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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q) What is Orthodontic Treatment?
A) Most people are unsure of what orthodontic treatment involves. The aim of orthodontic treatment is
to produce straight teeth and a nice smile with healthy muscles and joints, within the confines of
acceptable facial appearance. We firmly believe that in order to achieve a great result at the end of
treatment patients, parents and the practice must work together as a team. Good communication and
understanding are essential.
While for most conditions there is an optimal age for treatment, orthodontics can, in fact, be
undertaken at almost any age. Many conditions are most effectively treated while the patient is
growing. The positive effects of growth can be harnessed and the negative effects controlled.
Q) Who is an Orthodontist?
A) An orthodontist is a "SPECIALIST" in dentistry. After graduating and becoming a dentist, they must
apply, be accepted and graduate from a university accredited by the American Dental Association.
This is two or more years of specialized training in the art and science of moving teeth. It takes 22
years of school to become an orthodontist!
Only orthodontists are uniquely qualified to perform orthodontic services. Membership in the American
Association of Orthodontists guarantees they are certified in the specialty of orthodontics.
Q) How Do I Know If Treatment Is Needed?
A) Ask your family dentist. If your family dentist is unsure, see an Orthodontist for an opinion. With
their extended training, they are in an excellent position to inform you of whether treatment is needed
and of what is possible.
Q) Should I wait until all the permanent teeth are in before seeing the orthodontist?
A) No, many tooth alignment or jaw growth problems can be detected by age 7. Some of these
problems are best treated early, avoiding a more serious problem later or eliminating braces as a
teenager all together.
Q) How old should my child be before seeing the orthodontist?
A) It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that a child first see an
orthodontist by age 7.
Q) What are the seven warning sign to look for at age seven?
During your initial FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION our orthodontic specialist will look for the
answer to the following questions:
1. Do the upper teeth protrude? Excessive protrusion (or overbite) of the upper front teeth – “bucked
teeth” – is by far the most common orthodontic problem. You can test this by placing a Popsicle stick
behind the upper front teeth when you bite down on your back teeth. If there is plenty of room for the
stick, you probably have more than two millimeters of space between the upper front teeth and the
lower front teeth. In many patients the lower jaw is retruded giving the “weak chin” appearance. When
“patient records” are done, the x-ray picture taken of the side view of the head shows if the upper
jawbone is protruding in front of the lower jawbone.
2. Is there a deep bite or over-jet? The upper teeth cover the lower front teeth too much - more than
one millimeter of the lower teeth. In severe cases, the lower front teeth are totally covered by the
upper front teeth when you bite down on your back teeth.
3. Is there an underbite? The upper teeth fit inside the arch of the lower teeth. Usually the lower jaw
protrudes or sticks out farther than the upper jaw giving one the “strong chin” or "Jay Leno”
appearance.
4. Is there an open bite? You can stick your tongue between the upper and lower front teeth when the
back teeth are together.
5. Is there too little room for the upper or lower teeth? Do you see crowded or overlapped teeth?
6. Is there too much room (spacing or gaps) between the upper or lower teeth?
7. Is there a crossbite? The upper back teeth fit inside rather than outside of the lowers.
After you’ve read the above questions and match the pictures to your own teeth or jaws, you will be
able to determine if you need braces.
Seek treatment before age seven if your child has:
Difficulty chewing
Open mouth breathing
Thumb or finger sucking
Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth
Jaws that click or pop
Biting of the cheek or into the roof of the mouth
Speech problems
Grinding or wearing down of teeth
Obvious abnormal bite development of any kind
Q) Will my child's teeth straighten as they grow?
A) The space available for teeth in the mouth does not increase with age; therefore, there won't be
any opportunity for your child's teeth to straighten without orthodontic treatment. The fact is, after the
molars erupt (usually in the sixth year), the space in the mouth actually gets smaller as the child grows
older. If your child has crowded teeth, it's best to come in for a FREE ORTHODONTIC
CONSULTATION sooner (age 7) rather than later.
Q) Do I still need to see my regular dentist during the time I have braces?
A) Yes, we recommend that you continue to see your dentist for cleanings and other primary dental
care at least every six months during orthodontic treatment.
Q) Have I Left It Too Late?
A) A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve
their greatest asset - their smile.
Orthodontic treatment is possible in adulthood. In fact, as long as the supporting bones and gums are
healthy the teeth can be moved with little risk of damage.
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and
self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a
bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and
surfaces, even headaches, and sometimes jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Tooth colored braces and invisible aligners (InVisalign) braces have made orthodontic treatment
acceptable to an ever- increasing number of adults.
Q) How long will I be in braces?
A) Most people in our practice are finished in 18-24 months or less, due to the advances in
orthodontic technology. Minor tooth movement cases can be done in as little as two or three visits.
Q) Is it painful to have braces?
A) It is painless to have your braces placed! It usually takes a few days to get used to having braces
on your teeth. Some patients experience some tooth discomfort for a few days as the teeth begin to
move.
Q) Does it hurt to have the braces removed?
