Orthodontic FAQs

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed.

Orthodontic specialists like Dr. Nick Kim have extensive and specialized training that enables them to give you professional, personalized treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Nick Kim recommend an orthodontic screening at age seven.

For most children in Tucker and Marietta, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing us to effectively evaluate your child’s orthodontic condition.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth stays the same as you grow. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age after the permanent molars erupt.

No one is "too old" to wear braces! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults.

Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age!

Overall treatment time depends on your specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months.

The "average" times Duo Orthodontics patients wear braces is approximately 22 months.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. We see most braces patients every five to 10 weeks.

If specific situations require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule and are happy to help you make the most of your time.

Sometimes, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, will ease the discomfort in these situations.

However, after most visits, you won't feel any soreness! We often remind our patients, "It does not have to hurt to work!”

Yes! We recommend wearing mouthguards while playing sports.

Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.

Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces.

Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.

You should brush your teeth at least four times daily – after each meal and before bed.

We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment if necessary.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and give you a comprehensive list of foods to avoid.

Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e., caramel and taffy). You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions!

The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even though you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect changes in tooth position.

Many factors at work may cause teeth to shift. Such changes are different for everyone, and most of the time, they are hardly noticeable.

However, occasionally, changes that are disappointing to you and your orthodontist can occur. Changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment.

They are a natural process. We expect changes in our bodies as we grow older, and teeth are no exception. We'll give you retainers after your braces treatment to help control and limit these changes.

No. Retainers stabilize and preserve the alignment of teeth and jaws that orthodontic treatment achieved.

Many people wear removable retainers nightly for the rest of their lives. Ask your orthodontist for guidance about your long-term retainer use.