FAQ

CBCT

Do I Need a Retainer?

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons:

  • To allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved.
  • To maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends.

Your body changes your whole life, including your teeth!

What is RVG?

RVG stands for RadioVisioGraphy, digital x-ray. With this method, digital films are taken by electronic sensors instead of the old system x-ray known as film shooting. These sensors transfer the intraoral image directly to the computer screen.

What Does RVG (Radio Visio Graph) Do?

RVG (RadioVisioGraphy) provides rapid diagnostics without the effects of radiation. It has more advantages than classical x-ray in dentistry.

What are the advantages of RVG (RadioVisioGraphy)?
  • RVG takes less time to shoot than older x-ray films.
  • Less x-ray exposure. In short, it reduces the radiation rate by about 90 percent.
  • The image is transferred directly to the computer screen. It is therefore considered a faster method.
What are some common uses of the CBCT procedure?

Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of  implants and Orthodontic purposes. It is also useful for more complex cases that involve :

  • Surgical planning for impacted teeth.
  • Diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
  • Accurate placement of dental implants.
  • Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
  • Detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
  • Determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
  • Locating the origin of pain or pathology.
  • Cephalometric analysis.
  • Reconstructive surgery.

Pediatric

Do I Need a Retainer?

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons:

  • To allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved.
  • To maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends.

Your body changes your whole life, including your teeth!

How Long Should I Brush?

Brush teeth a minimum of 2 minutes each time with a fluoride toothpaste. When brushing pay special attention to the teeth in the back of your mouth.

How Often Should a Toothbrush Be Changed?

Replace a toothbrush every 3 months. Toothbrushes wear out and become less effective over time. If using an electric toothbrush, check the manufacturer’s suggested practices around replacing the head of the brush. Additionally, always replace a toothbrush after getting sick.

Rinsing and Storing a Toothbrush

Rinse with hot water to avoid the toothbrush retaining germs in the bristles and store in an upright position, in a place where it can air dry. If there are several toothbrushes in the same holder try to separate the brushes. Avoid storing a toothbrush in a closed container, because bacteria and microorganisms are more likely to grow in this type of environment.

Do Not Share Toothbrushes

When sharing a toothbrush there is a high risk of exchanging microorganisms and body fluids that can increase the chances of getting sick.

What are Habit Breaking Appliances

Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking are very detrimental to your child’s developing teeth & dental arch as these habits push the anterior teeth forward resulting in loss of function & aesthetics.  Habit breaking appliances are specially crafted & inserted to stop these habits.

What are Preventive Dental Sealants

A sealant is thin plastic coating kind of a dental cement that is applied to the teeth where decay occurs most often- the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. These teeth have pits and grooves that are hard to clean, because toothbrush bristles cannot reach into them. The sealant bonds to the tooth and protects teeth from plaque and acid attacks.

What is a Fluoride varnish ?

It is applied to prevent cavities in children. Fluoride strengthens the enamel by converting calcium hydroxyapatite crystals to calcium fluoride which is more resistant to caries & decay! It works best when followed by GC tooth mousse application at home by parents.

Orthodontics

Do I Need a Retainer?

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons:

  • To allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved.
  • To maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends.

Your body changes your whole life, including your teeth!

How Do I maintain my Braces?

Braces are an investment in oral health; proper care ensures you get the most out of your treatment. Here are some maintenance tips:

  • Daily Cleaning: Use a soft-bristled orthodontic toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. A water flosser, proxy brushes, and many other products can help clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Foods to Avoid: Hard and sticky foods can damage your braces. Choose softer foods and cut fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces.
  • If you have aligners, be sure to remove them before you eat or drink anything besides tap water, and put them back in after you’re done eating or drinking and you have thoroughly cleaned your teeth.
  • Emergencies: Contact your orthodontist immediately for guidance for a broken wire or bracket.
  • Regular Check-ups: Never skip your scheduled appointments for adjustments and cleaning.
What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional braces, these aligners are virtually invisible and can be taken out for eating and brushing.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign aligners are custom-made using 3D computer imaging technology. They work by gradually shifting your teeth into the desired position. You wear each set of aligners for about two weeks before moving on to the next set in the series.

What kind of food can I eat when I have braces?

With Traditional metal braces you should avoid eating anything hard, sticky, or crispy, such as chewing gum, hard or sticky candy, popcorn, corn on the cob, nuts of any kind, pizza etc. Whereas with an Invisalign retainer, there is no restriction on any food. Simply remove the retainer before eating or drinking.

Is Invisalign painful?

Invisalign is generally less painful than traditional braces. Some discomfort is normal when you switch to a new set of aligners, but this usually subsides within a few days.

Can I eat and drink while wearing Invisalign aligners?

You should remove your Invisalign aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water. This prevents staining of the aligners and maintains oral hygiene.

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

For best results, it’s recommended to wear your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

Some people may experience a temporary adjustment period affecting their speech. However, this usually resolves quickly as you become accustomed to wearing the aligners.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. Your dentist will provide an estimate during your consultation.

How do I care for my Invisalign aligners?

Clean your Invisalign aligners regularly using a soft toothbrush and water. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic. Also, ensure to maintain good oral hygiene practices.

Do I need to wear retainers at the end of treatment?

Yes. Every patient who undergoes orthodontic treatment has to wear retainers to make sure that their teeth do not move back. Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.Retainers are prescribed to allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved and to maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends.