What age is best for braces?

There is no single perfect age for braces. Many patients begin treatment in the preteen or teen years, when many permanent teeth are already in place, but braces can also be a great option for adults. The best time depends on the bite, tooth development, and the type of correction needed.

Am I too old to get braces?

No. Orthodontic treatment can work well for adults of all ages, as long as the teeth and gums are healthy enough for treatment. It is never too late to improve the alignment of your teeth and bite.

Braces do not usually hurt during placement, but it is normal to feel some soreness or pressure for a few days after they are put on or adjusted. This usually improves quickly as your teeth begin to adjust to the gentle pressure of movement.

Will I need teeth removed?

Not always. Tooth removal is only recommended in certain cases when it is necessary to create space or improve the overall bite and alignment. If extractions are being considered, we will explain why and review all appropriate options with you.

Braces vs aligners, how do I choose?

It depends on your bite goals, how complex your case is, and your lifestyle. Braces can be more effective for certain tooth movements and more complex bite issues. Aligners are more discreet and removable, but they require consistent wear each day. We will recommend what will work best for your specific case.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment time depends on the complexity of the case and the goals of care. Many patients are in braces for about 12 to 24 months, although some cases may be shorter and others may take longer.

How often are appointments?

Most orthodontic visits are scheduled about every 4 to 8 weeks. The exact timing depends on the type of braces, the stage of treatment, and how your teeth are moving.

Can I get comprehensive treatment with clear aligners?

In some cases, yes. Clear aligners may be an option for comprehensive treatment depending on the complexity of your case, your bite goals, and how much tooth movement is needed. Some patients are better candidates for braces, while others may do well with aligners.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

It is best to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. Foods like popcorn, hard candy, gum, ice, and very crunchy snacks are common ones to avoid during treatment.

How do I clean my teeth with braces?

Brush carefully around the brackets and along the gumline after meals, and floss daily using floss threaders, orthodontic floss picks, or other tools recommended by your dental team. Keeping braces clean is important to help prevent plaque buildup, staining, and cavities during treatment.

Can braces fix my bite?

Yes, braces can do more than straighten teeth. They can also help correct many bite issues, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and crowding, depending on the needs of the case.

What if a bracket breaks or a wire pokes?

Call our office so we can let you know the next best step. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can help cover an area that is irritating your cheek, and it is important not to pull or cut the wire yourself unless you have been instructed to do so.

Will I need a retainer after treatment?

Yes. Retainers are an important part of keeping your teeth in their new positions after braces come off. Without a retainer, teeth can gradually shift over time, so wearing it as instructed helps protect your results.

Does insurance help cover treatment?

In many cases, yes. Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan and eligibility. We accept most insurance plans, and our team can help review your benefits and explain available payment options, including Cherry and Sunbit financing.

Malocclusion

At iDental, we evaluate bite and alignment issues with a personalized approach, helping patients across Wisconsin achieve healthier, more comfortable smiles.

What Is Malocclusion

Malocclusion simply means your teeth or jaws are not aligned the way they should be. This can affect how your teeth fit together, how you chew and speak, and how easy it is to keep your teeth clean. Some cases are mild and mostly cosmetic, while others can impact oral health, comfort, and long-term function.

Orthodontic treatment focuses on improving both appearance and function by guiding teeth and jaws into a healthier, more balanced position.

Common Types of Malocclusion

Crowded or Overlapping Teeth

Crowded or overlapping teeth happen when there is not enough space in your jaw for all your teeth to line up properly. Teeth may twist, overlap, or get pushed forward or backward, which can make brushing and flossing harder and increase the risk of cavities and gum irritation. Orthodontic treatment can gently create space and guide teeth into a healthier, easier to clean alignment.

Class I type 2, by Kaidor, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Gaps

Gaps, also called spacing, are spaces between teeth that can happen when teeth are smaller than the jaw, a tooth is missing, or teeth shift over time. Some gaps are mainly cosmetic, but others can affect how your bite fits together or allow food to pack between teeth, which may irritate gums. Orthodontic treatment can close or reduce spacing and help align your teeth so they look more even and function better.

Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite

An overbite is when the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower front teeth when you bite down. A mild overbite is common, but a deeper overbite can lead to uneven tooth wear, gum irritation, and sometimes jaw discomfort.

An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. This can make biting and chewing harder and may contribute to chipping, speech concerns, or jaw strain.

A crossbite happens when some upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside. It can involve the front or back teeth and may cause uneven wear, gum recession in certain areas, and the bite shifting to one side. Orthodontic treatment can guide teeth and the bite into a healthier, more stable position.

Overbite

Deep Bite

A deep bite is a more severe form of overbite where the upper front teeth excessively cover the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower teeth to contact the roof of the mouth. This can lead to tooth wear, gum irritation, and discomfort when biting. Treatment focuses on opening the bite and balancing how the teeth come together.

Edge to Edge Bite

An edge to edge bite occurs when the upper and lower front teeth meet directly on their edges instead of slightly overlapping. This can increase the risk of chipping and wear over time because the teeth are not cushioned properly during biting. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the teeth to reduce stress and protect them.

Off Center Bite Midline Shift

An off center bite, also called a midline shift, means the center of your upper teeth does not line up with the center of your lower teeth. You might notice your smile looks slightly shifted to one side or your bite feels uneven. This can happen from crowding, missing teeth, early tooth loss, or the jaw shifting to avoid uncomfortable contact. Orthodontic treatment can help guide the teeth and bite back into a more balanced, centered position.

Jaw Shifting or Clicking

Jaw shifting or clicking can happen when the jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint, and the way your teeth come together are not working smoothly. You might notice a pop or click when opening or closing, your jaw drifting to one side, or tightness when chewing. While clicking is not always serious, it can be a sign that your bite or jaw mechanics need evaluation. Orthodontic treatment may be one part of improving how your teeth and bite align.

Biting Cheeks or Frequent Chipping

Biting your cheeks often or experiencing frequent tooth chipping can be a sign that your teeth are not lining up in a balanced way. When certain teeth stick out, overlap, or hit first, it is easier to catch the inside of your cheek while chewing or to place extra force on specific teeth. Orthodontic treatment can help align the teeth and improve the bite so chewing feels more comfortable and teeth are better protected.

Protruding Teeth

Protruding teeth, also called increased overjet, occur when the upper front teeth extend too far forward compared to the lower teeth. This can make teeth more vulnerable to injury, especially in children and teens, and may affect lip closure and appearance. Orthodontic treatment can bring the teeth into better alignment for improved function and protection.

Missing or Impacted Teeth

Sometimes teeth do not come in properly or remain stuck under the gums, which is called impaction. Missing or impacted teeth can affect spacing, alignment, and how the bite fits together. Orthodontic treatment can help create space, guide teeth into position, or work alongside other dental treatments to restore balance to the smile.

"Impacted 33 intraoperative photo" by Coronation Dental Specialty Group, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

When to Consider an Evaluation

If you notice any of these signs, it may be a good time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. Early assessment can help identify whether treatment is needed now or if monitoring is the best approach.

A properly aligned bite is not just about appearance. It supports better oral health, comfort, and long term function.

Have more questions? Call us at (262) 223 0280

Our team is here to help. Reach out anytime and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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