FAQs

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. You want this change to be a positive alteration. It is essential that the treatment be  appropriate, timely, and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have undergone extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide professional and personalized treatments for each and every patient.

Yes. All teeth can move, even ones with a crown. If you have teeth that are missing, orthodontic treatment is highly beneficial in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

It is never too late to have a great smile! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and confidence are vitally important to adults.

The initial examination we help determine the type of treatment needed.  Once this exam is completed, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

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 this time, growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored, while the existing permanent teeth are allowed some freedom of movement. Throughout this resting period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually started on children between the ages of 7 and 10. The principle goal of this early treatment is to help the jaw develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. Phase One treatment addresses significant problems and prevents them from becoming more severe, which will improve self-esteem and self-image.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, in most cases, we will follow a patient’s growth and development until it is the correct time to begin treatment.

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should immediately call our office. In many cases, it is possible to address and effectively solve these issues over the telephone. However, if you require an emergency appointment, we will be happy to set aside time for you.

Patients should take extra case when brushing with braces and they should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and prior 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 needed.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid with your complete instructions. Foods to avoid include: hard candy, ice, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. taffy and caramel). Most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following our instructions and avoiding certain foods.

Of course! Regular dental checkups are always important.  Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces. Don’t stop going to your dentist!

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports, whether you have braces or not.

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible can only be achieved if each patient has been given their own unique braces.

No. There is no need to worry about needles. Shots are not necessary during orthodontic treatment.

Yes. You will be perfectly fine to return to school on the same day.

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” However, after certain visits, you may experience some soreness and discomfort. In these situations, pain medications such as Tylenol or Advil will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, your teeth will not hurt at all! Our motto: “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Yes. We understand that parents have busy schedules, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. We may request to speak with a parent when they return, so please check in with their patient manager before dropping off or picking up your child.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to schedule an appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, your child will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We understand how important it is to not miss school, and we will sincerely do our best to meet your scheduling needs.

Appointments are scheduled according to treatment needs of each patient. Most patients, while wearing braces, will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. Occasionally, there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring.

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will  determine the exact cost during the initial examination, and we will provide you with information on all financial options. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will also help you maximize your insurance benefit and file your claims.

No, that is not necessary.  Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, but patients should take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted in most children. These eruptions allow us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition and create a treatment plan.

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 actually decreases with age.

It’s easy! Simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our friendly front office staff will request some basic information from you so we can better prepare for your first examination.

Each patient will be asked for the new patient forms and an insurance card. The doctor will then complete a thorough clinical exam and will discuss potential treatment options. Additional information, such as X-rays or photographs, may be required for proper diagnosis.

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What treatment and procedures can be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• What is the cost of the treatment and what financing options are available?

Though we won’t know the answer to this until after the initial examination, tooth removal is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the ultimate goals of orthodontics. However, with advanced orthodontic procedures and new technology, removing teeth is not always necessary to achieve the best orthodontic results.

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The average time that people wear braces is approximately 18-24 months. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the proper treatment time for your orthodontic needs.