Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions in Greenville NC

Before you leave the office, your next appointment will be scheduled. Typically, patients in active treatment are seen every 6-8 weeks. If you are in growth observation, it could be every 3 to 6 months.

Every case is different. Some lend themselves to being treated with braces, some with clear aligners like Invisalign. We are happy to offer you to a no obligation consultation where we can give you an estimate of your treatment costs.

We make every effort to see you the same day if you have an orthodontic emergency. Certainly, if something is causing you pain, we will see you that day. Broken brackets do need to be addressed quickly and if possible we will repair the problem that day.

Crooked teeth. If you are unhappy about the way your smile looks, if there is increased space between upper and lower front teeth, underbites, or cross bites. These are just a few of the reasons to consult with an orthodontist to see what can be done.

When you have your braces bonding appointment, detailed instructions will be given with demonstrations. There are three main steps to care:

1. Flossing with orthodontic floss aids.
2. Brushing, being sure bristles get all around brackets and under wires.
3. Fluoride mouth rinse.

Metal braces are the predominant way we straighten teeth — these along with ceramic brackets are affixed to the teeth and remain connected throughout treatment with a wire. Invisalign is a series of clear aligners (similar to retainers) that can be removed while eating and cleaning. However, to achieve the most predictable results, the aligners must be worn 22 hours per day.

Contact the office for a repair appointment for braces. For the aligners, you may be able to go to the next set of trays and wear the next tray longer if it fits. For example, if you were to switch to your next aligner in a week and the aligner cracks, try to switch to the next aligner and wear it the week you would have worn the cracked aligner plus the two weeks you would normally wear the next aligner. So you may end up wearing the next aligner for 3 weeks in this example instead of 2 weeks.

Teeth can get sore, your bite can feel funny as the teeth move. If oral hygiene is not maintained, there is a risk of white spots, cavities, and gingivitis.

Your smile can have a tremendous effect on your confidence. When we are unhappy with our teeth, we are less likely to smile which can have a negative effect on how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. When you are proud of your smile, you are more likely to project confidence and joy to the world.

We do not recommend whitening while braces or attachments are on the teeth. Whitening toothpastes are fine, however.

Typically, you will be seen every 6-8 weeks during treatment.

An orthodontist has attended a 2-3 year residency program after dental school. In residency, there is clinical training as well as a didactic education. Orthodontist are trained to address even the most complex cases of jaw malalignment, severe crowding, impacted teeth, congenitally missing teeth, and facial irregularities.

You will meet Dr. McCall and he will do a thorough clinical exam. Our team will take clinical photos. Dr. McCall will discuss options for your case and answer any questions you may have.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first visit to the orthodontist be at age 7, There will be some permanent teeth present and some kinds of orthodontic problems can be addressed around this age that become difficult or even impossible to correct later without orthognathic (jaw) surgery.