Orthodontic FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
What qualifications does Dr. Thomas have as an orthodontist?
Dr. Thomas completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He completed the Doctor of Dental Science degree at University of Illinois at Chicago Dental School.
During dental school, he received a Research Award from University of Illinois at Chicago during their annual Predoctoral Clinical Award Competition, a Certificate of Achievement for research from The Odontographic Society of Chicago Research and Education Foundation, the Award for Exceptional Interest in the Development of the Oro-Facial Complex from the American Association of Orthodontists, the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Sigma Chapter Award for research, and the Academy of Dental Materials award for Recognition of Excellence in Scholarship in Dental Materials While Pursuing Dental Studies.
Following dental school, he completed the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics specialty program at University of Illinois at Chicago Dental School. At the completion of the program, he earned the Orthodontic specialty designation, as well as a Master of Science in Oral Biology.
For more information on Dr. Thomas, you can visit Meet Dr. Robert L. Thomas.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
You do not need a referral from your dentist. Many of our patients are referred by friends and family, they find us in an online search, by asking on social media, or seeing us when they drive by. We are always accepting new patients!
What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?
An orthodontist can be seen at any age! The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven. At that age, we can make sure there is nothing that needs to be treated immediately, and we begin to monitor growth and development. Orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens - about one third of orthodontic patients are over the age of 21.
Should I wait until my child has all of their permanent teeth before seeing Dr. Thomas?
While in many cases waiting for your child to have all their permanent teeth is fine, seeing them before they have lost all of their baby teeth gives us the opportunity to make sure that nothing unexpected is going on under the surface. Impacted teeth, ectopic teeth, and/or missing teeth all may affect the exfoliation of the baby teeth, so they may not come out on their own. Seeing them with some baby teeth also gives us the opportunity to ideally time the start of comprehensive treatment.
My child is under 18, do I need to be present for appointments?
We do need a parent present for consultation appointments. Once treatment has begun, parents are always welcome to come back with their children, they can stay in the reception area or their car, or they can run a quick errand.
Can I go back to school or work after getting braces placed?
Definitely! There are no restrictions for the rest of your day after you get braces. You can even eat right away!
What are braces?
Braces are an appliance used by Dr. Thomas to move your teeth. There are two parts to braces. The brackets are an appliance that is placed on your teeth, and the wire placed into the bracket directs your teeth to move.
If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?
The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because everyone responds differently to treatment. Estimated treatment times vary based on the difficulty of the case, but typical comprehensive treatment averages 24-27 months nationally.
Do braces hurt?
Braces do not hurt going on. We don’t need to use anesthetic, and they go on like stickers. You might feel some discomfort for a couple of days after you get your braces, and after adjustments. Eating softer foods, chewing sugar free gum, or taking over the counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can all help relieve the discomfort.
How often do I need to come for appointments?
Timing varies depending on your individual appliance and case. For braces, we usually see patients every six weeks. We will let you know at the end of your appointment when you should schedule your next visit.
How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?
- Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day (ideally after every meal), and floss at least once a day. This will help keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your teeth and braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Our team will show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?
With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.
Are there foods I should avoid with braces?
You should avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, bubble gum, gummy bears), and hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes). We will go into more detail at the consultation appointment before you start.
If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Continue to see your dentist every six months, unless they want to see you more often.
With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. Sugar in food sticks to your teeth. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. We will work with your dentist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get braces, but they will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard (no-boil for braces) to protect your teeth and braces.
What do I do if I have an emergency?
If you have trauma to the mouth, call our office right away. If it is during office hours, we’ll have you come in so we can make sure everything is okay. If it is after hours, you’ll call our answering service, and they will contact Dr. Thomas so he can talk to you and see if he needs to see you right away. We’ll provide the number for the answering service when you start treatment.
For tips on handling minor problems at home, please see our Emergencies page.
Will I need a retainer?
You will receive one retainer for each arch we correct (upper and/or lower). As long as you are careful with your retainer(s), you should only need the retainer(s) included with treatment. If you break it, or lose it, you will need to come in for an impression tohave a new retainer made. You have the option to add a permanent retainer. Dr. Thomas, the patient, and the parent/guardian (if the patient is under 18) will discuss the benefits and drawbacks toward the end of treatment.
How do I care for my retainers?
Keep your retainer clean by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and water. You may also soak it in mouthwash or retainer cleaner. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher. Anytime your retainer is not in your mouth, it should be kept in the provided case so that it does not get lost or broken. Make sure to keep your retainers away from dogs – they love to chew retainers!
