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Frequently Asked Questions

American Association of Orthodontists›FAQs

I’ve seen three orthodontists and I have three treatment plans suggested. Which one is right?

There is not a single “right way” to perform orthodontic treatment. Different orthodontists use various bracket systems and appliances. As long as all of the doctors you have consulted are AAO orthodontists, all of the suggested treatment plans can help your child develop a healthy and beautiful smile. 

When you consult a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can be assured that the doctor truly is an orthodontist. That’s because membership in the AAO is open exclusively to orthodontists, meaning those who first graduated from dental school, and then went on to successfully complete a 2-3 year orthodontic residency at an accredited orthodontic program.

How long will treatment last?

The length of treatment is different for each patient because each patient has a unique problem. Your AAO orthodontist will give you an estimated length of treatment.   Here are five tips to make your treatment go as quickly as possible:

  • Follow your orthodontist’s instructions on the frequency of brushing and flossing, and see your dentist for a professional cleaning at least every six months during orthodontic treatment, or more often if recommended.
  • Watch what you eat if you have braces. Stay away from hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. Opt for foods that are soft and easy to chew. If you have aligners, be sure to remove them before you eat or drink anything besides tap water, and put them back in after you’re done eating or drinking and you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth.
  • Beware of sugary, acidic soft drinks including regular and diet soda pop, fruit juices, fruit drinks and sports drinks. Tap water is recommended.
  • If prescribed, wear your elastics (rubber bands) as instructed.
  • Keep scheduled appointments with your orthodontist.

I don’t want old-fashioned braces. What are my options?

Thanks to advances in technology, your treatment options may include ceramic (tooth-colored) braces, lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, or clear aligner trays.

Today’s standard metal braces are much smaller and sleeker than those of even a generation ago.

Please review your options with an orthodontist at an in-person consultation to determine what type of treatment will be best suited to your needs.

Orthodontists have the training, experience and treatment options to make sure you get your best smile.

Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is your assurance that the doctor is an orthodontist because the AAO accepts only orthodontists as members. To be an orthodontist means the individual must first graduate from dental school, and then successfully complete an additional 2-3 years of studying orthodontics at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have this level of formal education may call themselves “orthodontists.” And only orthodontists are eligible for admission into the American Association of Orthodontists.

Use the Find an Orthodontist service to locate nearby members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Can I get braces if I’m missing some teeth?

It can be possible for you to have successful orthodontic treatment if some teeth are missing, depending on your circumstances and your treatment goals. Orthodontic treatment may be able to close the space of a missing tooth, or may be able to create or save sufficient space for a replacement tooth/teeth. Consult an orthodontist to discuss what is right for you.  Your orthodontist may need to work with your primary care dentist and/or other dental specialists to help you achieve your treatment goals.

Can I get braces if my teeth have crowns or root canals?

It can be possible for you to have successful orthodontic treatment if your teeth have crowns or root canals.  Materials are available to adhere orthodontic brackets to crowns just like you would any other tooth. Consult an orthodontist for answers that are specific to you and your circumstances.

If I wear extra rubber bands, will that speed up my treatment?

Wearing extra rubber bands will NOT speed up treatment. In fact, you could prolong your treatment by wearing extra rubber bands because the extra force could move your teeth in an undesirable way.

I am 76 years old and considering orthodontic treatment. Am I too old to get treatment?

Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) regularly treat adult patients. Today, about one patient in five is an adult. Many patients are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s and 90s.

Depending on your circumstances, your orthodontist may work with your primary care dentist and other dental specialists, as necessary, to help you achieve optimal dental health.

Use the Find an Orthodontist service to locate nearby AAO members. Orthodontists have the training, experience and treatment options to make sure you get your best smile. For more information, check out our blog, Am I Too Old for Orthodontic Treatment?

I have one turned tooth. Will a rubber band help align it?

Self-treatment is not advisable. Dental and orthodontic treatment should always be conducted under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional.

Patients should be aware that “do-it-yourself” treatment substantially increases the risk of irreparable damage.

For example, rubber bands can work their way under the gumline and, over time, if forgotten or not removed, can strangle the root of the tooth, and kill the tooth. That could lead to the need for an extraction.

If a tooth has rotated, something within the oral cavity caused it. Please consult an orthodontist to understand what has caused your tooth to turn, and how it can best be corrected.

Find members of the American Association of Orthodontists near you using Find an Orthodontist.

Do be sure to consult with a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). AAO membership is your assurance that the doctor is an orthodontist because the AAO accepts only orthodontists as members. To be an orthodontist means the individual must first graduate from dental school, and then successfully complete an additional 2-3 years of studying orthodontics at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have this level of formal education may call themselves “orthodontists.” And only orthodontists are eligible for admission into the American Association of Orthodontists.

Orthodontists have the training, experience and treatment options to make sure you get your best smile.

What is bonding?

Bonding is the name used for the process of attaching brackets to teeth using an adhesive.

How often will I have to see the orthodontist while I’m in treatment?

On average, you will see the orthodontist about every six to ten weeks during treatment. This allows the orthodontist make the changes needed to progress through treatment and also allows them to keep an eye on your treatment progress, and monitor the health of your teeth and gums.