Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can we help you?
If you have questions about straightening your teeth, we have answers!
We welcome your questions about orthodontic treatment in Riverview because the more you know, the better decisions you can make about the right treatment for your smile and dental health. If you don’t find the information you need here, please contact your team at Neighborhood Orthodontics at (813) 379-2003 for answers.
Adult Orthodontics
That answer varies significantly from one patient to the next, depending on their needs. For example, a patient who needs complex tooth movement to correct their bite will have extremely different treatment needs than one who just needs to close some space between their front teeth.
Dr. Ricafort customizes treatment plans for each patient’s unique needs. The best way to determine how long your treatment might take is to book an evaluation with him. He uses photos, 3-D imaging, x-rays, and an exam to create a treatment plan that straightens teeth, properly aligns your bite, and helps you achieve your smile goals.
During your evaluation, Dr. Ricafort will review your treatment options, costs, and timelines for finishing your new smile.
A Note about Patient Compliance
Compliance during orthodontic treatment is the key to success in straightening your teeth!
Whether it’s impeccable home care with diligent brushing and flossing around braces or wearing clear aligners for at least 20 hours daily, compliance will ensure you complete your new smile on time.
Are You Ready to Book Your Orthodontic Evaluation?
If you’d like to learn more about orthodontic treatment in Riverview, FL, contact Neighborhood Orthodontics at (813) 379-2003 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ricafort.
Clear Aligners
With all the conveniences the internet offers, it seems you don’t even need to leave your home to straighten your teeth!
But how reliable and safe are products purchased over the internet compared to treatment with an orthodontic specialist? Read on to find out!
The Benefits of Choosing an Orthodontist to Straighten Your Teeth
It may seem convenient to order clear aligners online, but how can you rely on a treatment plan created by someone who has never even seen your teeth? You can’t, and here’s why.
Dr. Ricafort creates custom treatment plans for each patient after gathering ample information about their teeth and bites with photos, 3-D imaging, an exam, and x-rays. Accurate information ensures a successful treatment plan with predictable outcomes.
What happens if you don’t achieve your desired results? Unfortunately, with internet products, you’re on your own. There is no one you can follow up with directly, and you may have to consider visiting an orthodontist anyway.
It’s also wise to straighten your teeth under the supervision of a specialist in case you encounter any unforeseen problems.
Contact Your Riverview Orthodontist
Gathering all the information you can will help you make the best decision for your smile. Call Neighborhood Orthodontics at (813) 379-2003 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Ricafort to learn more.
Kid's Orthodontics
Several factors contribute to common orthodontic problems, and some cannot be prevented, such as genetics, jaw growth, trauma, or abnormal tooth eruption.
However, some factors impacting dental development can be avoided, such as thumb-sucking, excessive pacifier use, or tongue-thrusting. Parents can help children eliminate thumb-sucking or pacifier habits, while myofunctional exercises or therapies can help eliminate tongue thrusting.
Common Orthodontic Concerns
Some of the common problems orthodontic treatment in Riverview, FL, addresses are:
- Tooth crowding — When there is insufficient space for teeth, they may overlap. A palatal expander can help widen the jaw, making adequate space for the teeth.
- Abnormal eruption — When a tooth erupts in the wrong position, early braces may help move it into the correct alignment.
- Overjet — When the top jaw protrudes too far forward, which can be exacerbated by thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting.
- Overbite — Also called a deep bite, an overbite occurs when the top teeth bite way over the lower teeth, sometimes completely covering them.
- Crossbite — When one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. Jaw expansion can often help eliminate a crossbite.
- Underbite — When the lower teeth cover the upper teeth. Early palatal expansion can help the upper jaw grow into its correct position over the lower jaw.
- Open bite — When the upper and lower front teeth don’t meet, it creates space in between.
Contact your Riverview orthodontist at (813) 379-2003 if you have questions about common orthodontic concerns.
Children should visit their orthodontist for an evaluation around ages 7–9. Most kids won’t start orthodontic treatment until age 12, but an early evaluation will help us determine if your child could benefit from early orthodontic intervention.
Who Qualifies for Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Candidates for early intervention are children that have overly crowded teeth, jaw size discrepancies, or bite concerns, such as:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
Early intervention allows us to change their bite or jaw alignment while they’re still growing. Without early orthodontic treatment, this type of jaw movement and alignment for an adult would require surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?
Children who have early intervention enjoy several significant advantages:
- Reduces risk of injury or damage to teeth that protrude
- Creates space for future adult teeth that would otherwise be overcrowded
- Eliminates habits such as thumb-sucking that can impact oral development
- Improves dental hygiene when the bite is aligned correctly
- Enhances self-esteem when a child can smile with confidence
- Prevents the need for more extensive treatment later in life, such as jaw surgery
If it’s time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation in Riverview, FL, contact Neighborhood Orthodontics at (813) 379-2003 to book an assessment with Dr. Ricafort.
Retainers
To preserve proper tooth alignment after orthodontic treatment, you must wear retainers at night while you sleep for a lifetime.
Teeth tend to want to return to their original position after orthodontic treatment, so retention is critical to preserve your newly straightened smile.
Retainers are designed for comfort and only need to be worn when you’re sleeping. As a bonus, some retainers act as night guards and protect your teeth from the wear or damage caused by nightly clenching and grinding (bruxism).
Different Types of Orthodontic Retainers
If you complete orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, Dr. Ricafort may recommend using your last set of aligners as final retainers.
Some patients need something more sturdy, so your Riverview, FL, orthodontist might recommend an acrylic retainer that covers your teeth more sufficiently and protects against nighttime wear and tear if you clench or grind your teeth.
What Happens If I Don’t Wear a Retainer?
Tooth shifting or movement can result in difficulties with brushing and flossing, making adults more susceptible to common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth that shift may also cause dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smiles, resulting in the need for clear aligners or orthodontic treatment as an adult.
Consistent retainer wear after treatment can avoid this. After all, you’ll want to protect your beautiful smile and the investment you made in it!
Many patients are concerned about how wisdom teeth may impact their orthodontic treatment and question whether they should straighten their teeth as teens or after they have fully erupted.
We’re here to ease your mind about wisdom teeth!
The Truth about Wisdom Teeth
Because genetics plays a more significant role in tooth crowding, wisdom teeth don’t directly cause teeth to shift. You may remove wisdom teeth early and still experience tooth crowding because you may be more prone to it genetically.
It’s important to note that wisdom teeth may lead to other dental concerns, such as impaction or an increased risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. These issues can arise due to difficulties in adequately brushing and flossing. However, studies have shown that they’re not the primary cause of crowding.
Therefore, it’s ideal to complete orthodontic treatment during adolescence when growth patterns facilitate easier and more efficient tooth movement.
While most kids will start orthodontic treatment around age 12, we recommend they have their first ortho evaluation at age seven or eight to determine if they can benefit from early intervention.
Do You Have Questions about Orthodontic Treatment in Riverview?
If you have questions or concerns about how wisdom teeth may impact your orthodontic treatment, or you’d like to book an evaluation with Dr. Ricafort, contact Neighborhood Orthodontics at (813) 379-2003.
