Question 1

Will my child's teeth straighten as they grow?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.

Question 2

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

Accepted Answer

American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.

Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.

Question 3

Can I schedule all of my child's appointments after school?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.

Question 4

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment. We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.

Question 5

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Accepted Answer

If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.

Question 6

What is Phase One (Early) Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.

Question 7

Will my child need an expander?

Accepted Answer

You'll find out if your child will need an expander after your initial consultation.

Question 8

Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?

Accepted Answer

It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.

Question 9

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Accepted Answer

If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

Question 10

Can I still play sports

Accepted Answer

Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.

Question 11

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.

Question 12

Will my teeth straighten as they grow?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.

Question 13

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Accepted Answer

We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.

Question 14

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Accepted Answer

We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment.  We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.

Question 15

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Accepted Answer

Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

Question 16

Can I still play sports?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.

Question 17

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Accepted Answer

If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

Question 18

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Question 19

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

Accepted Answer

We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about our Financing & Insurance policies on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.

Question 20

Will I need to have teeth extract for braces?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.

Question 21

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Question 22

Do braces hurt?

Accepted Answer

Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.

Question 23

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.

Question 24

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Accepted Answer

It’s essential to continue visiting the dentist during treatment, as failing to do so can lengthen treatment time.

Question 25

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Accepted Answer

Once you get your braces, we will review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods.

Question 26

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Accepted Answer

You should brush your teeth after each meal, in tandem with your regular morning and night time routine. We’ll show you the best ways to care for your teeth while wearing your appliances.

Question 27

Do you recycle braces?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not! Each patient requires personalized treatment to achieve the best results possible.

Question 28

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Accepted Answer

Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

Question 29

Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?

Accepted Answer

It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.

Question 30

How long do I have to wear the aligners?

Accepted Answer

Because each patient is different, treatment time with Invisalign varies. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 24 months – it all depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are wearing your aligners and keeping your scheduled appointments.

Question 31

Do I have to wear the aligners even at night?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In order for Invisalign to work as it's designed, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can remove them when eating and when brushing & flossing. You can also take them out temporarily for those special occasions such as interviews or school photos as long as you put them right back in afterward.

Question 32

Do aligners hurt?

Accepted Answer

Aligners, such as Invisalign, don’t “hurt” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.

Question 33

Are there certain foods I must avoid eating that might break my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when eating. One of the greatest benefits associated with Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods including hard-crusted breads, corn-on-the-cob, etc. as long as you take your aligners out before eating, but be sure to at least rinse, if not brush and rinse, before replacing your Invisalign trays.

Any foods with color or food coloring (coffee, tea, red sauce, curry, sodas) can be on your teeth and slowly stain your attachments and/or trays.

Question 34

Will my speech be affected?

Accepted Answer

When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.

Question 35

Can I chew gum?

Accepted Answer

No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.

Question 36

Is it okay to smoke with my aligners in?

Accepted Answer

Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.

Question 37

How do I keep my aligners clean?

Accepted Answer

It is very easy to clean your aligners. Just brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them off to keep them fresh & clean. To keep them extra fresh, we offer Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to freshen up the trays 1-2 times per week!

Question 38

How often do I need to visit your office during treatment?

Accepted Answer

At the beginning of treatment, we may see you every 3-4 weeks. As treatment progresses, we can usually monitor your progress every 8-12 weeks. Each tray could be worn from 18 days in the beginning to 7 days towards the end of treatment, depending on cooperation and progress. Every patient's needs are different, so that can vary from smile to smile.

Question 39

Will I have to wear a retainer once I'm done wearing my aligners?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The day you are finished wearing your aligners is when you begin the retention phase of your treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer as directed by us so your teeth do not shift back into their original positions.

Question 40

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

Accepted Answer

It’s not required, but often times our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends, and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.

Question 41

Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic specialists have the education, training and experience to effectively alter teeth, jaw, and facial structures to help patients achieve optimal oral health. It’s critical that treatment is personalized to each individual and properly completed, and choosing a specialist, like Dr. Garcia, ensures that everything is done correctly.

Question 42

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (951) 525-1176 to schedule an appointment at any of our three convenience locations. One of our staff members will take down some of your basic information, and let you know what you need to bring to our office for your appointment.

Question 43

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Accepted Answer

The team at Braces By Garcia will thoroughly explain your options to you after completing your initial exam, and will recommend the best course of treatment. You’ll learn the answers to five important questions during your consultation appointment, including:

Is there an orthodontic issue, and if so, what is it?
What treatment is needed to correct the problem? Can braces and/or Invisalign correct the problem?
Will any teeth need to be removed?
How long will treatment take?
How much will treatment cost?

Question 44

Do you give shots?

Accepted Answer

No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

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