Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics, or dentofacial orthopedics, is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. It can include anything from straightening misaligned teeth to corrective jaw surgeries.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist. Orthodontists receive 2-3 years of additional training and experience after achieving a dental degree, learning specific techniques to straighten teeth, improve the function of your smile, and correct misaligned jaw structure.

Orthodontics is for all ages! If you are searching for ways to improve the look and feel of your smile, then it is a good time to visit the orthodontist. Smile at the World Orthodontics offers orthodontic treatments for children, teenagers, and adults.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit the orthodontist for the first time at around age 7 to be carefully examined. An orthodontist can determine if any treatment is necessary, and if so, when it should begin.

Braces are an appliance used by orthodontists to correct misaligned teeth and bad bites, and improve the appearance and feel of your smile. Modern advances in dentistry have produced a wide variety of braces to choose from, including:

Clear braces
Ceramic braces
Gold braces
Lingual braces
Self-ligating braces
Invisible aligners
Traditional metal braces
We are pleased to feature both traditional and clear braces at our practice. 98% of our orthodontic products, including our braces, are made in America.

The length of time spent in braces depends on the individual patient. Every smile responds differently to treatment, due to factors such as the speed at which your teeth move, and the growth of your jaw and face. On average, treatments take about 24 months.

Braces should not hurt. You may feel small amounts of discomfort or aching for the first few days as your teeth begin moving and you adjust to having braces, or after your braces have been adjusted. If you experience persistent, high levels of pain or discomfort, please contact our practice as soon as possible, so that our orthodontist can correct the problem and help you receive your treatment in comfort.

Practice good oral hygiene, and avoid foods and drinks that may damage your braces or your teeth. This includes:

Brushing after every meal and flossing at least once a day
Use ADA approved toothpaste to prevent cavities
Avoid foods with sugar
Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, gooey candies), hard foods (hard candies, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could get stuck in your braces (corn on the gob, soft bagels, ribs)
Avoid drinking carbonated beverages
Receive regular dental cleanings from your family dentist

Yes! Wearing braces makes it even more important that you receive regular dental cleanings and exams. Your dentist will help keep your teeth clean and healthy while you are wearing braces.

Our orthodontist recommends that you brush your teeth at least three time each day to keep your teeth and gums healthy and clean. You should also floss daily to reach the areas of your mouth where your toothbrush will not reach. Our orthodontist can show you how to brush and floss correctly with braces.

No. While it may require a little bit of adjustment, wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any activity, including sports, playing an instrument, or singing. If you play a contact sport, our orthodontist recommends that you be fitted with a custom mouth guard to protect both your teeth and soft tissues and your braces.

If you wear a removable retainer, keep it in a container while eating so that it does not get lost or broken. Make sure to keep it clean by brushing it gentle with a toothbrush and toothpaste or soaking it in denture cleaner. Do not put your retainer in boiling water, bleach, or in the dishwasher.

We hope this page has been useful for you. If you have further questions, please call us at 254-773-8028 to speak with a member of our team and make your appointment with our orthodontist.

A board certified orthodontist is an orthodontist who has voluntarily gone through hundreds of additional hours of preparation to demonstrate their judgment, skills and knowledge required for providing the highest level of patient care. They have achieved board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics, the only orthodontic specialty board recognized by the American Dental Association and in affiliation with the American Association of Orthodontists. An orthodontist is a dentist who has not only completed a graduate program in dentistry to receive their DDS or DMD (Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine), but has also gone through a competitive residency at a CODA-accredited orthodontic program for an additional 2-3 years to be trained specifically in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Achieving board certification is the last step in a long and intensive educational experience to ultimately provide excellent patient care.