FAQs

There are many reasons orthodontic treatment might be indicated. Usually it begins with a desire to align your teeth and make your smile more beautiful. At your initial consultation, Dr. Khatami will evaluate your bite and position of your teeth. Treatment is recommended when the bite is malaligned and doesn’t allow the teeth to come together in a position that is healthy for the teeth, gums, and bones around the teeth. If there is previous bite related damage to teeth or jaw joints which creates difficulty with chewing or pain, then treatment is certainly warranted.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic screening at age 7. In most cases, orthodontic treatment is not necessary until all the permanent teeth have erupted in the mouth (around age 12), however, there are some instances when early treatment is recommended.

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always desired and deserved. There is no better time than now!

The space available for your front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases and with age, the crowding gets worse. 

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the optimal orthodontic outcome. We try to avoid extorting teeth, however, in some cases it is the most appropriate treatment option.

It does not hurt to place the bands and brackets on your teeth. Once your braces are in place and connected with the arch wires, it generally takes 8-12 hours to start feeling some discomfort. You may feel some soreness of your teeth for a couple of days after a new wire is placed. 

Every treatment plan is different and depends on the severity of your orthodontic problem. At your initial consultation, the doctor will explain the treatment and give a rough estimate of how long it will take. Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 6-30 months.vThe majority of our patients are done within or before the estimated completion date.

Usually we see patients every 6-10 weeks but this can vary based on what point you are at in treatment. Overall, most patients find it easy to work appointments into their busy schedules.

100% Yes! The most important part of orthodontic treatment is keeping up with excellent oral hygiene. Going to your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning is critical. Patients with history of caries and periodontal bone loss may need to see their dentist more frequently.

The best rule of thumb is to avoid foods that are HARD, STICKY, CHEWY, or SWEET. Hard and crunchy food can break brackets and slow down your treatment. Sticky food can bend wires. Sweet, sugary foods are okay to enjoy as a treat, as long as you brush well after you eat them.

A patient with braces playing a woodwind instrument may have a little more difficulty than a patient playing a brass instrument. Most patients adapt very well to playing with braces after a week or two of practice. 

Braces come off faster than they go on! We simply squeeze the brackets and they pop off your teeth. After the braces come off, we polish off the bonding material and give you retainers to keep everything in place. 

Retainers are used to hold your teeth in place once you complete your orthodontic treatment. Some are bonded behind your front teeth, while others are removable. We recommend that you wear your retainers for as long as you want to maintain them in ideal position.