Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

Usually 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.

Just call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. There is no charge for this initial examination appointment. Learn more about appointments

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by a staff member and the doctor, who will introduce you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam. Any concerns you may have can be addressed as well as a discussion regarding orthodontic problems that are present.

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

· Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
· What must be done to correct the problem?
· Is there a best time to treat this problem?
· Is additional information needed to further evaluate the problem?

Removing teeth is sometimes necessary to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a 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. Often, early orthodontic evaluation and holding arches can prevent the need to remove teeth.

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem, the treatment plan and the patient’s cooperation in keeping appointments and wearing elastics as prescribed. In general, treatment times for Phase One care range from 6 to 18 months, and for full care, 12 to 24 months or more.

It is difficult to give an exact cost for treatment until we have evaluated your orthodontic problems. Treatment fees will vary due to the type of problems you have. We have financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We have a list of questions that you can ask your insurance company to determine what orthodontic benefits you have. These are available on our website. As a courtesy to you, we will file your insurance claim at no fee. Learn more about insurance

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. 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 accordingly.

We try to schedule as many patients with braces for appointments after school. We cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatment. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with the receptionists before dropping off their child. Following the appointments, we like to inform you of the treatment completed for that appointment and what we plan for the next visit.

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sensitive for a few days. In these situations, medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort.

Yes. You may return to school following your orthodontic appointment.

No. Local anesthetic is not necessary during orthodontic treatment.

No, we do not use recycled braces. It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own new braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible. We do not allow any of our “old” braces to be recycled either.

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports, and on request, we will give you a special orthodontic mouth guard when you get your 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. If oral hygiene problems exist, it may be beneficial to see your dentist and dental hygienist more often.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, sunflower seeds, nuts and all sticky foods such as caramel, taffy and gum. You can avoid most unplanned appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Patients should brush their teeth at least 4 times each day—after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to brush and floss his or her teeth with braces. At each appointment, we will evaluate the health of the gums and tooth brushing. Please brush before coming to see us, or use our tooth brushing area before you check in.

If you are experiencing a problem with your braces, please call our office. In most cases, we can advise you over the telephone. If you require a comfort appointment, we will set aside time for you to be seen. A comfort appointment is often a short visit and will eliminate the cause of the discomfort. If discomfort occurs on a weekend, please call the doctors for assistance.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually started with children between the ages of 7 and 10. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and complex over time.

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.

Not everyone needs an expander. There are specific problems that are best corrected with an expander. If one is needed, an expander will be discussed in detail at the case presentation appointment.

Headgear is not used as much in current orthodontic treatment as it was in the past. If your child has one of the few problems that can be treated with a headgear, the treatment recommendations will be discussed along with the treatment goals at the case presentation appointment.

A significant percentage of our patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces.

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. Orthodontic treatment may be done in conjunction with your dentist and a plan to place implants, crowns or bridges after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment prior to restorative treatment will give you the best result.

Teeth and sometimes entire facial structures are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.