expert type icon EXPERT

Matthew W. Cline, DDS

Orthodontist

Dr. Matthew W Cline DDS is a top Orthodontist in Charlottesville, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Matthew W Cline DDS is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Matthew W Cline DDS is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Matthew W Cline DDS is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Charlottesville, VA, Dr. Matthew W Cline DDS is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
11 years Experience
Matthew W. Cline, DDS
  • Richmond, VA
  • St. Barnabas
  • Accepting new patients

Do retainers need to be worn all night?

Retainers should be worn 8-12 hours in a 24 hour period if you would like to maintain the results from your orthodontic treatment. Therefore it is convenient to wear retainers READ MORE
Retainers should be worn 8-12 hours in a 24 hour period if you would like to maintain the results from your orthodontic treatment. Therefore it is convenient to wear retainers while you sleep. You will risk shifting of your teeth if retainers are worn less than 8 hours/day.

How long does it take for teeth to set with retainers?

Unfortunately your teeth will shift if you stop wearing your retainers, even if you have already worn them for many years. To maintain straight teeth, you should wear your retainers READ MORE
Unfortunately your teeth will shift if you stop wearing your retainers, even if you have already worn them for many years. To maintain straight teeth, you should wear your retainers (at least at night while you sleep) indefinitely.

My 9 year old son is getting his permanent teeth, but they are not in order. What should I do?

You should take your son to an orthodontist to have him evaluated. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by an orthodontist at age 7. An READ MORE
You should take your son to an orthodontist to have him evaluated. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by an orthodontist at age 7. An orthodontist will let you know if any treatment is indicated.

Does having braces strengthen your teeth?

Braces don’t necessarily strengthen your teeth, but they can align your teeth and correct your bite, which makes you less prone to future dental problems. Therefore, orthodontic READ MORE
Braces don’t necessarily strengthen your teeth, but they can align your teeth and correct your bite, which makes you less prone to future dental problems. Therefore, orthodontic treatment, such as braces, can prevent certain dental problems and can add to the longevity of your teeth.

Do metal braces work faster?

Generally speaking, metal braces may work slightly faster than ceramic braces due to less friction in the brackets. You should still be able to get the same result with either READ MORE
Generally speaking, metal braces may work slightly faster than ceramic braces due to less friction in the brackets. You should still be able to get the same result with either one though.

How do you floss with braces?

You need to get floss threaders, which are designed to floss with braces.

How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?

You should brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily with floss threaders. You should spend at least 2 minutes brushing every time and brush all sides of every bracket, READ MORE
You should brush your teeth after every meal and floss daily with floss threaders. You should spend at least 2 minutes brushing every time and brush all sides of every bracket, especially along the gum line.

How often are the rubber bands changed on braces?

It sounds like you are talking about the color ties that hold in the wires. These colt ties are changed every time you visit the orthodontist (every 6-10 weeks).

How do braces differ for adults?

There isn’t much difference between braces for kids or adults. As people age, their teeth don’t move as fast as younger peoples’ teeth due to changes in bone density. At age 24, READ MORE
There isn’t much difference between braces for kids or adults. As people age, their teeth don’t move as fast as younger peoples’ teeth due to changes in bone density. At age 24, I wouldn’t worry about any issues though.

I have recently got my braces fixed and they seem to be cutting into the skin of my mouth. What to do?

This is normal and should subside over time as your mouth adjusts to the brackets. Your orthodontist should have provided you with wax to place on the bracket to protect the inside READ MORE
This is normal and should subside over time as your mouth adjusts to the brackets. Your orthodontist should have provided you with wax to place on the bracket to protect the inside of your mouth.

How long should one keep their braces to correct the alignment of the bottom teeth?

Treatment time is highly variable. It depends on your specific case. Treatment time is also dependent on your compliance with appointments and additional appliances like wearing READ MORE
Treatment time is highly variable. It depends on your specific case. Treatment time is also dependent on your compliance with appointments and additional appliances like wearing rubber bands. It is important to know that while many people only want to fix the top or bottom teeth, your teeth need to fit together so sometime both top and bottom braces are necessary to maintain a healthy bite. You wouldn't want to straighten the bottom, but have them hit the top teeth thus risking chipping. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you the best course of action and approximate treatment time.

I am due for an extraction tomorrow and I am worried. Please help.

Extractions are very common in orthodontic treatment. That said, you've mentioned your dentist has recommended extractions. Only an orthodontist is formally trained qualified to READ MORE
Extractions are very common in orthodontic treatment. That said, you've mentioned your dentist has recommended extractions. Only an orthodontist is formally trained qualified to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws. I recommend everyone consult with an orthodontist when considering orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist will know if extractions are necessary for a perfect result. Many people like to get second opinions as some orthodontists can achieve the same results with a different course of treatment. I hope this has been helpful.

My daughter is 13 years old and has a bite problem. What will be the course of treatment?

The first step is to check your dental insurance and see if you have orthodontic benefits. If so, be sure to go with an in-network orthodontist. Either way, a consultation with READ MORE
The first step is to check your dental insurance and see if you have orthodontic benefits. If so, be sure to go with an in-network orthodontist. Either way, a consultation with an orthodontist should answer all of your questions. Consultations are typically free of charge.

My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. What should I do?

It is very common for adult teeth to come in out of alignment. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to move into alignment on their own without orthodontic treatment. I recommend you READ MORE
It is very common for adult teeth to come in out of alignment. Unfortunately, they are unlikely to move into alignment on their own without orthodontic treatment. I recommend you get a consultation with an orthodontist, which should be free of charge. Many dental insurance policies cover orthodontic treatment, so be sure to check your policy and work with an in-network provider.

My son's permanent teeth are growing crooked. Should I take him to an orthodontist?

Absolutely, you should take him to an orthodontist for a consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have an orthodontic screening at age 7. READ MORE
Absolutely, you should take him to an orthodontist for a consultation. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have an orthodontic screening at age 7. Mosts orthodontists offer free consultations, and you do not need a referral from a dentist. In fact, general dentists do not have formal training in orthodontics and many do not have the correct X-ray technology to correctly determine the proper timing for orthodontic treatment.

Can I get braces for my upper teeth only?

Every case is different, but typically people need both top and bottom teeth addressed so that the bite aligns properly. Just straightening the top, or just straightening the bottom, READ MORE
Every case is different, but typically people need both top and bottom teeth addressed so that the bite aligns properly. Just straightening the top, or just straightening the bottom, could result in a misaligned bite which can cause issues such as jaw pain, tooth chipping and possibly aesthetic concerns.