Orthodontic FAQs

An orthodontist is a dentist who completes several additional years of specialized training focused exclusively on correcting misaligned teeth, bite problems, and jaw irregularities.

At Jeff Thompson Orthodontics in Leawood, we design customized treatment plans using braces and Invisalign® clear aligners to improve both the appearance and function of your smile.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early evaluations allow us to identify developing bite concerns before they become more complex.

However, you’re never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment! While a growing child’s teeth may be easier and faster to treat, we treat kids, teens and adults at any age.

Bite issues (also called malocclusions) can develop early and may worsen over time if left untreated. If you notice any of the following signs in your child — or even in yourself — it may be time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation at our Leawood office:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Breathing primarily through the mouth
• Thumb-sucking beyond early childhood
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
• Jaws that appear too far forward or too far back
• Frequent cheek biting or biting into the roof of the mouth
• Protruding front teeth
• Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet properly or meet abnormally
• An unbalanced or asymmetrical facial appearance
• Grinding or clenching of teeth

Many families from Leawood, Overland Park, and Prairie Village are surprised to learn that some bite problems are easier to correct when identified early. A complimentary consultation allows us to evaluate growth patterns and determine whether treatment should begin now or simply be monitored.

Generally, getting your braces put on is painless, but minor soreness is normal in the first few days after placement or adjustment appointments. To alleviate discomfort, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Orthodontic treatment times vary depending on the severity of your case and the chosen treatment method and can last anywhere between 1 to 3 years. Once your initial treatment is complete, you must wear a retainer to ensure your new smile lasts!

Depending on your treatment, we may need to see you more or less regularly. Typically, we see our patients in our Leawood orthodontic office anywhere between every four to 10 weeks.

Teeth extraction prior to orthodontic treatment is typically only necessary in cases where the patient’s teeth are severely crowded due to the mouth being too small to accommodate them all, or if the patient has impacted teeth, which are teeth that are trapped under your gum line by other teeth. Early orthodontic treatment in young patients may remove the need for extraction later in life, which is why bringing your child in for an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7 is critical.

Yes. Our office will provide you with a list of foods to avoid, as well as a list of foods that are acceptable to eat while undergoing braces treatment.

Yes. You may continue playing sports with braces or clear aligners, but be sure to use an orthodontic-friendly mouth guard and remove your aligners during practice or games. In case of an accident, check for appliance damage or loose teeth and schedule an appointment.

While adapting to playing an instrument with braces may pose challenges, such as some difficulty with lip positioning, it is still possible. You can manage any sores with wax and salt-water rinses for quicker adaptation.

Absolutely! It’s actually more important than ever. Maintaining clean and healthy teeth while wearing braces can be challenging. Your dentist can assist you in preventing plaque buildup and potential decay through regular cleanings and examinations.

Proper and consistent wear of your retainer after your initial orthodontic treatment is complete is important as without it, your teeth can very quickly begin to shift out of their new positions, eliminating the progress put into your orthodontic treatment. Retainers allow you to maintain your new, healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.