A) No, most people do not experience any discomfort when removing the braces. Some people's teeth
are sensitive to cold air during the removal procedures.
Q) Can I play a musical instrument with braces?
A) Yes, you can play the instrument of your choice with braces on your teeth. It may take a few days
getting used to playing with the braces on. We also provide clear lip guards to prevent any lip
irritation for wind instruments.
Q) Can I participate in sports with braces on?
A) Yes, you can play sports with the braces on. You may need to wear a special mouth guard to
protect your lips and teeth just as you would without braces. Ask us and we will be happy to provide
you with an athletic mouth piece when your braces are placed at no additional charge.
Q) Are there certain things you can't eat?
A) Most good nutritious foods in all the food groups can be eaten. Good nutrition is important for the
teeth to move. Certain hard, crunchy foods like apples and carrots need to be cut up into smaller
bites or they can be cooked. This prevents wires from being bent or braces being broken off the
teeth. Food and beverages like soda pop that contain high amounts of sugar should be limited. It's
more important to brush and clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards. High acid foods like lemons
should also be avoided. Chewing on ice or hard candies should be avoided, as it will break the braces
off the teeth. Sticky, chewy candies like taffy, caramel, Gummy Bears, Jolly Ranchers and others will
damage the appliances and can cause damage to the teeth while in braces. It will also delay being
finished on time with your braces if things are constantly broken and in need of repair.
Q) Do you have invisible braces?
A) Yes, we do have braces that are barely visible. Ceramic braces are tooth colored and are difficult
to see. There usually is a small additional charge for ceramic braces.
Q) Do you have colored braces and rubber bands?
A) Yes, we do have colored braces and rubber bands at no additional charge, if you want them.
Colored braces can make having braces more fun.
Q) Will braces damage my teeth or gums?
A) No, braces will not damage your teeth and gums if you care for them properly and stay on
schedule with your appointments. Lack of proper brushing and extended treatment can damage the
teeth.
Q) How long does it take to put the braces on?
A) It takes about two hours to actually place the braces on your teeth and give you instruction on how
to take care of them.
Q) What about infection control?
A) Our office utilizes the most modern sterilization equipment available to the profession. We sterilize
all instruments and handpieces. For your safety, we also subscribe to a monitoring service that tests
are equipment every month to be sure it is operating properly. Additionally, we practice utilizing barrier
techniques and surface disinfection - sterilization.
Q) Do you use recycled braces?
A) Our office has never used recycled braces even though when properly remanufactured and
sterilized, there is no risk to the patient receiving them.
Q) What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
A) Interceptive treatment presents the opportunity to:
• CREATE more room for crowded out erupting teeth
• CREATE facial balance by influencing jaw growth
• REDUCE risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
• PRESERVE or gain space for unerupted teeth
• REDUCE the need for permanent tooth removal
• SIMPLIFY treatment time with full braces
IMPROVE the self image of our children
Q) Will a retainer be necessary?
A) Wearing a retainer after braces is an important step, because it keeps the teeth stable after the
active orthodontic appliance is removed at the end of treatment. Without retainers, your teeth would
return to their old "crooked ways." If you want your teeth to remain in their ideal positions for the rest
of your life, it would be best to wear a retainer that long. Some retainers can be put in permanently.
The ideal one is a removable retainer that can be worn at home and while you are sleeping.
Retainers are the cheapest form of insurance around. If you lose your retainer, it is cheaper to
replace it IMMEDIATELY than to do your orthodontic treatment over again. As the saying goes, "If you
don't use it, you lose it." The corollary to this saying is, "If you lose it, you can't use it." Then you'd
better get a new one IMMEDIATELY.
Q) What do I do if I have a problem during treatment?
A) If you have a problem at any time please telephone the practice. If the practice is unattended a
phone number will be provided that you can contact. Many problems can be overcome by over-the-
phone advice saving you a trip to the practice. If we cannot solve a problem this way we will organize
to have you seen to as soon as practicable. Please remember that we are a small practice and as
such, when staff members are on holidays it may be that another orthodontist will look after your
problem.
Q) What Does Treatment Cost?
A) Orthodontic treatment is an investment for a lifetime. At your first appointment, the orthodontist can
give you an estimate of the cost of treatment. If you are a member of a Private Health Fund, it may be
desirable to contact them and be informed of your level of benefit.
When you proceed with treatment, we will provide you with the necessary form for your health fund.
Q) What about costs?
A) The total cost varies for each person depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem.
Because our modern materials and techniques often require fewer visits, you might be surprised how
affordable your orthodontic treatment can be.
A beautiful, healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make in your or your child's future.
To help you fit this investment into your budget, we offer a variety of payment methods:
• In-house financing with no interest, an appropriate down payment and the remaining balance
paid over your treatment time.
• Outside financing that offers no down payment and low monthly fees paid over your treatment
time.
• Payment in full with a courtesy bookkeeping discount.
• Automatic Credit Card payments. For your convenience we accept Visa and Master card.
• Most major insurance plans. We will fill out the necessary paperwork for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
