FAQs

What grade did I get/my child get today? What does this mean? What can I/we do to have better hygiene?

At each visit, Dr. Wood will assess how well the teeth are being cared for to ensure the best success for your new smile!  If he begins to see signs of poor oral hygiene, it will be addressed immediately.  To make it easy to understand, Dr. Wood uses a system that we are all familiar with, A-F.  Since we all know that a “C” is on the line of good and not so good, we are looking for those A-B ratings!  A “C” is more than today’s lunch…this means that there is visible plaque left behind from a lapse in brushing and flossing.  If your child receives a “D”, this means that Dr. Wood is seeing moderate plaque throughout the mouth, puffy red gums, and possibly decalcification “white spots” and the beginning of decay. 

To prevent any interruption of treatment, immediate action on the patient’s part and possibly a visit to your general dentist is needed.  What can the patient do to keep up or improve those grades?   Brush for two minutes after every meal and before bed, and floss.  If you are unable to brush during the day, then at least rinse with plain water to remove food and sugary drinks.  If you have trouble keeping plaque under control, try using a water irrigator/water pic or an electric toothbrush.  Remember to replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head before it wears out, generally every few months.  Keep that smile looking awesome by following these tips, as well as keeping your cleanings with your general dentist, at least 2x a year, or more often if needed. 

Will I get my braces off before prom? Before graduation photos? Before football season?

Before you begin treatment, Dr. Wood will determine an estimated length of treatment that he will share with you at your initial consult and then again at your treatment plan appointment. This is a plan that can be changed by things that the patient can and cannot control.  You can control breakage and the health of your teeth and gums by following the instructions given to you about hygiene, your “do not eat” food list, limiting sugary and acidic beverages, wearing elastics as prescribed, and keeping your appointments.  You cannot control how your teeth respond to treatment.  Keep in mind that most photographers can “photoshop” braces out of your pictures!

If you have a deadline that you would like met, it is best to discuss this prior to beginning treatment.  Keep an eye on the timeline and discuss your progress with Dr. Wood as needed.  If your treatment is not final and you request early removal, you need to be aware that premature removal of braces may not be in your best interest.  Your teeth may not be in an optimum position for a good bite, and the progress made may not be stable.  Good communication and cooperation will help Dr. Wood get you the smile that you want, but, like John Heywood said, “Rome was not built in a day…”!

Which is better, traditional braces (brackets) or clear aligners?

The American Association of Orthodontics states, “The type of treatment or brand of appliance is less important than the knowledge and skill of the individual who performs your treatment.”  Every case is different and therefore, what is best for one patient may or may not be the same for the next, even with twins!  With today’s technology, there may be more than one form of treatment that would benefit you, or one that is a more efficient option.  This is why it is important to have a consultation with Dr. Wood to determine which form of treatment is the best fit.  During the initial consultation, you will be given an opportunity to ask Dr. Wood about all options that would suit your case, and sometimes may need to make a choice.  Regardless of the final method of treatment, you will want to be diligent about keeping appointments and following instructions during the course of treatment.

Why wear a Mouthguard?

Now that you have started your orthodontic treatment, it is very important to take certain precautions when participating in athletic or recreational activities.  Injuries to the mouth while wearing braces can lead to mild to severe damage that may leave permanent scars; therefore, a mouthguard is recommended for anyone involved in events where there is a possibility of physical contact with another person or object. The physical contact can even be with oneself, e.g., hitting your chin with your knee when jumping on a trampoline. A mouthguard will NOT completely eliminate injury, but instead will serve as a buffer between your braces and other areas of the mouth; therefore, minimizing the trauma and/or damage.  Injuries that occur when not wearing a mouthguard can be much greater, delay treatment, and add unexpected expenses. Listed below are some of the more common activities where a mouthguard is recommended, and our office has seen injuries occur.  This is not a complete list, and common sense needs to be used.

There are a variety of mouthguards available at local retailers and online, but be sure to purchase one that can be used with braces if you have them. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our staff or Dr. Wood.

