the job of your retainer. You’ll want to wear your retainer around the clock for the first month after treatment. Many orthodontists recommend overnight retainer wear for life.

Gire Orthodontics is here to answer all your orthodontic treatment questions. Call our office today to schedule your complimentary appointment – 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).