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Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

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American Association of Orthodontists›FAQs

How do you know if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment?

  • Who is making that decision and how is it being determined?
  • If the decision maker is a dentist or orthodontist not associated with your treatment, who pays for that assessment?

Is only one treatment type offered (such as invisible aligners or a certain appliance)?

YES – how do you know that is the best treatment option for you, given your unique situation and oral condition, compared to other treatment models (such as braces)?

NO – how is the decision being made for the best treatment model for you, and who is making that decision?

Do you know your orthodontist or dentist? Like any treatment, it helps to know who is caring for you. For example, is their name listed on the company’s website or elsewhere?

YES

  • What are his or her education and credentials?
  • In what state is he or she licensed?
  • In what state does he or she practice?
  • Can you read any reviews or comments from former patients? What do other patients being treated by him or her have to say?

NO – are you comfortable not being able to research your dentist’s or orthodontist’s background, credentials, patient reviews, etc., before you begin treatment?

As part of your treatment fee, do you receive any in-person visits to a dentist’s or orthodontist’s office?

YES

  • How many?
  • What occurs during these in-person visits?
  • Is there a licensed dentist or orthodontist in the office to supervise the visits?

NO – are you comfortable with orthodontic treatment that does not involve any in-person visits with a dentist or orthodontist?

As part of your treatment, are comprehensive diagnostic records like x-rays taken before your treatment?

YES – Your teeth and mouth are as unique as you. Examining your mouth with x-rays gives your orthodontist a better road map on how to help you. 

  • Does the treatment and fee include x-rays of your teeth and jaws?
  • Does the treatment and fee include a clinical examination of your jaw alignment, teeth, bite, and your teeth’ relationship to the skeletal structures?
  • Does the treatment and fee include taking photographs of your face, facial profile, mouth, and teeth?
  • Does the treatment and fee include taking digital scans or other impressions of your teeth?

NO – You have to ask yourself if you are comfortable starting orthodontic treatment without comprehensive diagnostic records. If you would like complete diagnostic records taken, are you comfortable going to another dental professional to take them? If yes, what will that cost?

I see ads for perfect teeth in only one or two visits to the dentist. Will that give me straight teeth?

The ads may have been for veneers, which are thin, tooth-colored shells that are glued to the fronts of teeth. But they do not alter an improper arrangement of teeth – they just cover up the problem. Veneers are easier to place and last longer when teeth are straight, and the bite has been corrected.

How should aligners be cared for?

Your orthodontist or a member of the orthodontist’s staff will brief you on brushing, flossing, toothpaste, rinses and other hygiene tools for your teeth, as well as any special instructions on cleaning your aligners. If you eat or drink anything besides tap water, remove your aligners first. Put them in their case, and put the case in a safe place. After you are done drinking or eating, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in.

What do I do if I misplace an aligner?

Aligners should be worn in a particular sequence. Your orthodontist is the best person to call for advice about next steps, and to advise whether a lost aligner will extend your treatment time.

Will I take part in typical daily activities the day aligners are applied?

You should be fine going to work or school and taking part in your usual activities the day you get your aligners.

What am I allowed to drink with aligners?

Tap water is the only beverage that is safe to drink when your aligners are in. When wearing your aligners, avoid everything except tap water. You can remove your aligners to drink anything other than tap water. You’ll need to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. Except for tap water, remove aligners when drinking. After drinking, brush right away before putting your aligners back in.