FAQs

Straighter teeth perform chewing, biting and speaking functions more effectively than crooked teeth.  In addition, a straight smile boosts confidence, is aesthetically pleasing to look at, and can help stave off a wide variety of dental ailments.

There are several types of malocclusion including overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding.  Each of these alignment problems negatively impacts the functionality and cosmetic appearance of the teeth.

Here is a brief overview of some of the main disorders associated with crooked teeth:

Periodontitis – Periodontitis or gum disease begins with a bacterial infection.  The bacterial infection is caused by inadequate oral hygiene.  Crooked teeth are hard to clean effectively, which means that debris, plaque and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach areas.  Straight teeth are much easier to clean and are at less risk of contracting gum disease.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMJ) - Crooked teeth can lead to improper jaw alignment, which in turn causes a painful condition known as TMJ.  Severe headaches, jaw pain, lockjaw and the grinding of teeth characterize this debilitating disorder.

Tooth injury – Straight teeth creates a strong wall, which means injuries are less likely to occur.  Crooked teeth are weaker and often protrude, making them far more vulnerable to external injury.

Uneven wear – Crooked teeth cause some of the teeth to work harder than others when biting and chewing.  Straight teeth share the workload evenly, meaning less risk of injury and better aesthetics.

Teeth can be straightened using either orthodontic braces or customized aligning trays.  Orthodontic braces are usually affixed to the teeth for a set duration.  The brackets and archwires are tightened regularly by the orthodontist and removed when treatment is complete.  Fixed braces can be placed on the front side or back side of the teeth and are effective for most types of malocclusion.

Aligning trays are fully removable and are used where the malocclusion is less severe, and the teeth need to move a shorter distance.  These trays are replaced every few weeks for the duration of the treatment, and have proven to be equally effective for straightening teeth.

If you have questions about orthodontics and straightening teeth, please contact our office to schedule your complimentary consultation.

The good news? With the innovative technology of the Damon System, teeth straightening is easier than ever before to improve your smile in far less time, with greater comfort and with greater results and benefits that last a lifetime.

• Healthier teeth and gums
• Confidence to excel in school, work and personal life
• Broader smile
• Enhanced facial features
• Clearer speech for interviews, public speaking, etc.

Teeth Straightening Improves Your Health

A nice smile is not only beautiful, it also promotes good health:

• Straight and evenly spaced teeth are easier to keep clean, resulting in better
  oral health.
• Properly aligned teeth chew more efficiently, which may help digestion.
• Aligned teeth create a better bite, which may reduce stress, headaches, and strain on your supporting bone and tissue.
• According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. This may contribute to conditions that cause not only tooth decay but may lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

When left untreated, many minor orthodontic problems may become worse, contributing to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing, excessive gum stress on gum tissue, and misalignment of the jaw joints. This can all lead to chronic headaches or pain in the face or neck. Treatment by a specialist to correct minor orthodontic issues are often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years.

Orthodontic Treatments, How To Get Straight Teeth

So, no matter what age you are it is never too early or too late to invest in braces and ultimately invest in yourself. Start enjoying the lifelong results today.

Your orthodontic treatment is an affordable investment that offers a rewarding dividend: a beautiful smile. Since every patient is different, there is no standard fee. The actual cost will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity and severity of your problem and the required length of your treatment. 

Yes, there are many different payment options. Please see our Payment Options page for more information. 

The goal of orthodontics goes beyond cosmetics and the achievement of an attractive-looking smile. A proper bite helps protect the teeth by preventing wear and other damage caused by improper contact. In addition, a proper bite helps to relieve stress on the “TMJ” or jaw joints and may decrease any long-term problems with this region. 

Our patients report minimal discomfort following adjustment appointments. We use the advanced Damon System Comfort braces, which eliminates tightening completely, and has been shown to be 68% more comfortable than regular braces. Some pressure on the teeth is to be expected. This sensation generally lessens and disappears entirely within 24 to 48 hours after the appliances are adjusted. Tylenol or Advil can be taken temporarily to lessen any discomfort.

In most cases, the answer is yes: with our patients’ cooperation. In order for a timely finish, we ask our patients to take care of their orthodontic appliances, keep their scheduled treatment appointments, practice good oral hygiene (toothbrushing), and wear their orthodontic elastics as instructed. 

During the course of treatment, Dr. Curtis will provide ongoing, periodic estimates for his patients of the time needed for completion. Factors that help promote the fastest completion of treatment include appointment cooperation, hygiene compliance, and wearing of elastics and/or other prescribed appliances.

Retainers are worn 24 hours per day (except for eating and brushing), 7 days per week for the entire first year after braces are removed. Thereafter, Dr. Curtis will prescribe decreased wear for the individual based on the response of their teeth. We include three years of complimentary retainer supervision and adjustments with the cost of braces. In most cases, we recommend that our patients wear their retainers at least every other night indefinitely, in order to control the natural shifting of the teeth that can occur from the normal aging process.   

Yes, please see your general dentist for a cleaning and an exam at least twice per year. Some orthodontic patients may require more frequent hygiene visits if the teeth cannot be adequately maintained with homecare.

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums.  The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay.  Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Brushing our teeth removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from all tooth surfaces, except in between the teeth.  Unfortunately, our toothbrush can’t reach these areas that are highly susceptible to decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth.  It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva.  The bacteria produce toxins (acids) that cause cavities and irritate and inflame the gums.  Also, when plaque is not removed above and below the gumline, it hardens and turns into calculus (tartar).  This will further irritate and inflame the gums and also slowly destroy the bone.  This is the beginning of periodontal disease.

How to floss properly:

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Daily flossing will help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile for life!