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FAQS

Your Orthodontic Questions… Answered​

Have a question? You can always call our office. We’d be happy to help! If it’s after hours and you are unable to reach us, we’ve put together this FAQ page to guide you in the right direction. You will find answers to the most common questions we receive at Straighten Up Orthodontics.

Call our office at 301-879-1607 or send an email to straightenuportho@gmail.com.

If you need to reschedule, call our office at least 24 hours before your appointment. Our phone number is 301-879-1607. Please note: If you send an email concerning a rescheduling, it may take up to 72 hours before you receive a reply.

Our address is:

2415 Musgrove Rd #307

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Our hours are:

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM

Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Please note: We are closed Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. For the safety of our patients and staff, our office occasionally closes during adverse weather events.

You can reach us by phone (301-879-1607), email (straightenuportho@gmail.com), or you may use the contact form on our contact page.

¡Sí, hablamos español! Llame a nuestra oficina de recepción para hablar con alguien en español o envíenos un mensaje a straightenuportho@gmail.com

Please call Dr. Wiltshire at 301-879-1607 as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Only through an in-person consultation with an orthodontist can you be sure of your exact orthodontic needs. Contact our office to arrange an appointment.

Typically, no. Most children are referred to orthodontic treatment by a general dentist. As a specialization of dentistry, orthodontic treatments are prescribed on an as-needed basis. Therefore, there is no set age at which someone would see an orthodontist for an initial checkup. That being said, if you are concerned about your child’s teeth or they display signs of misaligned teeth, you are more than welcome to schedule an appointment. No referral is necessary.

Orthodontic specialists have dedicated years of practice to provide their patients with professional and dedicated treatments.

Dr. Cathy Wiltshire is lead orthodontist at Straighten Up Orthodontics. Dr. Wiltshire completed her post-doctoral residency in orthodontics at Howard University in Washington, D.C. During her residency, Dr. Wiltshire received advanced education in orthodontics, training for patients undergoing orthognathic surgery, and certification in Invisalign® treatments.

Through memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Maryland Dental Society, as well as regular attendance at conferences and seminars, Dr. Wiltshire stays up to date on the latest orthodontic treatments and techniques. It is Dr. Wiltshire’s mission to serve patients in a way that brings them a lifetime of health and social benefits, and of course… lots of beautiful smiles!

Most children get braces between the ages of 9-14 however, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that orthodontic treatments can start at age seven. At this age, Dr. Wiltshire will be able to evaluate the airway, bite, and oral habits and can determine if any orthodontic treatment is necessary. As a general rule, once the adult teeth have arrived, braces are possible! If you are not sure if braces are needed for your child, contact Dr. Wiltshire for a consultation.

In simple terms, no. In fact, you may have noticed your teeth shifting as you get older. This is a normal process of growing and all you need to do is setup an appointment with Straighten Up Orthodontics in Silver Spring, MD to see what the best orthodontic treatment could be.

People of all ages (over seven) can benefit from orthodontic treatment. With the ranges of improved options including metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners, there are orthodontic treatments that can fit all adult lifestyles.

Treatment times vary, and you can get an estimate of the suggested wear time for your braces after your consultation with Dr. Wiltshire. On average, most patients wear their braces or clear aligners for 22 months, while many can expect to wear their braces or clear aligners between 12 to 30 months.

The cost can differ when considering the type of insurance a patient has, the time needed to complete treatment, the orthodontist that will be used, and even the type of braces they choose. For example, ceramic braces can cost anywhere between $4,000-$8,000, while their metal cousins can cost between $3,000-$4,000.The best way to get an accurate cost analysis is to set up a consultation with an orthodontist. 

You can continue to play sports and your instruments. We recommend that patients protect their braces with mouthguards when playing sports. Also be cautious to avoid any rough housing that could lead to your braces getting hit.

Because wearing braces will be a new sensation, most musicians will experience an adjustment period to finding comfort while playing. For string instruments that need a shoulder rest, try using braces wax on any areas that have discomfort. For wind instruments, if the constant air blowing causes discomfort, use brace wax as well.

A lot of orthodontic problems are genetic and passed down through families. For example, history of crowding, missing teeth, or jaw growth. However, on the other hand, some orthodontic problems are caused by accidents, finger sucking, pacifier sucking, or other causes.

Beyond the resulting esthetics, braces can transform a patient’s life in a number of ways. Flossing and brushing can be incredibly difficult for those with teeth crowding issues; floss gets caught between teeth, becomes frayed, or simply splits. Areas that cannot be reached by floss or a toothbrush are at a greater risk of developing gingivitis, periodontal disease, and ultimately tooth decay or loss. Realigning the teeth with braces makes it much easier to care for your teeth and gums.

Teamwork makes the dream work, and when it comes to orthodontic treatment the partnership between doctor and patient can make for an efficient treatment process. Your role in the treatment process is to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, keep (and make it to) your orthodontic appoints, maintain quality oral hygiene, and avoid all hard and rough foods. It’s also expected that you keep up with your regular teeth cleanings with your dentist.

All children under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by an adult for their appointment. If you need to reschedule your appointment for a better time, please contact our office.

As we shift in age, sometimes our teeth shift along with us! Set up a free consultation with Dr. Wiltshire to determine the next steps for orthodontic treatment.

Dr. Wiltshire will recommend how long you should wear your retainers after treatment. Please note, that wearing your retainers is the best way to keep your teeth from shifting after removing your braces or finishing your last clear aligner tray.

Teeth shift as we age, and although you may complete orthodontic treatment, there may be a possibility that your teeth can shift and change again. To reduce shifting, retainers are prescribed and recommended to keep the results of your treatment.

Whether permanent or removable your retainer is your best friend. You can never wear it too long! Retainers help stabilize the alignment of teeth and jaws after braces or other orthodontic treatment has completed. Ask Dr. Wiltshire for the best method of action for your long-term retainer.