About Orthodontics

The most important thing to remember when you get braces at Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is that we're going to take great care of you! Whether you’ve chosen Invisalign® or traditional braces, our goal is to make sure you are happy, you have fun, and you have a smile you can be proud of.

One of the things that make our practice unique is that our doctors and staff spend time providing education about your dental health. We aren't trying to confuse with big dental words; we just want you to understand what is going on in your mouth. The more you know, the better decisions you will make about your treatment and the better your final result will be!

Our Orthodontic Treatment Philosophy

Knowledge is paramount. The more we can help you understand the nature of the problem and the options available, the better you can decide the path forward to match your goals, desires and objectives. Once in treatment, we firmly believe in encouraging a sense of responsibility in our patients. Besides producing better results and a lifetime of dental health, it inspires confidence in proceeding through treatment. The sense of pride and the increase in self-esteem from the results can be priceless. We have a very open, friendly and informal environment. As our average staff member has worked here for 10 years, most of our patients enjoy becoming “friends” with our staff, often choosing a favorite to work with. Parents are always welcome in the treatment area and most end up becoming part of our ‘family’ as well.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be removable like Invisalign or the traditional metal brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position. Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Duration of Treatment

Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. 

Eating with Braces

Dr. Wright is not picky about what you can eat with braces. We just want you to understand that we are all on the same team and we are all working towards the same goal, which is to get you in and out of braces as quickly as possible! Hard, crunchy foods tend to break brackets. The more broken brackets, the longer your braces take.

If you do break a bracket or lose a wire, don't panic. Broken brackets and poking wires will happen occasionally. Just take nail or wire clippers or a pair of pliers and do whatever you need to do to be comfortable, and then let us know so we can see you as soon as possible.

Caring for Braces

Our #1 rule is to keep your teeth and your appliances CLEAN. Whenever you brush your teeth with or without braces, you should be brushing near the gum line. Plaque (which are microscopic bugs called bacteria) like to hide near the gum line, in between teeth, and around your braces, so make sure you focus on those spots and brush and floss at least twice a day.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation

Before beginning your orthodontic care, Dr. Wright will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your full treatment may take. Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment and learn more about orthodontics and the treatments we provide.

If you ever have questions about your orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our Kempsville, Thalia, Great Neck, or Chesapeake offices and ask a member of our team. We’re here for you!