Fargo Orthodontics Answers Your Questions
If you're new to braces, Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim at Fargo Orthodontics are here to help. Get answers to the most common orthodontic inquiries shared by people in Fargo, just like you.
Don't see your question listed? No worries! Our knowledgeable and friendly team is ready to address any queries you may have. Feel free to reach out to our office at 701-293-0006, and we'll be delighted to provide you with all the information you need.
Common Questions & Answers About Braces
Choosing an orthodontist in Fargo is essential to realizing your dream smile.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim are dental specialists with expertise in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Their qualifications exceed what aligners in the mail can offer.
Orthodontic treatment permanently alters teeth and, sometimes, the overall facial structure. A personalized approach, professional monitoring, and proper completion are crucial.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim, as orthodontic specialists, undergo extensive and specialized training to provide you with exceptional, personalized care.
Their expertise ensures not only a beautiful smile but also a healthy one.
The American Association of Orthodontists and Fargo Orthodontics recommend an orthodontic screening at age seven.
By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted, allowing Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim to detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
Early evaluation enables timely interventions and personalized treatment plans.
Teeth do not naturally straighten out as you grow. The space available for front teeth typically decreases with age after the eruption of permanent molars.
Orthodontic treatment is essential to achieve a well-aligned and attractive smile.
It's never too late for orthodontic treatment! Adults can benefit significantly, and actually make up 25% of our patients.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim cater to adult patients' unique needs and preferences, offering discreet options like clear braces and aligners.
Orthodontic treatment enhances both oral health and self-esteem at any age.
The duration of treatment at Fargo Orthodontics varies based on individual needs. Some concerns can be addressed within a year, while others may require longer.
To determine your specific treatment timeline, we offer free comprehensive exams and consultations, where we can address all your questions and concerns.
We schedule appointments according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will see Dr. Duevel or Dr. Keim every five to 10 weeks.
For specific situations requiring more frequent monitoring, we adjust appointment schedules accordingly.
Absolutely! At Fargo Orthodontics, we strive to accommodate our patients' busy lives by offering a variety of appointment times.
For longer procedures, we schedule during non-peak hours, but we work to find appointment times that suit your schedule.
Certainly! We understand your schedule may be hectic, and we are here to help.
For added convenience, you can drop off your child for their appointment. If needed, we may request to speak with you upon their return.
After certain appointments, you may experience some soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications like Advil or Tylenol can alleviate discomfort.
However, most visits won’t cause any soreness at all. We like to say, "It doesn’t have to hurt to work."
Absolutely! We encourage patients to participate in sports, and we recommend wearing mouthguards for added protection.
Musicians who play wind instruments may take some time to adjust to playing with braces.
The cost of orthodontic treatment at Fargo Orthodontics depends on various factors, including the complexity of the case and the treatment's duration.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim will discuss the cost and available financing options during your consultation. We offer flexible payment plans and work with insurance companies to ensure affordable treatment.
Orthodontic problems often result from a combination of genetic factors and oral habits. Inherited issues may include crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and jaw growth problems.
Other causes can be thumb- or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, or the early or late loss of baby teeth.
Orthodontic treatment is crucial for both aesthetics and oral health. Crooked and crowded teeth can be difficult to clean and maintain, leading to dental problems.
A poor bite can result in teeth wearing down, difficulty chewing and speaking, and stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Without treatment, these problems may worsen and require further dental care in the future.
Orthodontic treatment is a collaborative effort between you and our orthodontists. Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim provide custom-made appliances that gently move teeth into their proper positions.
Your role is to follow their instructions, attend scheduled appointments, and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular visits to your general dentist are also essential for continued dental care.
Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are crucial while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Your Fargo dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have braces.
To maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, we recommend brushing your teeth at least four times a day – after each meal and before going to bed.
We will also teach you how to floss properly with braces and may provide a prescription for special fluoride treatments if necessary.
If you notice changes in your smile or bite, our Fargo office offers a free consultation to evaluate your needs.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim can provide an orthodontic tune-up to help you regain proper alignment.
Research suggests that wisdom teeth do not necessarily cause teeth to shift. The removal of wisdom teeth is usually for general dental health reasons rather than orthodontic health.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim or your family dentist can assess whether wisdom teeth need removal.
Dr. Duevel and Dr. Keim will recommend the duration of retainer wear based on your specific treatment needs. Retainers can be removable (taken in and out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth).
Wearing retainers as prescribed is essential to maintain the results achieved through braces or Invisalign treatment. Teeth are not fixed in place; they are held by the surrounding bone, which is continually changing. Without proper retainer wear, teeth may shift after treatment.
We‘ll give you guidance on when and how often to wear your retainers so your smile stays beautiful and perfectly aligned for years to come!
Yes, during treatment, some foods should be avoided to prevent damaging your braces and to ensure treatment progresses smoothly. At Fargo Orthodontics, we will provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid once treatment begins.
Foods like ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and sticky items (e.g., caramel, taffy) can damage or dislodge brackets and wires. Carefully following our instructions can help you avoid unnecessary repair appointments and keep your treatment on track.