# Site: orourkeortho.com # URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com # Generated: 2026-08-09 03:01:37 # Version: 1.2 # File Type: llms.txt # Total Pages: 18 --- ## Home URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/ ### Knoxville's Top Orthodontist # Smile Request Appointment #### Established in 1985 ## Thousands of Knoxville residents are believers! Welcome to O’Rourke Orthodontics! Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you deserve – a natural, healthy and beautiful one – with our professional and supportive orthodontic care! Dr. Christopher A. O’Rourke and his experienced team will work closely with you to develop an orthodontic treatment plan that best meets your needs, whether you are a child , teen or adult . Our office is conveniently located near Farragut Intermediate, Farragut Middle, and Farragut High schools in west Knoxville, Tennessee. We have been providing high quality orthodontic care since 1985. Learn About Dr. O'Rourke Providing Knoxville with the best Orthodontic care for 30 years . #### Our Treatments ## Providing the best care for all ages!... --- ## Brushing + Flossing URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/brushing-flossing/ ### Brushing + Flossing # Everyone's favorite thing to do! #### Ensure a Healthy Smile ## Brushing and Flossing The best way to ensure a clean and healthy smile is brushing and flossing. Food particles can accumulate on teeth and in braces, and over time, turn into plaque. The bacteria that results from this accumulation can lead to gum disease, tooth decay and even loss of teeth. To avoid these problems while you are in orthodontic treatment, take special care of your braces, teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily. ### Brushing while Wearing Braces Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small strip of fluoride toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, move the brush in small, circular motions to reach food particles that may be under your gum line. Hold the toothbrush at an angle and brush slowly and carefully, covering all areas between teeth, between braces and the surface of each tooth. It will take you several minutes to thoroughly brush your teeth.... --- ## Common Problems URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/common-problems/ ### Common Problems # Understanding Your Mouth An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth. This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which may cause tooth stratification and misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients usually move their lower jaw forward or to the side when closing. This incorrect bite results in an improper use of the lower jaws and sometimes brings about facial asymmetry. The appearance and function of your teeth are impacted by this type of bite. It is characterized by the upper teeth extending too far forward or the lower teeth not extending far enough forward. The upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth.... --- ## FAQs URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/faqs/ ### Have a Question? # Our team has the answers! Orthodontic problems require specialized care. Patients who have dental and facial irregularities should see an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at least two additional years of graduate training in orthodontics at an accredited program after graduation from dental school. An orthodontist’s specific qualifications in the design, application and control of corrective appliances will bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment for optimal facial balance.The American Association of Orthodontists recommends your child be evaluated by an orthodontist by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.No. Age is not a factor, but the health of your gums and the bone which supports your teeth can be a factor. About 20% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is growing.... --- ## First Visit URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/first-visit/ ### Welcome! # Your First Visit With O'Rourke #### Get Started Today ## What you can expect from us. We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. During this time, we will help you get acquainted with our office and learn about your orthodontic treatment. We understand that each patient's orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve. Your first orthodontic visit will consist of a clinical evaluation and a discussion of your orthodontic problems. This important visit will help Dr. O’Rourke determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment. We may also gather diagnostic records at this visit. Diagnostic records include X-rays, photographs and study models. After we have evaluated your records, we conduct a treatment consultation to explain all aspects of your treatment in detail.... --- ## Foods to Avoid URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/foods-to-avoid/ ### Foods to Avoid # Choose your food wisely! #### Eat Healthy ## Foods to avoid while you have braces: While you are wearing braces, please avoid eating hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar. Hard foods can break or damage the wires and brackets, and sticky foods can get caught between the wires and brackets. Minimize the amount of sugary foods you eat; the sugar can cause tooth decay and other related problems. ### Examples of Sticky Foods to Avoid • Gum (sugar-free or regular) • Licorice • Sugar Daddies • Toffee • Tootsie Rolls • Caramels • Starburst ### Examples of Hard Foods to Avoid • Ice • Nuts • Hard taco shells • French bread crust/rolls • Corn on the cob • Apples and carrots (unless cut into small pieces) • Bagels • Chips • Jolly Ranchers • Pizza crust • Uncooked carrots (unless cut) ### Minimize Sugary Foods like • Cake • Ice Cream • Cookies • Pie • Candy ### Only Once a Day • Soda • Sweetened tea... --- ## Glossary URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/glossary/ ### Glossary # Words you might hear us say! #### We're Here to Help ## A few important words to know and understand. ### appliance Anything that is attached to your teeth that moves your teeth or corrects your bite. ### archwire A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and guides the direction of tooth movement. ### band A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place. ### bracket An orthodontic attachment made of metal, ceramic or plastic that holds the archwire against each tooth. The archwire fits into a slot in the bracket. Brackets may be attached directly to each tooth or to a band. ### ceramic brackets Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.... --- ## Oral Hygiene URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/oral-hygiene/ ### Oral Hygiene # An important and healthy daily habit! #### Keep Your Mouth Happy ## Maintain good oral hygiene with these tips: Now that your braces are in place, it is very important to maintain a good oral hygiene regimen throughout the length of your treatment. Braces, wires, bands and retainers can all trap food particles and make it difficult to brush or floss away plaque. Careful brushing and flossing, preferably after every meal and snack, is the best way to prevent plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease. ### Brushing While Wearing Braces Especially during orthodontic treatment, brush your teeth four times daily to avoid the accumulation of food particles in your teeth and braces: • In the morning after breakfast • After lunch or right after school • In the morning after breakfast • After lunch or right after school ### Flossing While Wearing Braces Flossing takes more time and patience when you are wearing braces, but it is important to floss... --- ## Adolescent Treatment URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/treatments/adolescent-treatment/ ### Let's see that smile! # Adolescent Orthodontics #### Phase II Treatment ## Learn the benefits of adolescent treatment: Typically, Phase