REFERRALS
Do I need a referral from my dentist in order to see the orthodontist?
No, it is not necessary. Many patients are referred by their family dentist, while others schedule an examination themselves.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide professional and personalized treatments. As teeth (and sometimes entire facial structures) are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment, it is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed.
APPOINTMENTS
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or use our online Request an Appointment form.
What will I need to bring for the initial appointment?
Print and complete the New Patient Forms and bring with you along with your insurance card. You will be given a thorough clinical exam at which time we will determine if additional information, such as X-rays or photographs, may be needed for proper diagnosis.
What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are six essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
1. Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
2. What must be done to correct the problem?
3. Will any teeth need to be removed?
4. How long will the treatment take to complete?
5. How much will the treatment cost?
6. How often will I have appointments?
Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments according.
Can appointments be scheduled after school?Wherever possible we will schedule appointments after-school hours.
Does a parent need to accompany the child on their appointment?
We do ask that parents check in with the patient manager in case we need to discuss the treatment and also to schedule the next appointment.
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you
GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT ORTHODONTICS
At what age should a child have an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a screening at age 7 as several permanent teeth, in most children, have erupted allowing effective evaluation of their orthodontic condition.
Do teeth straighten on their own as the children grow up?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
Will I need to have any teeth extracted?
Removing teeth is sometimes required. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. So sometimes it is necessary to remove a tooth in order to achieve the best orthodontic result however, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary.
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A large percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
How long will it take for the treatment?
This will vary from patient to patient depending upon the specific orthodontic problem. Treatment can take anywhere from 8 months to 30 months however, the “average” and more typical treatment takes approximately 18-24 months.
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available?
As above – treatments vary so it is difficult to give an exact cost until we have completed a thorough examination. Once this is completed, we can discuss the exact cost and financial options at the end of the initial examination.
How does my insurance work?
We will review your insurance policy during your initial visit and see how we can maximize your benefit and file your claims.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Can I return to school or work the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason you cannot return to school the same day. You may experience slight discomfort for the first few days while your mouth adjusts to the wires.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend using a mouth guard for all sports.
What foods are not allowed while wearing braces?
We will provide you with a complete set of instructions and a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
How often should I brush my teeth while wearing braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.