Orthodontic FAQs

Answering Your Most Asked Questions About Orthodontics

At Horton Orthodontics, Dr. Horton and our wonderful orthodontic team are here to help answer any questions you may have about orthodontics. Whether you as an adult are looking to seek treatment or you are looking into treatment for your kid or your teen, we are here for you. Check out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about orthodontics.

Orthodontic faqs
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At Horton Orthodontics, we are happy to help everybody, regardless of age, start their journey to a new smile! That means that adults of all ages are welcome to start orthodontic treatment whenever they want. In fact, more adults than ever are receiving treatment. No matter your age, we will work with you to find the best treatment option for you.

Orthodontic treatment will not affect your ability to play a sport. However, we do recommend wearing a mouthguard when playing a sport to protect your braces and teeth from damage.

Absolutely! You should be able to play your instrument without a problem, though it may take a short amount of time to get used to playing with your braces on.

Yes—it is actually important now more than ever to visit the dentist. Clean teeth are vital for treatment, as bacteria can become more easily trapped during treatment. Make sure to visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning so that your teeth can stay as healthy and clean as possible.

Each case is different. In general, kids and teens will finish treatment faster than adults because their jaws are still growing and are more malleable. Dr. Horton will be able to give you an estimate during your consultation. With today’s modern treatment planning technology, orthodontic treatment is faster than ever before!

During your orthodontic treatment, there are 4 key areas that you and only you have control over!

1. Maintaining good oral hygiene through brushing and flossing.
2. Wearing your elastics as prescribed by Dr. Horton.
3. Adhering to a braces-friendly foods list and eliminating oral habits—all of which can lead to damage to the aligners and braces and/or wires.
4. Keeping your regularly scheduled visits with our office.

If you do all 4 of these things, you will be awarded points at each of your active treatment visits that can be used towards fun prizes and gift cards!

During orthodontic treatment, steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy items. Specifically, avoid nuts, popcorn, caramel, gum, hard candies, raw carrots, and tough meats to prevent damage to your braces. Minimize sugary foods and drinks to reduce plaque buildup and maintain oral hygiene. Cutting your food into small pieces and chewing carefully will also help protect your braces and ensure a smooth treatment process.

Once treatment begins, you may notice that your teeth can feel loose and this is completely normal! As treatment progresses and the teeth move into their correct position, this feeling will subside.

No, metal braces are not painful. However, it is normal to feel sore or uncomfortable after you get your braces on for the first time or after an adjustment. While you are getting used to your braces or to an adjustment, you can use over-the-counter pain medications and warm salt water rinses to ease soreness. Sticking to soft foods for a couple of days after your appointment may help, as well. But don’t worry—you will get used to the changes in no time!

It is important to practice good dental hygiene when you have braces. This includes brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day and flossing. We recommend using an electric toothbrush. You can also buy floss or flossers specifically designed for braces to make it easier.

You need to make sure to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This will help make sure that your aligners fit properly. However, if your aligner is still not fully sitting on the teeth, please give us a call.

You should always make sure to save your previous aligners. If you lose an aligner, we recommend using your previously worn aligner. If you were almost done with the aligner you lost, we recommend switching to the next aligner, instead. If you’re not sure what to do, we’re happy to help—don’t hesitate to give us a call.

You should expect to wear your retainers for life, as unfortunately, your teeth will not always stay straight. Even years down the road, your teeth may shift due to a number of reasons. The best way to keep your beautiful new smile is to wear your retainers every night.

Don’t hesitate to call us right away! Since we don’t want your teeth to shift, we will get you new retainers as soon as possible.

Contact Horton Orthodontics Today

Do you have more questions? We’re happy to help! If you have a question we have not answered here, you are welcome to ask us at your next appointment, or you can give us a call at (651) 738-9060. We look forward to speaking with you!

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Locally Owned and Smiles That Are Locally Grown

Individualized Orthodontic Care In Woodbury, Minnesota

Dr. Horton is a board certified orthodontist with years of experience and expertise in her field. She is proud to provide a locally owned and operated practice that offers a welcoming environment and cutting-edge orthodontic technology for all patients. Get started with the smile of your dreams today!

Woodbury Office

8480 Woodbury Crossing, Suite 110
Woodbury, MN 55125

Call or Text:
(651) 738-9060

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