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Your Orthodontic Journey: Questions Uncovered

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American Association of Orthodontists›FAQs

Is there anything that needs to be done before getting braces?

Before getting braces, visit your family dentist for a cleaning and check-up. Be sure to ask your orthodontist how far in advance of your braces appointment you should schedule your dental appointment. Visits to your dentist should continue at least every six months for the duration of treatment, or more often, if recommended. If you typically take an antibiotic before dental visits, make sure to notify your orthodontist, who will advise you if pre-medication is recommended before the appointment to place braces. In addition, let your orthodontist know of any allergies you have, especially any allergies to metals including nickel.

What are the Options for Invisible Braces?

“Clear or invisible braces” can refer to clear aligners, ceramic braces, or lingual braces. Discuss with your orthodontist to determine the best fit for you.

How do You Prepare for the Day Braces are Put On?

No special preparations are needed. Eat as usual and ensure your teeth are clean by brushing and flossing thoroughly.

Should I wait for our dentist to refer my child to an orthodontist?

No. Parents may be the first to realize that something is “off” about their child’s teeth or jaws. If you have a concern, contact an AAO orthodontist to schedule a visit. Many AAO orthodontists offer such check-ups at no cost and with no obligation.

Won’t my child’s teeth straighten out as they grow?

Unfortunately, your child’s teeth will not straighten out as he or she grows. The space available for permanent front teeth will not increase as one grows. For most people, after the permanent (12 year) molars come in, there is even less space available for the front teeth which can lead to orthodontic problems such as protruding or crooked teeth.

Untreated orthodontic problems can become worse, and more difficult to treat as a child gets older. Untreated problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, broken front teeth and loss of bone tissue that holds teeth in place.

Where did my child’s orthodontic problems come from?

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Some are “acquired,” developing over time by sucking the thumb or fingers, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, or early or late loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor nutrition. Sometimes an inherited orthodontic problem is complicated by an acquired problem. Whatever the cause, orthodontists are usually able to treat most conditions successfully.

I lost my retainer. What should I do?

Call your orthodontist right away to make arrangements for replacement retainers. Without retainers, there can be unwanted movement of teeth.

For more information on retainers, check out our blog, Taking Care of Your Retainer, or watch this video.

What do the initials mean after an orthodontist’s name?

DDS stands for “Doctor of Dental Surgery.”  DMD stands for “Doctor of Dental Medicine.” These are the degrees awarded by U.S. and Canadian dental schools. The American Dental Association considers them to be equivalent degrees. There is not a set of initials that mean that someone has graduated from an orthodontic program, so orthodontists may or may not have additional initials after their DDS or DMD. 

Some accredited orthodontic programs confer a certificate upon graduation. Others confer a degree. There are many variations of post-graduate degrees. Common ones include MS, MSc, and MSD. When you select a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that the doctor truly is an orthodontist. That’s because the AAO only admits orthodontists as members.

My child has a wire poking his cheek. What do I do?

Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth.  If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with orthodontic wax.  Contact your orthodontist to make him/her aware of the problem and determine whether your child needs to be seen.

I’m considering getting my tongue or lip pierced. Are there any dangers?

There are numerous potential problems from oral piercings that can affect the tongue, cheeks, lips or uvula (the tissue at the back of the throat). Particularly with tongue piercing, you can permanently damage your teeth by wearing away the enamel, or by chipping or cracking teeth. There is risk of abrasion or recession of gum tissue if it is constantly hit by the piercing. Piercing can interfere with basic functions like chewing, swallowing, talking and the sense of taste. A hole from a piercing can be a path for germs into the body and bloodstream. Talk to your orthodontist or dentist for more information.