Orthodontic FAQs

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 like Dr. Kim have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Kim recommend an orthodontic screening at age 7.

For most children in Suwanee, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing the orthodontist to effectively evaluate the patient’s orthodontic condition.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

No patient is "too old" to wear braces! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults.

Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age!

Overall treatment time depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months.

The "average" timespan a patient wears braces is approximately 22 months.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks.

If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Yes. We understand your schedule is busy, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time.

On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

Yes! We recommend that patients wear mouthguards while playing sports.

Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.

Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces.

Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.

Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, will ease the discomfort.

However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed.

We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment, if necessary.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid.

Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions!

The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even though you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect changes in tooth position.

Many factors at work may cause teeth to shift. Such changes are different for everyone, and most of the time, they are hardly noticeable.

However, on occasion, changes can occur that are disappointing to both the patient and Dr. Kim. Changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment.

They are a natural process. We expect changes in our bodies as we grow older, and teeth are no exception. To help control and limit these changes, retainers are prescribed after your braces are removed.

No. Retainers stabilize and preserve the alignment of teeth and jaws that orthodontic treatment achieved.

Many people wear removable retainers nightly for the rest of their lives. Ask your orthodontist for guidance about your long-term retainer use.