Ortho FAQs
In El Cajon, CA

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven. At this age, most children have several permanent teeth, allowing Dr. Rogers to assess their orthodontic needs.

Dr. Rogers can identify early issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth, even while some baby teeth are still present. Early detection is key because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if addressed early. Most patients begin active braces treatment between the ages of 9 and 14.

Orthodontic treatment can be effective at nearly any age, with about one in four orthodontic patients being over 18. Thanks to modern, smaller, less visible, and more comfortable options like metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, many adults find orthodontic treatment an appealing choice.

Orthodontic treatment typically requires one to three years of active care. The exact duration can be determined through a free consultation with Dr. Rogers.

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on factors such as the severity and complexity of the issue, as well as the length of treatment.

Dr. Rogers will be happy to discuss the cost of treatment and available financing options with you before beginning your care.

The good news is that braces are more affordable than ever. Dr. Rogers and the team also work with insurance companies and offer flexible payment plans to accommodate your family’s budget.

Most orthodontic issues are inherited, including problems such as crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and certain jaw growth issues.

Other oral problems can result from habits like thumb or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, or the early or late loss of baby teeth, among other causes.

Crooked and crowded teeth are difficult to clean and maintain properly.

An improper bite can lead to abnormal tooth wear, difficulty chewing or speaking, and added stress on the supporting bone and gum tissue.

If left untreated, many of these issues can worsen over time and may require more extensive dental care in the future.

Orthodontic treatment is a collaborative effort between the doctor and patient.

Dr. Rogers provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that apply gentle pressure to shift teeth into their proper positions.

Your role is to follow Dr. Rogers' instructions, attend scheduled orthodontic appointments, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to achieve the best results.

Additionally, you will need to visit your general dentist as recommended to ensure continued dental care throughout your treatment.

You'll need to make a few adjustments. Some hard, sticky, or chewy foods like candy, popcorn, and gum should be avoided because they can damage your braces. But you can still enjoy most of your favorite foods! Be mindful to cut harder foods (like apples and carrots) into smaller pieces and chew carefully.

Yes! You can choose your band colors at your appointments, and we have a wide range of options. Many of our patients love to mix it up, picking fun colors for each visit. Whether it’s your school colors, your favorite color, or something seasonal, we’ve got plenty of choices!

Not necessarily.

Research indicates that wisdom teeth do not always cause teeth to shift.

In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed for overall dental health rather than orthodontic reasons.

Your family dentist or Dr. Rogers can help determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Dr. Rogers will advise you on how long to wear your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth).

Wearing your retainers as directed is crucial to maintaining your teeth's position after orthodontic treatment.

Teeth may shift after braces because they are not permanently fixed in place—they are embedded in bone. Since the bone around your teeth is constantly changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth can shift once your braces are removed.

By following Dr. Rogers' instructions for wearing your retainers, you help ensure that your teeth stay in the proper position, as he has aligned them during treatment.

After braces are removed, small changes in your teeth are often due to settling as you use them for biting and chewing. More significant or unwanted changes may be linked to genetics or delayed growth, which can be unpredictable.

Movement is most commonly seen in the lower front teeth, especially if they were heavily crowded before treatment. It's important to remember that changes in tooth position are a natural, lifelong process.

The best way to prevent shifting is to wear your retainers as prescribed. If you notice any movement after your braces are removed, contact Michael A. Rogers, DDS for guidance.

Even after orthodontic treatment, it’s normal to experience changes in tooth position throughout your life.

Several factors can cause teeth to shift, and these changes vary from person to person. Most of the time, these shifts are subtle and barely noticeable.

However, there may be instances where the changes are more noticeable and disappointing for both the patient and Dr. Rogers.

It's important to understand that changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment; they are simply a natural part of the process.

As we age, our bodies change, and teeth are no exception.

To help manage and minimize these changes, Dr. Rogers prescribes retainers after your braces are removed.

No.

Retainers are designed to stabilize and preserve the alignment of your teeth and jaws after orthodontic treatment.

Many people wear removable retainers nightly for life to maintain their results.

For guidance on long-term retainer use, be sure to consult your orthodontist.

While you may experience some discomfort after getting braces or having adjustments, it's usually mild and temporary. Your teeth and gums may feel sore for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relievers can help. After a few days, most of the discomfort goes away as your mouth gets used to the braces.

We understand how important your big events are! The length of time you’ll wear braces depends on your treatment plan and how your teeth respond to the braces. On average, most patients wear braces for about 18-24 months. If you have a specific event coming up, let us know so we can work together to ensure your braces are removed before your special day.