Frequently Asked Questions
Many Patients Ask...
Q:
Should I continue to see my family dentist while having orthodontic treatment?
A: Absolutely! Your family dentist will be an integral part of your orthodontic
and dental treatment team. Your family dentist will clean your teeth and
check them for cavities. He or she will also teach you how to keep your
teeth and mouth extra clean. We recommend a check-up at least every 4-6
months. Back to top
Q:
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
A: The length of treatment depends upon many factors including the complexity
of the orthodontic problem, desired corrections, and how well you participate
with the care and maintenance of your appliances, teeth and gums during
treatment. Typically, full treatment takes 2 to 2 1/2 years, and is followed
by a period of retention where the teeth are held in their proper position
with retainers.
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Q:
Do I have to pay for orthodontic care all at once?
A: We try to make orthodontics as affordable as possible and offer various
payment options. These options range from full payment with a cash payment
courtesy, to making a down payment and spreading your smaller monthly
payments over a period of time. We also have an outside financing option
that may allow you to spread your payments over a greater period of time
and provide some tax benefits. You can then choose the payment option
which best fits into your budget. We will be glad to discuss these options
with you at your initial examination or at your treatment consultation
appointment. Back to top
Orthodontics for Children
Q: When should my child see an orthodontist?
A: Normally the best time to see an orthodontist is as soon as a problem
is detected. Your child will generally begin seeing your family dentist
as early as ages 1, 2 or 3. As your family dentist becomes familiar with
your child’s teeth, he or she will notice any problems and, as an
informed professional, will refer you to an orthodontist promptly. The
American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child visit an
orthodontist by at least age 7, or sooner, if any problems are detected
or anticipated. Back to top
Q:
Isn’t seven years of age too early?
A: No. Many problems of jaw growth, crowding of teeth and effects of habits
such as thumb-sucking are readily detectable at this age. While growth
is still occurring, early interceptive treatment may reduce the severity
of the problem and the complexity of the orthodontic treatment, or the
need for a future surgical correction. Addressing possible problems at
an early age provides an opportunity to make beneficial corrections before
substantial growth is completed. Back to top
Q:
How will my child benefit from orthodontic treatment?
A: It is quite common for children to ask their parents to take them to
an orthodontist. Young people are very aware of the esthetic benefits.
What they may not know is that besides the benefits from an enhanced appearance
and an attractive smile, orthodontics also improves the alignment of teeth
and the bite. This will help preserve healthy gums, teeth and jaw joints
for many years to come. Back to top
Q:
If my child’s permanent teeth aren’t in, how can we start
orthodontic treatment?
A: It is not necessary for your child’s permanent teeth to be in
prior to orthodontic treatment. One main purpose of early interceptive
treatment is to create space for the permanent teeth and to reduce overbites.
Early treatment creates the proper environment allowing the permanent
teeth to come in correctly. Once most of the permanent teeth are in, a
second phase of treatment takes place as the braces are applied to move
the permanent teeth into the ideal alignment.Back
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Q:
What type of orthodontics do you use?
A: There may be several options depending upon the type of treatment needed.
We have great experience with metal and clear braces, with and without
colored ties, as well as appliances used for jaw expansion and lower jaw
advancement. With the selection of the right appliance at the right age,
we have been delighted by our ability to reduce the number of permanent
teeth which need to be extracted, and our ability to produce broader and
fuller smiles.Back to top
Orthodontics
for Adults
Q: Why do people choose to have orthodontics as
adults?
A: Many adults did not receive orthodontic treatment earlier in life or
may have experienced problems due to later tooth movement, gum disease,
tooth loss, poor jaw growth, or even joint problems. Any of these problems
can be successfully and comfortably treated in adults, with the same wonderful
benefits as if done at a younger age.Back to top
Q: Is there a growing trend towards orthodontics
for adults?
A: Yes. Nearly one million adults are in orthodontic treatment
today. Advances in orthodontic appliances, including clear braces, “high
tech” wires, and the Invisalign™ Appliance,
have made it much more comfortable and esthetically pleasing for adults
to benefit from orthodontics. Because of the long-term benefits to the
teeth, gums and jaw joints from improved alignment, informed professionals,
including your family dentist and orthodontist, recommend orthodontics
for their adult patients who need them. Back to top
Q:
Do adults have different orthodontic options?
A: With more mature teeth in an adult, we are often able to use clear
braces on the upper front teeth. Most braces are cemented to the outside
tooth surface with bands used as needed on the back teeth.
For moderate corrections, the new “Invisalign™” clear
plastic aligner is now available for select teenage and adult patients.
New low friction braces in combination with super elastic and temperature
sensitive wires are allowing us to reduce the forces on the teeth. This
is much more comfortable, and allows us to lengthen the time between adjustment
appointments.Back to top
Q:
Is adult treatment different than that for the child?
A: While some adults require just simple alignment, others may present
us with many treatment challenges. We may need to reposition teeth to
help the dentist restore teeth or replace missing teeth. Adults may have
had jaw growth problems where a surgical correction offers us the ability
to restore bite function and produce a pleasing and harmonious facial
balance. For some adults who have had TMJ dysfunction problems and splint
therapy, orthodontic treatment may help eliminate or reduce the need for
a splint and help make the bite more supportive for the joints.Back
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