Orthodontic FAQ

Dr. Jeffrey Kwong, aka Dr. Jeff,  earned his dental degree with highest honors in Cleveland, Ohio at Case Western Reserve University. He loved the school so much that he stayed on to complete his orthodontic specialty training and finished a rigorous two-and-a-half-year orthodontic residency program that included 7,000+ hours of training in all aspects of orthodontics.

In addition to his Doctorate in Dental Surgery, he also has a Master of Science in Dentistry, is a Certified Specialist in Orthodontics, and is a Board Certified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Dentists.

Malocclusion means an improper bite due to a misalignment of the teeth or jaws. It can refer to a variety of different conditions, including crowding, spacing, overjet, an underbite, deep bite, open bite, a crossbite, and narrow jaws.

Straight teeth make for a beautiful smile, which will improve your facial appearance and boost your self-confidence. However, there are tons of additional benefits of orthodontics including:

• Better function of the teeth for improved speaking and chewing
• Straight teeth are easier to clean allowing for excellent oral hygiene
• Improved wear patterns of the teeth and force distribution
• Can optimize other dental treatment
• Will guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Less risk of injury to protruding front teeth
• Healthier gums
• Reduced headaches and jaw soreness

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling your child’s first orthodontic appointment by age 7.

Most likely, we won’t start braces treatment right away. Instead, we’ll simply monitor your child’s dental and facial growth and development and let you know when it’s time for treatment.

However, in cases where phase I treatment may be necessary, addressing issues early will lead to more favorable results and easier treatment as a teen or adult.

For a more in-depth look, check out our blog post: 7 Reasons to See an Orthodontist by Age 7.

The earlier you deal with orthodontic problems, the easier they’ll be to treat. Delaying treatment can lead to the need for tooth extraction or jaw surgery.

You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! A great smile looks good on people of all ages and is an easy way to give you a more youthful look. It will improve your confidence and health.

Plus, adults tend to be great candidates for esthetic options like Invisalign, lingual braces, and ceramic braces.

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e., expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted.

This type of treatment typically occurs when the child is between the ages of 6 and 10. It’s sometimes necessary to make room for permanent teeth, correct crossbites, overbites, and underbites, and stop harmful oral habits.

Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth are in (usually between the ages of 11 and 13).

When it’s needed, there are big benefits to two-phase orthodontic treatment, including helping patients avoid the need for extractions and jaw surgery.

Nope! Come one, come all. Call us and schedule your free consultation today!

No orthodontic FAQ page would be complete without addressing retainer use. Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new, correct positions and prevents them from shifting back to how they were before braces.