FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we specialize in a variety of treatments, including braces and clear aligners, to create healthier, more beautiful smiles.

Orthodontic treatment improves not only the appearance of your smile but also your oral health. Correcting misalignment can prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw problems. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we create customized treatment plans to help you achieve a healthy, functional smile.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children see an orthodontist by age 7. Early evaluation at Brown Family Orthodontics helps us catch potential issues early and determine if future treatment is necessary.

Yes! Brown Family Orthodontics offers a variety of orthodontic treatments for adults, including braces, Invisalign®, and Spark Clear Aligners. It’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Treatment times vary depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients at Brown Family Orthodontics complete their treatment in 12 to 24 months. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll provide a personalized timeline for your specific needs.

We offer traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and self-ligating braces at Brown Family Orthodontics. Each option is designed to provide effective and comfortable treatment based on your preferences and orthodontic needs.

Clear aligners like Invisalign® and Spark Clear Aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays that gradually shift your teeth into place. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we customize each set of aligners to fit your smile goals.

Most patients visit Brown Family Orthodontics every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments or to receive new aligners. We offer flexible scheduling to make these visits convenient for you.

A complimentary consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics includes a full orthodontic evaluation, X-rays, and a digital 3-D scan of your teeth. We will then discuss your treatment options and create a personalized plan to help you achieve your smile goals.

You may experience some discomfort after braces are placed or aligners are switched, but this typically subsides within a few days. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we use advanced techniques like self-ligating brackets to reduce discomfort during treatment.

Proper hygiene is essential with braces or aligners. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we recommend brushing after every meal and flossing daily. For clear aligners, clean them with a soft toothbrush and warm water to prevent staining.

Yes! At Brown Family Orthodontics, we recommend wearing a mouthguard during sports to protect your braces and teeth. Most patients adapt quickly to playing musical instruments after getting braces.

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial with braces. Brush after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We also recommend using an orthodontic flosser or water flosser to clean between your braces and teeth.

Yes, retainers are essential to maintain your newly straightened teeth. After treatment at Brown Family Orthodontics, we provide custom retainers to ensure your smile stays in place long-term. Nighttime for a lifetime is our motto at BFO.

Absolutely! At Brown Family Orthodontics, we treat a variety of bite issues, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Proper alignment can improve both the appearance and functionality of your teeth and jaws.

Patients with braces should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the brackets or wires. Brown Family Orthodontics will provide a list of foods to avoid, as well as tips for maintaining your braces throughout treatment.

Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to move teeth, while clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible. Brown Family Orthodontics offers both options and will recommend the best solution based on your individual needs.

Yes, orthodontic treatment can help relieve TMJ pain caused by a misaligned bite. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we offer TMJ and splint therapy to address issues with the temporomandibular joint and improve jaw function.

The cost of treatment varies depending on your specific needs. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we offer flexible financing options and work with most insurance providers to make treatment affordable. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate.

Yes, certain orthodontic treatments can help address obstructive sleep apnea by adjusting the position of the jaw and teeth to improve airflow. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we offer solutions for both sleep apnea and snoring.

Self-ligating braces use a special clip instead of elastic bands to hold the wire in place, reducing friction and pressure on your teeth. Brown Family Orthodontics offers self-ligating braces as a more comfortable and efficient alternative to traditional braces.

If you have crooked teeth, spacing issues, or bite problems, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Brown Family Orthodontics, and we’ll assess your needs and recommend the best treatment plan.

While there may be a brief adjustment period, most patients quickly adapt to speaking normally with braces or aligners. At Brown Family Orthodontics, we’ll provide tips on how to adjust if you experience any speech changes.

Even if your child’s teeth appear straight, there may be underlying bite or jaw issues. An early evaluation at Brown Family Orthodontics can help identify potential problems and determine if future treatment is needed.

You can schedule a complimentary consultation by calling any of our offices in Mandeville, Madisonville, Chalmette, Metairie, Marrero, Ocean Springs, or Pascagoula, or by visiting our website to book an appointment online.