II treatment is normal orthodontic treatment which involves placing braces on the patient once his or her permanent teeth have erupted. The braces straighten the permanent teeth and finish correctly aligning the patient’s jaw. By age 12, most, if not all, permanent teeth have erupted and are in place, which is when crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems will hardly ever correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment for their children. For many teenagers, wearing braces is a part of life – an important part of life because a beautiful and healthy smile can boost one’s self-confidence. Children at this age are growing rapidly, and orthodontists can usually take advantage of these growth spurts to help shape the bite and teeth correctly.... --- ## Early Treatment URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/treatments/early-treatment/ ### Let's see that smile! # Early Age Orthodontics #### Optimal Time for Youth ## Learn the benefits of early age treatment. Timing is everything – even when it comes to your child’s orthodontic treatment. “Early” treatment, also called “interceptive” treatment, means treatment that is performed while some baby teeth are still present. ### When is the best time to begin orthodontics? Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment. ### What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?... --- ## Financing + Insurance URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/financing-insurance/ ### Finances + Insurance # Making Dental Care Affordable #### Spend Less, Smile More ## Our financial and insurance options: It is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget! Your orthodontic treatment plan will include a breakdown of all applicable fees, and we will inform you of all costs before treatment is administered. We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs. Our office accepts payments by cash, checks, and Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards. ### Affordable financing options Don’t let finances stand in your way for achieving the beautiful, healthy smile you deserve! We are pleased to offer interest-free payment plans. We also provide a discount if payment is made in full at the time braces are placed. ### Insurance policy If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs.... --- ## About URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/about/ ### About Us # We give you a reason to smile! #### 30+ Years Experience ## Personalized, Professional Orthodontic Care Dr. O’Rourke grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and graduated from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Zoology. While attending UT, Dr. O’Rourke worked for and was mentored by Dr. Steve Ollard and Dr. Mickey Crowell at their orthodontic practice in Bearden. Dr. O’Rourke was accepted to The University of Tennessee Center for the Health Sciences College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tennessee, where he received the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. After completing dental school, he attended St. Louis University where he received his degree Master Science in Dentistry. After completing the clinical requirements and his master’s thesis, he received the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry. For over 30 years, Dr.... --- ## Retention URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/treatments/retention/ ### Retention # Which retainer is right for you? Once we remove your braces, we will move into the retention stage of your treatment. Maintaining the results you achieved during the treatment phase is key to the success of the entire orthodontic process. Your retention phase will last for a minimum of 24 months. Your final orthodontic result depends on your retainers, so follow through with the hard work you've put in so far. The Hawley retainer, one of the most common types, is a removable retainer made of a combination of metal wires and sturdy acrylic, and is designed to keep your teeth in place. This retainer is specially made from impressions of your teeth so that it fits snugly and comfortably in the roof of your mouth, while any wire or acrylic framing keeps your teeth in perfect position. The acrylic can also be personalized with a large number of colors and/or patterns.... --- ## Request Appointment URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/request-appointment/ ### Schedule an Appointment # We give you a reason to smile! Thank you for your interest in scheduling an appointment with Dr. O'Rourke! Please fill out the information below and one of our team members will contact you to schedule an appointment time. We look forward to seeing your smile soon! --- ## Types of Braces URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/treatments/types-of-braces/ ### Types of Braces # See which style fits you best! ## Metal Braces Metal braces are made of high-quality, durable stainless steel. They are the most common type of braces. The brackets, which are bonded to the front of each tooth, are connected by the archwire, which helps guide the teeth into the correct positions. Today's metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and more attractive. ## Ceramic Braces Ceramic braces move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they are less noticeable. They are most popular with adult patients due to their cosmetic appeal. The only drawbacks to ceramic brackets are that they are more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between orthodontic visits. --- ## Contact Us URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/contact/ ### We're here to help! # How can we help you? ## We can't wait to see you! Please email, call or fill out the adjacent form if you wish to contact O'Rourke Orthodontics. We look forward to speaking with you! 865.966.7732 caorourke@orourkeortho.com 11226 W. Point Drive Knoxville, TN 37934 Monday - Wednesday 8:30AM to 5:00PM Thursday 8:30AM to 1:30PM --- ## Emergencies URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/resources/emergencies/ ### Emergencies # We are here when you need us. #### We Are Here to Help ## O'Rourke can help with your dental emergency. There are very few true orthodontic emergencies, but we are always available to help you. If you have a broken appliance or are experiencing intense pain, please call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to fit you into the schedule for an appointment. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call immediately to notify us that you need an appliance repaired. Surprisingly, most orthodontic problems can be remedied at home. While you await your appointment, these guidelines will help you resolve minor problems. Please know that even if you alleviate the pain caused by your broken appliance, you still need a repair appointment. ### Lost Separator Most patients lose a separator during their treatment. Do not worry about losing a separator, but please call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.... --- ## Adult Treatment URL: https://www.orourkeortho.com/treatments/adult-treatment/ ### Let's see that smile! # Adult Orthodontics #### Later Age Treatments ## Learn the benefits of adult treatments: More and more adults today are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smile. In fact, about 25 percent of our patients are adults! We offer a full range of treatments specifically designed for adults – leaving you with a dramatically different smile and healthier bite. Orthodontic treatment is not only designed to improve the appearance of your smile, but improve the health of your teeth and gums as well. By seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult you can possibly avoid severe tooth decay, gum and bone loss, irregular wear of the tooth enamel, and TMJ/TMD pain. Often times, because adults usually are more compliant in their orthodontic treatment, their results turn out far greater than with a child and/or teen.... ---