Do I need a referral from a dentist to have a consultation appointment?

A referral from a general dentist is not required by our office or any of the dental insurance companies that we accept. As a parent, you may feel you have to wait for a referral from your child’s general dental provider to see Dr. Wood. As an orthodontic specialist, Dr. Wood is an expert on jaw issues and teeth alignment. These issues are often noticed sooner by an orthodontic specialist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends visits to an orthodontist as early as age 7. If you feel issues are occurring, an orthodontic specialist can detect bite, jaw, and alignment issues earlier in your child’s development. Earlier detection can help prevent more expensive costs and complex treatments further down the road. Do what you feel is best for your or your child’s dental health. Call us today to experience the difference that Dr. Wood and his team provide our patients. Be sure to check out all our wonderful Google reviews. Remember, why wait when you can call us today!

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

Not at all, you are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wood will consider many variables when customizing your treatment plan, but age is rarely a deciding factor.

Now that you are an adult, you may have wanted braces as a child, but your family was unable to provide them, or you had prior orthodontic treatment, but dental changes have occurred. In any case, you are very welcome to come in for a complimentary consultation for braces, aligners, or even replacement retainers, all without the need for a referral.

The American Association of Orthodontics reports that one in three orthodontic patients are adults. Dr. Wood has personally treated many adults between the ages of 20-84 throughout his years as an orthodontist.

Give our office a call to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific orthodontic needs and concerns with Dr. Wood. More information can be found by visiting aaoinfo.org (The American Association of Orthodontics).

What is the right age for my child to see an orthodontist?

Many people assume that you cannot visit an orthodontist until all your permanent teeth have developed. This is an older state of mind in the field of orthodontics. It has been discovered that jaw and bite issues are often better addressed at an earlier age.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that kids get their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7, if you suspect issues or have a family history of orthodontic issues. At your child’s first appointment in our office, Dr. Wood will evaluate your child’s developing gums, teeth, and jaws. Some issues, like crooked teeth, are visible right away, but other, more serious issues may not be visible. Dr. Wood is an expert in detecting early signs of more serious problems. Some children will require no treatment, others may require immediate intervention, and the remaining children will be placed on a recall system to evaluate possible issues that may arise during growth.

Call us today to schedule an appointment to meet Dr. Wood and our amazing team. Referrals are never needed, and your initial consultation is always at no cost to you.

When can I stop wearing my retainer?

The short answer: We always recommend indefinite part-time wear after the first 6-10 months after your braces are removed.

The “why”:  Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout our lifetime.  The speed and amount of shifting vary from person to person and at various points in our life.  Shifting can also be affected by cavities, gum disease, missing teeth, clenching, grinding, and trauma.  Some people may get by with wearing their retainers infrequently, while others will need to be more consistent.

Why do I need to schedule a check-up with my family dentist? Don’t you take care of that here?

Dr. Wood, at Wood Orthodontics in Weatherford, closely monitors the dental hygiene and overall oral health of all his patients. The American Association of Orthodontics states that it is critical that you continue to see your family dentist during your orthodontic treatment. Braces, wires, and even aligner attachments can make brushing and flossing more challenging. Maintaining regular dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months with your general dentist will help provide the best overall outcome for your orthodontic treatment. If necessary, Dr. Wood will recommend more frequent cleanings and check-ups for some of the patients in his care.

Am I getting my braces off today?

Unless we scheduled your “debond” for today, the answer would be “No”.  When it is time for your braces to be removed, we will schedule 2 appointments on 2 consecutive days.  This means that the first day will be for a 45-minute appointment to remove the braces and to take impressions to make molds of your teeth.  The next day will be for a 30-minute appointment to deliver your retainers, ensure that they fit correctly, and give you instructions on how to care for them properly.  In the 24 hours between your appointments, Dr. Wood and our Assistants will create models, move teeth in the model that are not exactly where Dr. Wood wants them to be, and to make the retainers!