There’s a lot that parents and prospective orthodontic patients need to keep in mind while they’re preparing for braces treatment, and it’s normal to have a lot of questions before making these types of healthcare investments.

The braces gahanna ohio experts at JK Orthodontics have helped us answer some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) that they receive from their patients and parents, so check out the below sections to see if your questions about braces are answered!

What’s the best age to initially visit an orthodontist in Gahanna?

If you truly care about how your smile looks and feels, then any age is a great age to see an orthodontist. Although most industry specialists recommend that children around the age of seven should see their local orthodontist for an initial consultation appointment, there’s no exclusive age when it comes to receiving orthodontic treatment.

About a quarter of all orthodontic patients are adults, and this percentage keeps growing with each year. So whether you’re looking for orthodontic services for you or your child, it’s important to remember that any age is a good time to visit an orthodontist.

How can I take proper care of my teeth while wearing braces?

There are many things that braces patients can do to safeguard their teeth during treatment, including:

• Brush and floss your teeth after every meal and snack
• Use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities
• Avoid high-sugar foods
• Avoid chewy and sticky foods
• Schedule routine checkups with your dentist and orthodontist

How long will I have to wear braces?

Everyone’s braces treatment has a unique timeline, and this is because treatment duration largely depends upon personal factors. Everyone responds to braces treatment a little differently, and this is why potential treatment timelines can range anywhere from 6-30 months.

However in general, most standard braces treatments last around 18 months.

Are braces painful?

Braces typically aren’t painful, but a lot of patients will experience slight discomfort during the first couple of days.

This is typically because the patient’s cheeks, gums and teeth are just beginning to get used to the new braces, but the good news is that this type of discomfort subsides very quickly.

Is it necessary to brush your teeth more often while wearing braces?

When you’re wearing braces, you’ll generally need to brush your teeth more often as compared to before your treatment process began. This means brushing around three times per day, as opposed to twice.

Regularly brushing your teeth on a daily basis is a huge part of the braces process, because you’ll need to get rid of any food that’s been trapped or caught between your wires and brackets.

This means brushing and flossing after each meal (including lunch) is so important!

Do braces patients still need dental checkups every six months?

Absolutely! It’s actually more important for braces patients to visit their dentist on a regular basis, because food and other common debris can get caught in hard-to-reach areas that only dental professionals can reach.

What’s even more problematic about this type of debris buildup is that it can lead to bacteria development, which is known to lead to serious issues like gingivitis, cavities and gum disease.

Will braces interfere with extracurricular activities like playing an instrument, sports or singing?

Although you might need to make some slight adjustments for playing contact sports or certain instruments with braces, there’s no reason for braces to stop you from participating in the extracurricular activities that you love.

If you do play a contact sport during orthodontic treatment, it’s recommended to wear a mouthguard at both games and practices.

Reach Out To JK Orthodontics To Learn More About Braces Treatment In Gahanna Ohio!

The above FAQs are just a tiny snippet of what might be on your mind as you’re preparing braces treatment for yourself or your child, and the best way to get your questions or concerns answered is to speak directly with experienced orthodontic specialists.

One of the top orthodontists in the Gahanna Ohio area is Dr. James Karpac of JK Orthodontics, and Dr. Karpac is available for consultation appointments when you go to his website via the hyperlink at the top of this page!