What does the O-M-I in O-M-I Orthodontics mean?

Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana all hold a special place in our hearts. Our ties to the Midwest run deep, so naming the practice OMI felt like the natural choice.

After Dr. Johnson and his family completed four years of dental training in Ohio, another three years of orthodontic training in Michigan, they chose to settle here in Indiana – where they now call home.

The name change to O-M-I reflects our feeling that it’s not about us; it’s about those we serve.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

Who is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received 2 to 3 years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What’s the best age to visit the Orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, any age can be a great age to see an orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7 to examine the child’s growth and development while also locating any potential problem areas; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How can I take care of my teeth if I wear braces or a retainer?

ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!

If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, and floss, remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost, broken, or accidentally thrown away.

Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also use denture cleaner twice a week. Do not use hot, boiling water, or the dishwasher.

During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth causing more plaque and possibly cavities).

Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.) See our complete lists of foods to avoid and foods you can eat.
Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Your orthodontist uses braces to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces (these brackets are glued on the backside of the teeth, so they are hidden from everybody else!)
• Self-ligating braces (these are brackets that have little “doors” that close over the wire)
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 to 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not often hurt; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple of days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth get used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn’t able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

Do I still need dental checkups every six months if I have braces?

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities, like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance. We have several types of mouthguards in our office that we can supply you with!

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk team will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know, and we will provide you with all of the information you need.