Common Questions

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

With the proper treatment, Dr. Amin Mason can do everything from simply improving the appearance of your smile to increasing your oral health and relieving chronic pain. The benefits are long-lasting and can truly change a person’s life for the better in so many ways

Dr. Mason recommends that a patient should seek out orthodontic care if:

They have noticeable gaps or spacing in their teeth
Their teeth are excessively worn down or damaged
The jaw is misaligned (overbite, underbite, etc…)
They have difficulty cleaning every surface of their teeth
They have difficulty chewing certain foods
Their teeth appear crowded
Their upper or lower front teeth stick out

Will I have to get traditional braces to straighten my smile?

Not necessarily! The Columbus Orthodontic Center is able to provide a wide variety of treatments so that our patients always have options. In addition to traditional braces, a patient can also choose to straighten their teeth with Invisalign, clear braces, hidden braces, or self-ligating braces, and more. We can also provide accelerated treatment plans for those looking to get results as quickly as possible.

As an adult, is it too late for me to straighten my smile?

Not at all! The Columbus Orthodontic Center is able to treat patients of all ages effectively, and that includes both adolescent and adult patients. We offer a wide range of treatment options that can be tailored to your specific needs, and that includes more aesthetically-minded treatments so that you can maintain your professional image while straightening your teeth. Popular options include Invisalign, clear braces, and hidden braces. It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted!

Do braces hurt?

It is normal for a patient to feel a slight amount of sensitivity in their gums and teeth after getting braces or having them adjusted. This simply means that they are working! Fortunately, this discomfort is very temporary and should go away with time. However, if your discomfort persists for more than a week, be sure to call our office right away.

How long will my orthodontic treatment last?

The timeframe for your particular treatment will depend on your individual situation. It will largely be based on how many issues are being corrected and how severe they are. Some treatments take as little as 6 months, while others can last for more than 2 years. Each patient’s smile is unique, so if you’d like to get a better idea of how long you should expect your treatment to last, please contact our office today.

Will I still need to have regular dental checkups while I have braces?

Yes, and in fact, it is even more important that you regularly visit your dentist because it can be more difficult to clean your teeth at home if you have an orthodontic appliance. This can make you more likely to develop tooth decay and cavities, which in turn can cause your orthodontic treatment to take longer! Be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a regular checkup and cleaning (Dr. Mason may advise you to go more often depending on your particular case).

What can I do to make my treatment go faster?

Here at the Columbus Orthodontic Center, we have a variety of accelerated orthodontic treatments that can help shave months or even years off of your treatment time. We offer both in-office and take-home treatments, and we assure that your results will be just as positive in the end.