We have put together a list of the most common queries we receive about orthodontic treatment. Call us anytime if you have further questions or queries. 

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1. What is Orthodontics?

2. Who is an Orthodontist?

3. How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?

4. If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

5. Do braces and appliances hurt at all?

6. Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

7. If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

8. Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

9. Loose Teeth

10. Loose Wires and Bands

11. Taking care of your appliances

12. Playing Sports with Braces

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1. What is Orthodontics? Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental misalignments and facial abnormalities.
    

2. Who is an Orthodontist? An orthodontist is a highly trained dental specialist who has undergone years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Dr Lane is one of the most experienced and qualified Orthodontist in Far North Qld.
    

3. How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or an Invisalign aligner? ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day. Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent decay! 
   
   When you take out your aligners to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken. Keep your aligner/retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in an aligner cleaning solution as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
   
   During your treatment, try to avoid foods and drinks containing a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more decay).
   
   Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, toffee, etc.).
   
   Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.
    

4. How long do I have to wear braces? The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 24 months.
    

5. Do braces and appliances hurt at all? When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend

   you try taking a pain reliever (preferably panadol) and try drinking cold water.
   
   It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become   used to the braces. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water, swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater). This will help any ulcerations to heal quicker. We would be happy to give you some wax or numbing gel that you can put over the braces and apply to any ulcerations to lessen the tenderness. We will provide  this the day you get your braces on but please contact us if you need more at any stage.
    

6. Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces? With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss/pickster daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist will show you how to properly brush and interdental clean once your braces are placed.
    

7. If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months? Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to decay and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
    

8. Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing? Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some initial adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear an orthodontic mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance. We will give you one at the appointment that you get braces on or any time you need one.
    

9. Loose Teeth If your teeth begin feeling a little loose, don't worry; this is normal! Your braces must first 'loosen' your teeth to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have settled in the correct position this will settle.
    

10. Loose Wires and Bands The wires and bands on your braces may become loose or break. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you. 
    
    You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using your finger or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
     

11. Taking care of your appliances Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, aligners, or other appliances prescribed by Dr Lane.
     

12. Playing Sports with Braces Game, Set, Match — we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliances. We would like to supply you with a complimentary orthodontic mouthguard to use whilst you are in treatment, so please just ask.
    
    In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. If you have completely knocked one of your teeth out, rinse the tooth in milk if available or saline and get in to see a Dentist as soon as possible.