At Flower Mound Orthodontics, we will gladly answer any questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wayne L. Sankey is an experienced orthodontist in the Flower Mound area who takes pride in providing patient education resources to our patients. For any questions not addressed below, please call our office.
Dr. Sankey has completed additional training specific to Orthodontics, including a post-graduate Residency Program in Orthodontics.
Do you offer adult orthodontics?
Yes. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatment options for adults who want to correct their orthodontic concerns. Dr. Sankey will evaluate your smile and determine which treatment is right for you.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has undergone two to three years of advanced training and experience. A highly skilled orthodontist can help straighten crooked teeth, address complex bite problems, and correct misaligned jaw structures.
What are braces?
There is a wide range of dental brace options to choose from. Options for braces:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear Ceramic braces
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Self-ligating braces
An orthodontist may recommend braces for various reasons, and the length of treatment may vary from patient to patient.
Do braces hurt?
It is common for patients of any age to experience some discomfort when braces are placed, adjusted, or removed. This should be manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and will subside in a couple of days.
How will I know if my child needs braces?
Many professionals recommend that children should be evaluated around the age of 7 when permanent teeth begin to emerge. During this time, Dr. Sankey can examine your child’s teeth and jaw to check for developing bite problems or other orthodontic concerns. In many cases, early intervention can help prevent future orthodontic issues.
Can my child play sports with braces?
Yes- any patient wearing braces can remain active and participate in contact sports. Please ask us about mouthguards designed for braces, which we will provide at no additional charge to keep your smile safe.
How long will it take to complete orthodontic treatment?
The length of orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. Our team at Flower Mound Orthodontics works with each of our patients individually to create a treatment plan that is right for their needs. Typically, orthodontic treatment times range from 10 to 27 months. The average time frame for most patients is 18 months. However, this will depend on the patient’s diligence, treatment plan, and diagnosis.
Why Straighten Crooked Teeth?
You may not realize it, but straight teeth help you bite your food, chew your food, and speak properly. Not to mention, a straight smile brings you more self-confidence. In addition, many disorders are related to crooked teeth. These include TMJ disorders, gum disease, including periodontitis, uneven wear on teeth, and tooth damage. Dr. Sankey with Flower Mound Orthodontics offers many solutions to treat malocclusion to help avoid further issues with oral health.
When should my child get an orthodontic consultation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an initial evaluation by age 7. Age 7 is typically the earliest most orthodontists start treatment unless there is a severe problem. Your child’s early assessment will allow Dr. Sankey to identify potential issues and plan for future treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. If you never received an orthodontic consultation as a child, it’s not too late as an adult to seek orthodontic care to improve your smile.
Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces?
Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment that is just as effective as traditional braces. This clear aligner treatment can straighten teeth and improve your smile. Both options provide similar results, but Invisalign offers a more discreet and removable approach. It’s a great choice for those seeking a less noticeable treatment option. The clear aligners are almost invisible, and you can remove them for eating and cleaning.
How often will I need to visit the orthodontist during treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, you will need to visit Dr. Sankey every 4-8 weeks. These regular appointments are vital so we can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your braces or aligners. However, the number of times you visit our office depends on your treatment plan and progress.
Will I need to wear retainers after I get my braces off?
Yes, wearing retainers is an important step after Dr. Sankey removes your braces. Your retainer will help keep your teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their original places. Dr. Sankey will provide specific instructions on when and how long to wear your retainer to ensure the best long-term results.
Are braces purely cosmetic, or are they medically necessary?
Braces serve both cosmetic and medically necessary purposes. Dr. Sankey will use them to straighten misaligned teeth, which will improve the appearance of your smile and enhance your oral health. When you have straight teeth, it is much easier to clean them. Clean teeth will reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. So, braces offer both aesthetic and health benefits.
Will braces affect my speech or ability to play musical instruments?
When you first get braces, you might notice a slight impact on your speech. This minor speech change is normal and usually improves within a few weeks as you adjust to the braces. As for musical instruments, braces might require some adaptation, but with practice, you can continue playing your favorite instruments without any significant issues.
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
If a bracket or wire breaks, it’s important to contact Dr. Sankey as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can try to push the wire into a more comfortable position with a soft but firm object like a pencil eraser. You can also cover the end of the wire with dental wax to prevent soft tissue injuries. Never use sharp or pointed objects to adjust your wires.
How often will my braces need to be adjusted?
Dr. Sankey will typically need to adjust your wires every 4-8 weeks. These adjustments are very important because it ensures your teeth are moving into the correct positions. During these visits, Dr. Sankey will make small changes to the wires or elastics to guide your teeth into alignment. Consistent adjustments are key to achieving the best results.
What happens during the braces removal process?
Dr. Sankey will gently and carefully remove your braces with a special tool. This tool will loosen and remove the brackets and wires from your teeth. We will then thoroughly clean and polish your teeth to remove any remaining adhesive. Finally, we will take impressions or scans of your teeth to make your retainers. The braces removal process is typically a quick and painless procedure.