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Glossary of orthodontic terms

If you are a new patient, you might hear some terms that are unfamiliar or confusing. This glossary will help you understand some of the most common. If ever you have any questions about your treatment, just ask Dr. Jones and the team at Roanoke Valley Orthodontics.

aligners – clear BPA-free plastic devices that slip-on over all the teeth in a single arch. They can be used in place of braces for alignment of the teeth and bite correction

appliances – orthodontic devices designed to correct the position of teeth or the jaw, which either attach to the teeth or are removable.

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Will I have to wear a retainer after orthodontic treatment?

Ah, it feels great to get your braces off after orthodontic treatment! You’ve worked hard and followed our instructions, and now your teeth are straight and your smile is beautiful. 

Will you have to wear a retainer following your orthodontic treatment? If so, how long?

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Invisalign vs. braces: Which is the right choice for you?

Teenage school kids smiling to camera in school corridor

Hear the word “orthodontist,” and most people immediately think of metal braces.

While metal braces continue to be the most common method we use to create beautiful smiles, patients who need orthodontic treatment these days have more options than ever before.

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Orthodontic insurance: What patients need to know

At Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, we know that orthodontic treatment requires a significant investment. That’s why we provide a variety of payment options to help our patients manage the cost of treatment.

In addition to our own payment options, which come with no financing fees, patients should consider third-party payment and savings options to help defray the cost of treatment. Read more

What to expect at your 1st orthodontist appointment

At Roanoke Valley Orthodontics, we love to meet new patients, but sometimes they are a little nervous about meeting us for the first time.

You can’t blame them too much. They have no idea what to expect and might even be afraid that something we do will be painful. Read more

Orthodontic emergencies you can handle at home

One of the most important parts of our job is to educate our patients about the appliances we use during orthodontic treatment. Knowing how to care for braces is so critical because it has a direct effect on your treatment time and results. That’s why we always ask you whether you’ve been practicing good habits such as brushing your teeth and staying away from certain foods. Read more

Adult braces: Here’s what you need to know

Our favorite thing to post on social media is a picture of one our our patients showing off a brand new smile. Just scroll through our Facebook timeline or check us out on Instagram, and you will enjoy seeing all of our RVO Smiles: Photo after photo of smiling patients who have just finished their braces or Invisalign treatment. If you look closely, you will see that about 20 percent of our patients in The New Smiles Club are adults! Read more

When should I first bring my child to the orthodontist?

 

Parents often don’t think of making an appointment for their child to see an orthodontist until the child is a preteen or teenager. And it’s true: A large fraction of the patients in most orthodontics practices (including ours) are teenagers.

So would you be surprised to learn that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic screening by age 7? Read more

Will my braces hurt when I first get them?

One of the most common questions we get asked at Roanoke Valley Orthodontics is whether braces will hurt when they are applied. [We have a list of some other frequently asked questions here.]

The simple answer is no. When the braces go on, there’s absolutely no pain. Each case is different, but most of the time, we’ll clean, dry and prepare your teeth then use an adhesive to attach the brackets to the teeth. Once the brackets are secure, we’ll place the wires in the brackets and hold them in place with rubber bands. You might feel some pressure once everything is in place, but the procedure is painless. Read more

See How We Can Improve Your Smile!

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