An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced post-graduate degree program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician.
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 decrease with age.
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 fill our out appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our treatment coordinator will request some basic information from you, such as name, address, phone number, etc.
What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take digital photographs that will help us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achiever the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four to eight weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule every appointment during after-school hours. Longer appointments are scheduled mid-morning and early afternoon, while shorter appointments are scheduled early morning and after-school in order to be able to accommodate more patients during these premium times. However, because most appointments are scheduled four to eight weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to work with you to meet your specific scheduling needs.
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help your make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent, so we ask that parents check in with our scheduling coordinator before dropping off their child. Also please remember our office hours end at 12:30 PM for lunch and again at 5:00 PM. Please make sure your children are picked up well before these closing times as our office is not staffed after these hours.
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