Plaque is a mixture of bacteria, debris and remnants of food consumed throughout the day. The bacteria feed on the sugars in the debris and produce acids which can irritate your gums and erode the enamel (decalcification).

The thorough removal of plaque is very important as to ensure that the surfaces of your teeth around the braces will be healthy and look good upon brace removal. The following suggestions will aid in healthy teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment.

Important factors to consider when purchasing a toothbrush are that it is soft and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Soft bristle toothbrushes work better at getting into the nooks and crannies around your appliances and are gentler on your gums. The size of the brush, the shape of the handle and other variations are dependent on personal preference.

It is not necessary to use an electric toothbrush but they are safe to use on your appliances. A moderate setting is best to prevent injury to your gums and prevent breaking brackets.

Brush three times a day for a minimum of three to five minutes each time. Brushing after each meal is ideal to assure that food is not trapped on or around the braces. If you are not able to brush, rinse your mouth with water thoroughly until you are able to brush.
Brushing should be done slowly and carefully in a circular motion. Brush above and below the brackets to remove the debris from the brackets, paying special attention to the areas between the brackets. Angling the toothbrush above and below the brackets will massage the gums, stimulating them to minimize swelling.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your child.

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic issue, and if so what is it?
• What is the recommended treatment to correct the issue?
• What is the estimated length of treatment?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How much will the treatment cost?

Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile is Dr Kieffer’s primary goal. New technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures and removing teeth is not always necessary for treatment. However, extractions are occasionally required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Dr. Kieffer takes a conservative approach with regards to extractions.

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs. In general, the length of treatment ranges from 12 to 24 months.

We will provide you with the cost of treatment and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will also review your insurance and flex plan policies to help maximize your benefits.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four to six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule accordingly.

We will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs. Most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic appointments. It is fair to expect to miss some school for the longer appointments where the braces are being put on and removed. We recommend making your future appointments as you leave our office in order to schedule an after school time.

Generally, braces are not painful. However, the teeth may be sore for a few days after certain visits and it may take your gums time to get used to your new braces. In these situations, Ibuprofen, homeopathic medicines, or chewing a piece of sugarless gum will help ease the discomfort. Wax can be placed over brackets or wires causing irritation to the gums.

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for most sports and have them available at our office.

Yes. Regular checkups with your family dentist are very important while in treatment. Your dentist will determine the recommended intervals between cleaning appointments.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will review the complete instructions with you and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid.

If your braces are causing unusual discomfort or if something breaks, you should contact our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the phone. If you require an emergency visit, we will appoint you accordingly.

If a bracket or wire is causing an irritation, try covering the irritation with a small amount of wax. If the wire is poking you, you can cut it with clean nail cutters. If necessary, contact our office to schedule an emergency appointment to have the wire trimmed. Warm salt water rinses a few times a day will help heal the irritation.

If the wire or bracket becomes loose, first contact our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use clean nail clippers. Please contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.

Yes. Some orthodontic issues are significant enough to require early intervention. Phase One treatment allows us to work with the growth and correct early problems. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually performed between the ages of seven to ten. The primary objectives for Phase One treatment are to create enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt and to address any habits that may negatively impact the development of the permanent teeth. Phase One treatment allows us to work with the growth and is usually short in duration.

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. After Phase One is completed, your child will be placed on a recall status during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, you will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

A large percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 40% of Dr. Kieffer’s clientele are adults. There are many different treatment options available to our adult patients to fit their individual needs, including metal, ceramic and self-ligating brackets, aligner therapy and Invisalign. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a normal tooth. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatment. It is important that orthodontic treatment be appropriate and properly completed by an orthodontic specialist.

Orthodontic x-rays are a helpful diagnostic tool and are required to begin treatment. For your convenience, Kieffer Orthodontics has an in-house, state-of-the-art digital x-ray laboratory, which allows us to minimize your exposure to radiation and reduce our environmental footprint. Our x-ray unit reduces radiation exposure by 70% compared to standard x-ray units.

Yes. Dr. Kieffer has several years of experience in treating TMJ, often combining TMJ therapy with braces or Invisalign. Dr. Kieffer works with a team of colleagues and believes that a team approach yields the most successful results in TMJ therapy.