Orthodontic Questions, Answered
Reviewed by Dr. Susan Korch, DMD, MS
Below are answers to the questions our patients ask most often, covering how teeth move, wisdom teeth, retainers, jaw joint concerns, and the health benefits of orthodontic treatment. If your question is about cost, your first visit, or an urgent problem, we have a dedicated page for each of those and they are linked at the bottom.
Some questions come up in nearly every consultation. Rather than answer them one at a time, we have collected them here.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, call us at (717) 533-7400. We would far rather answer a question on the phone than have you guess.
Where to Find the Rest
We answer these questions in depth on their own pages, so they are not repeated here.
| Your question is about | Go to |
|---|---|
| What treatment costs, insurance, and payment plans | Cost of braces and financing and insurance |
| Your first appointment, what happens and how long it takes | Your first orthodontic visit |
| When a child should first be seen and two-phase treatment | Early orthodontic treatment |
| Braces as an adult | Adult orthodontics |
| Treatment for teenagers | Teen orthodontic treatment |
| The types of braces and how to choose | Types of braces |
| Clear aligners | Clear aligners |
| Retainers, how long to wear them, and teeth shifting afterwards | Orthodontic retention |
| A broken bracket, a poking wire, or pain right now | Emergency care |
| Fewer visits and remote check-ins | Korch Cam monitoring and virtual treatment |
| Transferring from another practice | Orthodontist in Harrisburg |
| Referring a patient (for dentists) | Dentist referrals |
Still Have a Question?
Call (717) 533-7400 and ask. If it is a question we should be answering on this page, we will add it.
Korch Orthodontics · 357 West Governor Road, Hershey, PA 17033
Your first exam is free. Request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we are asked most often across every stage of treatment. If yours is not answered here, call (717) 533-7400 and ask.
How do braces and clear aligners actually move teeth?
Both apply gentle, continuous pressure in a controlled direction. That pressure prompts the bone around a tooth to remodel, releasing on one side and rebuilding on the other, which lets the tooth move and then stay put. It is a biological process, not a mechanical one, which is why moving teeth too quickly is neither possible nor safe. Dr. Korch plans the sequence and the force so that each tooth arrives where it should without harming the root or the bone supporting it.
Do you use recycled braces?
No. Every patient receives new appliances. Brackets and wires are never reused between patients.
I have to be pre-medicated before dental appointments. Does that apply here?
Some orthodontic appointments do call for pre-medication and some do not, because it depends on the procedure as much as on your history. Check with your physician or ask Dr. Korch before your visit, and we will tell you which of your appointments need it.
Do wisdom teeth make teeth crooked again?
The research does not support that idea, which surprises most people. Late crowding of the lower front teeth happens to people who never had wisdom teeth at all. Natural age-related change in tooth position is the larger factor, and it is the reason we ask you to keep wearing a retainer.
Why might wisdom teeth need to come out before or after braces?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, gum problems, or damage to the roots of the teeth beside them. When that risk is present, removal is recommended to protect your long-term oral health rather than to protect your orthodontic result.
When is the right age to have them removed?
Oral surgeons generally suggest between ages 16 and 18, when the roots are about two-thirds formed. Removal tends to be more straightforward then, and recovery is usually quicker.
Can braces cause TMJ problems, or fix them?
Research has not established a clear link in either direction. Temporomandibular disorders develop for many reasons, including clenching, grinding, stress and injury, and they are frequently unrelated to bite alignment or to orthodontic treatment. If you have jaw pain, tell us. We will look at it properly rather than assume your bite is the cause.
What can be done about clenching or jaw muscle tension?
For adults, therapeutic injections can relax the overworked muscles that drive clenching and jaw tension. Dr. Korch is certified by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics for this treatment. Read more on our Botox® page.
How does a tongue thrust or low tongue posture affect braces?
The tongue is strong, and resting or swallowing against the front teeth can push them forward or open a gap. If we spot a habit that is working against your treatment, we will say so, and we can connect you with a myofunctional therapist who treats exactly this. Correcting the habit protects the result after the braces come off.
What are the health benefits of straightening teeth?
Straight teeth are easier to clean, so the risk of decay and gum disease drops. Treatment can also improve how your bite functions, which affects chewing and how evenly your teeth wear over the years. Most patients mention the confidence first, and that is a real benefit too, but the oral health case stands on its own.
