Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the study and movement of teeth. It targets the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial misalignments in children, teens, and adults.

Orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of advanced clinical residency completely geared toward the study and practice of orthodontic tooth movement. As a dedicated specialist, Dr. Kavitha Reddy is highly qualified to align teeth, correct jaw relationships, and improve your overall bite function.

You should seek a warm, communicative, and accessible orthodontic practice where you feel fully supported. Excellent patient relationships are just as critical as outstanding clinical skill. When you find an office that offers both, you receive the absolute best care experience.

At Reddy to Smile Orthodontics, we celebrate every milestone of your treatment. Our outgoing, compassionate team goes out of our way to make each check-in comfortable and enjoyable.

Any age is a great time to start orthodontic care if you want to improve your dental health. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an initial consultation around age seven. At this young age, we can monitor jaw development and guide bone growth if imbalances exist, which often reduces the need for complex treatment later on.

Orthodontic care is equally beneficial for adults. In fact, approximately one in five of our active patients in Frederick, MD is over the age of 21. It is never too late to achieve a healthy, aligned smile.

We provide advanced options to customize your smile journey, including:

• Self-ligating braces, which allow smoother tooth movement and greater comfort.
• Clear aligner therapy (Angel Aligner or Invisalign®), removable aligners that are a virtually invisible option to straighten your teeth.
• Traditional metal braces, a time-tested and highly precise treatment pathway.
• Clear ceramic braces, offering an aesthetic, low-visibility bracket option.

Treatment times vary widely based on your unique dental structures, individual goals, and how your teeth respond. Active care can last anywhere from 6 to 30 months, with a standard comprehensive treatment averaging approximately 24 months.

The placement of braces is not painful. However, you may experience mild soreness or tenderness for a few days immediately after placement and adjustments as your teeth, cheeks, and tongue adapt to the appliances. This temporary discomfort is easily managed and passes quickly.

Yes. Maintaining excellent hygiene is vital. We recommend brushing at least three times a day to keep your mouth, gums, and teeth clean. Regular brushing is necessary to sweep away food particles trapped in your brackets.

Daily flossing is also essential to clean the spaces where a toothbrush cannot reach. Our clinical team will demonstrate proper flossing and brushing techniques on the day your appliances are placed.

Absolutely. Regular visits to your family dentist are more important than ever during active care. Brackets and wires create new spaces where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation. We collaborate closely with your general dentist to keep your teeth healthy throughout your journey.

While you may experience a brief adjustment period when playing musical instruments or singing, braces will not hold you back from any school activities. If you participate in contact sports, we highly recommend wearing a protective orthodontic mouthguard. For patients seeking total freedom, Invisalign clear aligners can simply be removed during active play or practice.

Your complimentary initial consultation is a friendly introduction to our office. Dr. Kavitha Reddy will perform a comprehensive dental examination to evaluate your orthodontic needs. If a child is not yet ready for active care, we will place them in our observation program, monitoring their growth at no charge until the optimal time for treatment arrives.

For patients ready to proceed, we will detail all treatment options, explain financial paths, and answer any questions you have.

• Brush thoroughly after meals and floss once a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• When wearing removable aligners or retainers, always place them in their protective case when eating to prevent loss or damage.
• Clean your removable aligner or retainer daily by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and cool water, or soaking it in a specialized cleaner. Never place appliances in boiling water or dishwashers.
• Avoid sugary snacks, which promote rapid plaque growth.
• For braces, avoid sticky foods (like caramel, taffy, or gum), hard foods (like nuts, hard candy, or ice), and foods that require biting directly (such as whole apples or corn on the cob).

Simply call our friendly scheduling team at (301) 631-5860! We are always happy to schedule your visits at a time that works best for your busy calendar. If you are a new patient or have been referred to us, let us know so we can prepare all the details for your visit.