Dear Dr. Grewal,
I have a daughter Bella who I believe requires braces. I’m not sure if I need to have a referral from my dentist. What information will I be given at the consultation? Bella is 12 and is very active in sports. She plays hockey and is the team goalie – can she still play hockey with braces on? Does it affect her if she has to wear a mouth guard? Bella also plays the flute in the school band – will having braces bother or hurt her while playing an instrument? Obviously, needing braces is a big deal to Bella, and I want her to feel comfortable. Can you help?
– Concerned Mom
Dear Concerned Mom,
Getting braces is a big deal for any teen or tween, and I hear about issues like these often in my practice. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked in our practice. I hope the answers will reassure you and your daughter that getting braces will not interfere with any of her favourite activities.
1.Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office. We will be happy to schedule an appointment with you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our office staff will request some basic information from you.
2. What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination.
• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What can be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?
3. Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No, they will not!! We do recommend patients playing contact sports wear moldable mouth guards. Ones that are moldable with warm water are recommended so they can be altered as the teeth move throughout treatment.
4. Will braces interfere with playing a musical instrument?
No, they will not!! Patients can play any instrument while having orthodontic treatment. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment to the pressure of the braces on your lips and cheeks.
5. Do I need to see my family dentist while I have braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while you wear braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you have braces.
6. Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Remember the saying, “I go to my dentist for checkups, but I go to my orthodontist for my smile!”
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Dr. Winnie S. Grewal is a certified specialist in orthodontics with offices in Ajax and Bowmanville. For more information, visit grewalorthodontics.com or call for a Complimentary Consultation! Ajax: 905 427-7310. Bowmanville: 905 623-2283.
