Orthodontic Care: FAQs
At Swearingen Orthodontics, Dr. Kyla Swearingen, our board-certified orthodontist is committed to addressing all your questions and concerns with a compassionate and attentive approach. At our clinic, you’ll receive care from someone who truly values and comprehends the needs of her patients.
Orthodontic Care: FAQs
At Swearingen Orthodontics, Dr. Kyla Swearingen, our board-certified orthodontist is committed to addressing all your questions and concerns with a compassionate and attentive approach. At our clinic, you’ll receive care from someone who truly values and comprehends the needs of her patients.
Welcome to our FAQs section, where we address your most common questions about our services and treatments to help you make informed decisions about your dental care.
Is Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) safe?
Yes, CBCT is generally safe. It exposes you to less radiation than a standard CT scan. A CBCT scan exposes you to the same amount of radiation as 6 to 30 days of background radiation (usual radiation from the environment), while a regular CT is comparable to being exposed to 63 to 154 days of background radiation.
How is CBCT different from regular dental X-rays?
A CBCT gives detailed 3D images of your jawbone, providing information that regular X-rays cannot. For example, unlike traditional X-rays, CBCT allows us to see the exact shape and structure of your jawbone.
Is an expander uncomfortable?
Initially, you might feel some pressure or mild discomfort when the expander is fitted. This is considered normal and should go away as you get used to wearing expanders.
Can an expander affect my facial appearance?
No, expanders are designed to widen your jaw and do not alter the shape of your face. Some, like the palate expander, may positively impact your nasal airflow by expanding the nasal cavity and potentially reducing nasal resistance.
How frequently should I have my braces adjusted?
Typically, braces need to be adjusted every 4 to 10 weeks. The exact timing of your adjustments will be set based on your needs by our orthodontist in Knoxville.
Are there foods I should avoid while wearing braces?
Yes, we advise you to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that could damage your braces. Our orthodontist will also discuss a list of specific foods to steer clear of during your treatment.
Can I eat or drink while wearing clear aligners?
Our orthodontist in Hardin Valley recommends removing your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This will help to prevent staining and ensure that your aligners stay clean.
How long do I need to wear clear aligners each day?
Our orthodontist advises wearing your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day for the best results. You should ideally only remove them before meals and for oral hygiene.
How long is the recovery period after orthognathic surgery?
Most patients spend one to two nights in the hospital and might feel swollen after the surgery. However, recovery time varies between individuals and the extent of the surgery. To help you with recovery, our orthodontist will prescribe medication for pain and recommend a soft food diet.
Will I need braces after the orthognathic surgery?
Yes, you will likely need braces or other orthodontic appliances (such as retainers) after the surgery to finalize your bite and ensure your teeth are properly aligned.
Is the intraoral scanning process uncomfortable?
No, the intraoral scanning process is quick and comfortable. You’ll simply need to sit still while the scanner captures detailed images of your dental structure.
How long does it take to get the results from an intraoral scan?
The results are available in 3 to 5 minutes after an intraoral scan. Following this, our orthodontist in Farragut will quickly review the images and discuss the treatment plan with you.