FAQ
Initial Visit
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually around age 7.
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patients, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs.
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or teeth straightening without charging a fee.
While a majority of our patients are children and adolescents, approximately 1/3 of our patients are adults.
Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website as well as the phone answering machine.
Yes! We look forward to meeting you and will communicate with your original orthodontist prior to your visit.
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We may simply start with a visual exam and explain our findings or we may suggest diagnostic records including photographs, one or more digital X-rays, and an intraoral scan of the teeth and bite.
An orthodontist must first become a general dentist. Following dental training, an orthodontist completes over 2 years of full-time training in orthodontics resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. As an orthodontic specialist, these doctors limit their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. More often than not, we can place our younger patients on observation and see them back every 6 months. This allows us to continually evaluate for future orthodontic needs and to get to know our patients and their families.
Financial
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for necessary services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment duration.
No we do not.
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
After coverage verification, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed-upon fee.
Types of Treatment
Not always. Experience and research show that early treatment achieves meaningful goals, but the quality of the result is determined at the end of care. For this reason, we do not encourage early treatment unless significant benefits can be achieved.
An early visit is suggested. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care.
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start when the last baby teeth fall out and continue until the 12-year molars are evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts between 2 and 3 years.
Moving of teeth (Mechanics)
No.
On average, it takes 2 years to straighten teeth. Sometimes, treatment times can be shorter or longer, depending on various factors. We do our best to estimate treatment times accurately, but it is an estimate. During your treatment, we’ll do our best to let you know how treatment is progressing. Crooked teeth are gradually moved into the desired position with shaped wires attached to the brackets (braces). Each visit consists of adjustments to the braces and wires, gradually moving the process along.
Yes.
Retainers
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months, followed by indefinite nighttime wear.
For some patients, permanent retainers are attached to the inside of the upper and lower teeth to keep them in place. This requires special hygiene procedures and regular recalls to the family dentist.
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over a lifetime.
Wisdom teeth (Third Molars)
Research has shown this not to be true.
The best time according to oral surgeons is when approximately 2/3 or so of the root is formed. On average, most patients get their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens or early 20s.
Wisdom teeth do not cause crooked teeth but they can cause gum problems, swelling, and trap food below the gum tissue causing infection. It is much nicer to plan for their removal rather than have them removed under emergency conditions.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ)
Scientific literature has documented that there is not a direct link between orthodontic treatment or occlusion and TMJ. Problems with TMJ can be present or absent in the presence of all types of good and bad bites.
Health Impact
Mouth breathing, as a result of enlarged adenoids or tonsils or allergies, may cause your upper and lower jaws to grow apart and elongate facial form during growth. This can result in crowding and often narrow dental arches.
The effects are similar to enlarged adenoids. Plus, the pressure on front teeth from the tongue thrusting can cause protrusion and spacing.
Orthodontics helps to improve the comfort of the bite, makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth for good dental health, and many times helps to balance the facial musculature. The positive self-esteem benefits are immeasurable.