Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

Have questions about receiving orthodontic treatment? Dr. Vohra and the rest of the skilled team at Oasis Family Dentistry & Orthodontics is here for you, providing expert guidance and customized care before, during, and after your treatment!

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction (or treatment) of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed the required additional education and experience to deliver quality orthodontic treatment.

At Oasis Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, our orthodontic treatments are performed by Dr. Shana Vohra, who pursued a 27-month residency to obtain her Certificate in Orthodontics and Masters of Science in Dentistry. She has also dedicated the time and training to become a board-certified orthodontist!

Dr. Vohra's extensive training has made her an expert provider of Invisalign® clear aligners, ceramic braces, and traditional braces. With Dr. Vohra's passion for using orthodontics to restore confidence in patients, you can trust that you’re in good hands at our Gilbert, AZ dental office!

When Do I Need to See an Orthodontist?

Visiting the orthodontist isn't just for kids and teens — patients of any age who are looking to straighten, reposition, or improve their overall smile can benefit from an orthodontist appointment! The AAO recommends that kids are seen by an orthodontist by age 7 and a significant portion of our patients seeks orthodontic treatment well into their adult years. If you're seeking Invisalign clear aligners or braces for yourself or for your child, we invite you to schedule a consultation today!

What are Braces and How Long Will I Have to Wear Them?

Braces are orthodontic appliances used to help guide your teeth back into alignment. At Oasis Family Dentistry and Orthodontics, our team provides fixed metal braces, ceramic braces, and custom-fitted clear teeth aligners with Invisalign.

The length of your orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your smile goals, treatment method, and response to treatment. Generally speaking, the average treatment length is 22 months using traditional metal braces. Using Invisalign®, our orthodontist can straighten patients' teeth in an average of 12-18 months!

Will My Braces Interfere with My Hobbies or My Oral Healthcare Routine?

Many of our orthodontic patients are athletes, musicians, or participate in other high-energy activities. While the start of your orthodontic treatment may require some initial adjustments, your braces will never stop you from pursuing your hobbies. However, we do recommend athletic mouthguards for our patients who play contact sports.

Proper oral healthcare is especially important throughout the duration of your orthodontic treatment. Make sure to continue carefully brushing your teeth after each meal and flossing at least once a day. Avoiding extra sweet, sticky, and chewy foods, especially those that could get stuck in your braces, will help you keep bacteria and cavities under control.

If you need extra help maintaining proper oral health during your orthodontic treatment, let us know! Dr. Vohra or another member of our friendly team will be happy to assist you with additional information, tips, and tricks.

I’m Ready for Orthodontic Treatment, How do I Get Started?

Before you or your child can get started on your treatment plan, you must complete a comprehensive orthodontic consultation with Dr. Vohra. Our Gilbert orthodontist will use cutting-edge instruments to accurately assess the teeth. We'll even use our high-tech iTero® intraoral scanner to digitally scan your teeth into 3D models. This allows Dr. Vohra to build a treatment plan based on ultra-effective, non-invasive digital technology.

The iTero Scanner even creates digital smile simulations, giving you a sneak preview of your smile outcome before your treatment begins!

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Ready to start your journey to a straighter smile? Call our office today to schedule your orthodontic consultation.

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