An overbite is fixed by moving the teeth, guiding jaw growth, or both. Braces and clear aligners correct most overbites, growing children may use an appliance such as a Herbst to help the lower jaw catch up, and severe adult cases sometimes add jaw surgery. Overbites are a common reason
A crossbite is a bite problem where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you close, instead of slightly outside them. It can affect front or back teeth and is usually corrected with an expander, braces or aligners, ideally during growth. Crossbites are easy to miss at home,
The main types of retainers after braces are clear removable retainers (such as Essex and Vivera), bonded retainers glued behind the teeth, and acrylic-and-wire Hawley retainers. All hold teeth in place; they differ in visibility, upkeep and effort. Taking braces off or finishing your last aligner is a great day,
With braces you can eat most soft and tender foods, such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, cooked vegetables, soft fruit, fish and tender meats. Avoid anything hard, sticky or chewy, like nuts, popcorn, hard candy, caramel and gum, because it can break brackets or bend wires. Food is one of the
Getting braces put on usually does not require numbing shots. Brackets are glued to the outside of your teeth, so nothing is drilled or cut. Placement feels like pressure and jaw fatigue; most soreness starts a few hours later as teeth begin to move. If you or your child has
A free orthodontic consultation is a no-cost first visit where the orthodontist examines your teeth and bite, takes a digital scan, explains whether you need treatment now or later, and reviews your options, timeline and payment choices before you commit. At Hansen Orthodontics we offer free consultations to every new
Most families in Wichita pay for braces with a down payment plus low monthly payments spread across treatment, using dental insurance and any HSA or FSA dollars on top. You can see real monthly numbers for your case before you ever come in. Cost is the first question almost everyone
Yes — anyone playing a contact sport in braces needs a mouthguard, and it should be one made to fit over brackets. A standard boil-and-bite guard is molded to bare teeth, so it fits poorly over braces and can even pull brackets loose. Between football, wrestling, basketball and soccer seasons
Clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with your enamel instead of showing as silver. They move teeth exactly the way metal braces do and handle the same range of cases — they are just less visible, easier to chip, and a little more expensive. Patients ask about them constantly
