FAQ’s
Is it required that I be referred by my family dentist to schedule an appointment?
No, it is not. Most of our patients are referred by their family dentist, however many patients are concerned about their health and appearance, and take the initiative to schedule themselves for an examination to have their need for orthodontic care evaluated.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, the six-year molars and several permanent teeth in most children have erupted allowing the doctors to effectively evaluate most developing orthodontic problems.
Will my child’s teeth straighten out on their own as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as a child grows. In most people, after the permanent 6-year molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth actually decreases with age.
Will I have to have any teeth removed for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, because today’s technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, the need for removing teeth has been greatly reduced.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. An “average” time a person is in braces is approximately 22 months
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each individual 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, appointments will be scheduled accordingly.
Can I have all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for student patients during after school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients miss very little school due to their orthodontic treatments. We reference all area school calendars, and try very hard to meet the scheduling needs of our patients.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
We are very understanding of busy schedules and working parents’ desires to run errands while their child is at our office. On some occasions the doctors may want to speak with parents when they return, so we request that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After some visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol can be used to ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all!
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Do you give shots?
No. No needles are necessary in orthodontic treatment.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We can recommend a mouth guard for all sports. Custom made mouthguards are available upon request.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, very complete instructions and a comprehensive list will be provided regarding foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding what foods to avoid.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child still has some baby teeth?
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.
What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, when needed, is usually initiated on children between the ages of seven and 10. Phase One treatment usually takes about 12 months. There are several primary objectives for Phase One treatment. – To address significant problems early to prevent them from becoming severe corrections later.
- To develop jaws for crowding concerns and modify jaw growth for an improved jaw relationship.
- Finally, to improve self-esteem and self-image, both very important during their formative years.
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 of time 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 as to any future treatment recommendations.
Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, the doctor will determine whether a patient will need an expander or not.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
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 so that the space where the teeth are missing can be properly restored.
Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth and sometimes entire facial structures are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is very important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide all types of orthodontic patients with professional and state of the art treatments.
