Additional Services

Orthodontic Services in Salt Lake City

Answering all your questions about Orthodontics at Burg

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Do Braces Hurt?

Most patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on and immediately after their braces are tightened. Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, or ibuprofen can be used to ease the discomfort.

How do braces work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the initial archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of retainers custom-built for your teeth that gently guide your teeth to a more favorable position. You’ll be given a new retainer every few weeks to keep moving and straightening your teeth. Unlike braces, Invisalign is nearly invisible, and because you can remove the retainers to eat, you don’t have to worry about sticky, hard, or chewy foods getting stuck in your retainer.

How Do I Know if I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Regardless of your age, there are a number of signs that an orthodontic treatment may help straighten your smile and help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. You may need orthodontic treatment if you have a malocclusion, crowded teeth, difficulty chewing, uneven wearing of teeth, jaw that shifts to one side or the other when biting together, or spaces between teeth.

Should I still get my teeth cleaned by my dentist while I have braces?

YES! It is very important to get your teeth cleaned during orthodontic treatment because food and plaque are easily trapped around the braces. If that food and plaque isn’t removed regularly, you are in danger of having permanent stains on your teeth. Patients with orthodontic appliances must be extra vigilant about receiving regular dental care. Food stuck in braces or in hard-to-reach areas can cause gum disease, gingivitis or cavities that can also damage your braces.

What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?

There are a number of signs that you or your family member may have a slight bite problem. Some of them include early or late loss of primary teeth, difficulty chewing, breathing through the mouth, thumb-sucking habits past age five, protruding teeth, overlapped teeth, jaws that shift or make sounds, or difficulty speaking.

What foods can or can’t you eat with braces?

Most foods can be enjoyed just as before your child’s braces. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided. If you want to avoid eating restrictions, ask us about our invisalign treatment option!

Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?

Permanent teeth are a lot larger than baby teeth, so baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled to create room for permanent teeth to grow in at a normal time and in a normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, some permanent teeth will either remain impacted (teeth that should have come in, but have not), or come in to an undesirable position. To allow severely crowded teeth to move on their own into much more desirable positions, sequential removal of baby teeth and permanent teeth (usually first premolars) can dramatically improve a severe crowding problem.

What about the wisdom teeth (third molars)? Should they be removed?

In about three out of four cases where teeth have not been removed during orthodontic treatment, there are good reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually when a person reaches their middle or later teens. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your dentist, can determine if they should or shouldn’t be removed.

Can you play sports with braces?

Yes. To prevent damage to your braces and your mouth, it is recommended that patients wear a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are usually inexpensive and comfortable.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.

Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?

After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.

Will things sometimes look worse before they look better during orthodontic treatment?

Yes, the teeth will move in different directions as the teeth are straightening out. You may see a space between two teeth that was never there before or teeth that seemed perfectly straight before the braces were placed may not seem as straight. It will straighten properly over time.

Do you accept my insurance? What if I don’t have insurance?

We accept most insurance policies and Medicaid. If you don’t have insurance, we will work directly with you to create a payment plan that works for you. We strive to make our treatment options affordable.

Emergency Orthodontic Treatment

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, give us a call. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Find a Location Near You

Burg Orthodontics has five convenient locations across the Salt Lake City area. Our goal is to provide the best quality orthodontic treatment regardless of your location. To find a location near you, use the map below. To schedule an appointment, visit any of the links and submit an appointment request!

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Orthodontic Locations