Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics (which is also called dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized field of dentistry. Orthodontics focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both facial and dental abnormalities.

Who Qualifies To Be An Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a highly skilled dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional advanced training and experience. Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS is eminently qualified to straighten teeth, correct jaw structure that is misaligned, and ultimately improve the functionality of your smile.

What's The Ideal Age to Utilize An Orthodontist?

Any age is appropriate to utilize an orthodontist if you are seeking to gain improvement in the look and function of your smile. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the recommend age for a child’s initial visit to an orthodontist is around seven years of age. But, orthodontic treatments are not reserved exclusively to children and teenagers. Approximately one out of every five individuals you receive orthodontic treatment exceed the age of 21. Regardless if you are considering treatment for either a child or yourself, any age is a good age to visit Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS

If I am Wearing Braces Or A Retainer, How Can I Provide Care For My Teeth?

• Remember to ALWAYS brush your teeth after each and every meal as well as to floss your teeth a minimum of once each day.
• Be certain to utilize a toothpaste that contains fluoride. And, also ask Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS or your family dentist if you should utilize a fluoride rinse. The utilization of fluoride to maintain your oral health will help withcavity prevention.
• In the event that you remove the retainer from your mouth when you eat, do not forget to both brush your teeth as well as floss. And, do not forget to keep the retainer in the safety of its container which will significantly reduce the possibility that the retainer could be either lost or damaged.
• It is important to keep your retainer clean by gentle brushing with a toothbrush as well as toothpaste. As instructed by Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS, your retainer may also be soaked in an approved denture cleaner solution. Under no circumstances should you ever immerse your retainer in boiling water or attempt your retainer in a dishwasher.
• During the course of orthodontic treatment, be sure to do your best avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar such as soft drinks and sugar laden breakfast cereals. (The amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth will increase when you consume foods that contain an abundance of sugar. The increase in bacteria in your mouth will cause additional plaque build-up on your teeth and can also possibly lead to cavities.
• Foods that require vigorous chewing as well as foods that are particularly sticky should be avoided such as caramel, chewing gum and gummy bears. Hard foods such as hard candy, nuts, and ice cubes should also be avoided. Additionally, you should also avoid foods such as corn on the cob, popcorn, soft bagels, ribs, and taffy which can become lodged in your braces.
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. Routine timely checkups with your family dentist should be scheduled. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, you should continue to visit your family dentist every six months.

What are Braces?

Braces are utilized by used by Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS in order to assist in the improvement of the way that you look and the appearance and function of your smile. A selection from a variety of different types of braces is available which include:

• Ceramic braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

How Long Do You Have To Wear Braces?

Because all smiles respond differently to orthodontic treatment, the amount of time that an individual will wear braces will vary from patient to patient. The typical orthodontic treatment that applies braces will last around 22 months. However, on occasion, treatment times can vary significantly to a time frame of between 6 and 30 months. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Are Braces Painful To Wear?

Braces are rarely painful to wear. Normally a patient that wears braces will feel a small degree of discomfort that last for a few days. Any discomfort will almost always completely dissipate as the teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth cavity becomes used to wearing newly installed braces. .

If You Wear Braces, Do You Need To Brush Your Teeth More Frequently?

To keep your teeth, gums, and mouth both clean and healthy while wearing braces, you should brush your teeth a minimum of thee times each day. Any food particles that could be trapped between the braces will be removed by regular brushing of your teeth. In places where your brushing cannot reach, daily flossing will help get in between the braces which the brush cannot reach. Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS will provide direction on how to properly brush and floss your teeth after your braces are installed.

Do I Still Need Dental Checks Every Six Months If I Wear Braces?

This is a definite YES! After patients receive orthodontic treatment, it becomes more important that each patient that wears braces schedule visits with their family dentist on a very regular basis. When you wear braces, sometimes food particles can become trapped in areas in your mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Trapped food particles can cause harmful bacteria to build up in the mouth which can eventually develop into cavities, gingivitis, as well as gum disease. Dr. J. Austin Rahaim DDA MS will develop a close working relationship with your family dentist which will ensure that your teeth and mouth stay clean and healthy during the entire period that your wear braces.

Will Wearing Braces Interfere With School Activities Such As Sports, Playing A Wind Instrument, or Singing?

When braces are initially installed, performing on a wind instrument or participating in a contact sport such as football might require some adjustment. However, the wearing of braces, will not cause anyone to stop participating in any existing school activities and events. It is highly recommend that individuals who participate in a contact sport where a removable mouth-guard which will protect braces or appliances from being damaged.

How Do You Schedule Your Orthodontic Appointment?

You can call BayView Orthodontics In Bay St. Louis at (228) 467-2211. The BayView Orthodontics telephone receptionist will be happy to schedule your next appointment at your personal convenience. In the event that you are a new patient or are a patient that has been referred to BayView Orthodontics , be sure to let the telephone receptionist know. The BayView Orthodontics telephone receptionist will provide to you all of the direction and information you will need to complete the scheduling of the apointment.