Common Q and A!
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
The short answer is NO! There is nothing sharp used in orthodontic treatment. Dr Yue hates needles so she makes sure to never use one. Just like how your muscle feel sore after you exercise, your teeth may feel sore and sensitive as they move. Typically, this soreness lasts only 2-3 days and is usually after a wire adjustment or a new tray is placed. The best remedy to this soreness is ice cream and smoothies! 🙂
How long is orthodontic treatment?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies by severity of the bite and the alignment. It can range from 6 months to 3 years. Orthodontic treatment should not exceed 3 years for most cases unless surgery is involved. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr Yue to get your customized treatment timeline!
What are foods I need to avoid?
We ask patients to avoid all foods that are hard and sticky. This includes and not limited to: popcorn, nuts, hard chips, pizza crust, crackers, gummy candies, taffy, gum, caramel, and ice. Raw fruits/vegetables, burgers, corn, bread should be cut up in smaller bits and avoid biting directly into them with your front teeth. Yes, this sounds like a lot, but there is still a huge list of yummy foods you can have! Hull-less popcorn, yogurt, bananas, grapes, berries, mashed potatoes, cheese, light crakers/cookies, noodles, rice are still acceptable and good options!
Do I need to wear retainers after treatment?
YES! Retention is lifetime! I always tell patients that orthodontic treatment places your teeth in an unnatural position. Naturally, your teeth want to be crooked or your bite wants to be off-otherwise it would be straight from the beginning! So if you want to maintain the alignment, retention is key. Retainer wear is lifetime and we recommend wearing your retainers every night after the first three months of full time wear!
What is IPR and is it safe?
IPR stands for interproximal reduction. Essentially, a very fine sandpaper is flossed between your teeth to create some space between your teeth. IPR is not for everyone but it can be a useful tool to create room for dental alignment as an alternative to extractions. In fact, it can be a much healthier and conservative approach than over expanding your jaws or pushing your teeth forward too much to make space. The maximum removed between each tooth is 0.5mm or 0.25mm per tooth. Most patients worry about sensitivity and long term consequences. Long term studies show that IPR does not cause sensitivity and will not weaken your teeth.
