Frequently asked questions

At what age should my child attend his or her first orthodontic consultation?

The first consultation is recommended from the age of 7. At this age, we can treat important dento-facial issues, whether it is a jaw growth disorder, a lack of space for the eruption of permanent teeth or a functional treatment combined with speech therapy. These so-called "first intention" treatments, which generally last less than a year, make it possible to intercept orthodontic problems during childhood in order to reduce the risk or duration of treatments to be carried out during adolescence.

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What is the average duration of an orthodontic treatment?

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It depends on the type of appliance and the treatment to be undertaken to correct the malocclusion. For "first intention treatment" in childhood, the average duration is 6 to 8 months. For treatment in adolescents with multibanded appliances ("braces"), the average duration is 1.5 to 2 years.

How do I brush my teeth properly with braces?

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Braces can become a breeding ground for bacteria. In order to reduce the risk of cavities and the appearance of White Spot (white spots due to the demineralisation of the enamel) but also gum inflammation, it is advisable to maintain good dental health by brushing your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush and a toothpaste whose fluoride content is adapted to your age or that of your child:

• from 0 to 2 years: 500 ppm of fluorine

• from 2 to 6 years: 500 to 1000 ppm of fluorine

• 6 years and over: 1450 ppm fluorine

The amount of toothpaste to be used should correspond to the size of the nail of your child's pinky finger.

Cleaning the interdental areas and around fixed appliances with brushes and the use of mouthwash complete the brushing process.

It has been proven that using an electric toothbrush provides better brushing than a manual toothbrush and reduces the risk of receding gum due to frantic brushing.

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Is an orthodontic treatment painful? 

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During the first few days, your teeth may be sensitive, especially if you put pressure on them or eat hard foods. This feeling is normal and unavoidable during the initial tooth displacement period. Afterwards, once the treatment has begun, this sensation may reappear when wires and braces are adjusted, but it is transitory and tends to dissipate more quickly than after the initial placement of the braces. It should be noted that the pain tolerance threshold varies greatly from one person to the next. We recommend taking light painkillers such as Paracetamol®/Dafalgan® and adapting your diet during the first few days following your appointment. Irritation of the lips, cheeks and tongue is common at the beginning of treatment. We provide orthodontic wax to be applied to the parts of your appliances that create the wounds and that are in contact with your irritated tissues during the healing process.

What foods are to be avoided?

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Certain foods that are too hard or too sticky should be avoided while wearing a fixed appliance, including gummy candy, caramels, Carambars®, Chokotoff®, chewing gum, French bread, nuts, hazelnuts and raw carrots. Apples should be cut into pieces beforehand and chocolate bars should be melted in the mouth. Following the dietary recommendations will reduce the risk of the appliances wearing off.

Can you play sports with braces?

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Wearing orthodontic braces does not prevent you from practicing a sport, however, it is not recommended to wear removable braces in the pool. For sports where it is necessary to protect the teeth (hockey, boxing, American football, rugby, karate, etc.), we recommend wearing thermo-formable mouth-guards for orthodontic appliances sold in sports stores. They should be soaked in hot water to mould to the braces and teeth as the treatment progresses.

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What to do in an emergency?

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Occasionally, minor incidents do occur during orthodontic treatment. What to do in case of an emergency?

• If pain or discomfort occurs from rubbing a part of the appliance, you can apply the orthodontic wax we provide at the beginning of treatment to the irritating area of the appliance. This wax is also sold in pharmacies or para-pharmacies.

• If a brace comes off, try to preserve it so you can bring it to your next appointment. Note that if no discomfort is caused by the loss of this plate, the repair will be done during the next appointment.

• If a deformed piece of wire stings your cheek or gum and the orthodontic wax does not help to resolve this discomfort, you can try to replace the wire with tweezers in the back plate. However, if the wire is still in the way, you can try to cut it with a small pair of tweezers or a nail clipper.

• If, in spite of all these tips, you are still unable to relieve your discomfort or pain, please contact us for an emergency appointment.

Certain situations require an emergency appointment: if your braces prevent you from eating properly because of a piece that floats in your mouth or if your bonded retainer (glued to the back of your teeth at the end of the treatment) comes off.

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If you're abroad, try to relieve the discomfort or pain with orthodontic wax. However, if an orthodontist or local dentist is needed, ask him or her to remove the damaged or broken part of the appliance to relieve the irritation and keep it safe.

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Is adult orthodontics as effective as in a child?

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Adult orthodontics is as effective as in children. Nevertheless, the periodontal context, i.e. the health of the bone and gums surrounding the teeth, can sometimes be more fragile, which requires an adapted orthodontic treatment carried out in collaboration with your periodontist. Some orthodontic movements are also longer to achieve in adult patients than in children because of the density of the bone.

Are there any transparent devices?

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Yes, there are transparent/invisible devices. These are the lingual braces (bonded to the inside of the teeth). They have the same degree of precision and efficiency as the external braces, while not affecting social interactions.

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Can a lingual device interfere with my speech?

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Yes, it's not uncommon for a lingual device to interfere with speech. However, most often this interference is only temporary and lessens over time.

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What are the risks of not having orthodontic treatment?

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The risks of not performing orthodontic treatment are diverse and depend on the extent of the malocclusion. Some of the most common ones are:

• chewing disorders,

• disorders of the temporomandibular joint of the jaw (pain, cracking and tension),

• the risk of cavities or gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) as a result of the difficulty of brushing teeth in areas with significant dental overlap,

• Premature wear of the edges of the incisors or other teeth by traumatic or unbalanced contact,

• Accelerated tooth decay due to traumatic dental contact on the gums or oral health made difficult by dental crowdings.​

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Any other questions?

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Please call us at 02/463 17 44