Thinking about starting orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child at Shirck Orthodontics but not sure where to start? Read through our commonly asked questions to find the answers you are looking for. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeff, Dr. Soo and Dr. Betina, our orthodontists in Pataskala, New Albany, Westerville, Newark and Powell, Ohio, give us a call.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on the alignment of your teeth and jaws. Orthodontists receive two to three years of additional training that allows them to diagnose, prevent and treat facial irregularities.
Our orthodontists, along with the American Association of Orthodontists®, and team recommend an orthodontic screening for every child by age 7. Most children at this age have some permanent teeth, and it is generally easy to see any developing problems.
No, anyone can straighten their smile! Though most patients are teens, adults actually make up about a quarter of all orthodontic cases! Everyone deserves to have a healthy, beautiful smile, and our orthodontists can talk with you about orthodontic treatment for yours.
Traditional braces are powerful and reliable, though many of our patients prefer not to have a mouthful of metal during their treatment time. Two of the most popular (and most discreet!) alternatives to metal braces are clear braces, which use ceramic brackets to blend in with your teeth, and clear aligners, which use custom-made trays to invisibly straighten your smile.
Caring for your teeth with braces takes a little extra effort. We recommend that you:
- Brush your teeth at least three times a day, including after meals
- Floss once a day (floss threaders will help reach between brackets)
- Rinse out your mouth thoroughly after brushing or flossing
Our orthodontists and team will talk with you more about caring for your braces, and if you have any questions, we are more than happy to answer them!
In the past, metal braces were the only option for straightening your smile. Nowadays, however, there are other, discreet options for orthodontic treatment. With clear aligners or even clear brackets, you can get the smile you want without the whole world noticing.
What do I do if I have an orthodontic emergency?
Some common orthodontic emergencies include:
- Broken brackets
- Lost aligners
- Loose bands
- Wire irritations
- Lost separators
- Lasting or sharp pain
If you have a question about whether something is an orthodontic emergency or not, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
How long will I need orthodontic treatment?
Can an orthodontist help me with jaw problems?
Over time, we can guide the jaw into a healthier position and repair imbalances of the face and bite.
I’m terrified to visit the orthodontist — what can I do?
Talk with us. If you want a straighter, healthier smile but are nervous about any sort of dental office, we can help. Our team will work with you and use different strategies to address fear and anxiety. These include calming techniques and medications to numb treated areas. We will do our best to tailor your appointment to your needs and help you feel comfortable. We are here to help you get the smile of your dreams!
