Top 31 Points to Know
1. Why might I need orthodontic treatment?
Most orthodontic treatment is done to correct problems that are inherited. Crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems are examples of genetic problems that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Other non-inherited problems develop over time and include: thumb or finger-sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, poor dental hygiene, the early or late loss of primary (baby) teeth, loss of permanent teeth, accidents, poor nutrition or some medical problems. These problems can also exist with and complicate an inherited problem. Orthodontic treatment can provide a solution for all of these problems.
2. Why should I have orthodontic treatment if it is recommended?
Crowded and overlapping teeth are difficult to keep clean and, if left untreated, can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. If the teeth do not meet together properly, there can be abnormal wear of teeth, difficulty chewing and/or speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue and possible jaw joint problems. Without orthodontic treatment, these problems will worsen over time. In addition to improving your dental health, a beautiful smile is an asset to one’s appearance and self-image.
3. When should I bring my child in for an orthodontic evaluation?
The American Board of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation as early as age 6. So somewhere between the ages of 6 and 7 would be the best time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation for your child. Most people think of teenagers when they think of braces. The fact is that some problems are best corrected as the jaw is growing rather than waiting until the patient is in their teens.
4. What is involved in an orthodontic evaluation?
At an orthodontic evaluation, the doctor and treatment coordinator will review the patient's medical, dental and orthodontic history. The doctor will then perform a thorough examination of the patient's teeth, gums, bone and jaw joints using the radiographs & photographs taken at the beginning of the appointment. We will then discuss potential treatment options and fees, followed by a question and answer session to address any questions you might have.
5. What is a “Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics?”
A Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics is an orthodontist who has completed all three phases of the American Board of Orthodontics board certification examination. The three phases are: 1) required education, 2) written examination and 3) oral examination involving case presentations. The preparation for this examination takes years and it is a prestigious accomplishment.
6. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
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.
7. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
This depends on your situation; however, 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. Straight teeth are often related to the size and position of your “jaws.” Your “jaw” relationship is primarily what is corrected in young children.
8. 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, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
9. What will I learn from the initial examination?
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 must be done to correct the problem?
- Will any teeth need to be removed?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
10. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required 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.
11. 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. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
12. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
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. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
13. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 5-10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
14. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 5-10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs, and the vast majority of your appointments can usually be scheduled before or after school.
15. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
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 their patient manager before dropping off their child.
16. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
17. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
18. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
19. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
20. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
21. Do I need to see my family dentist while in 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.
22. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
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, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
23. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss his/her teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
24. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you. If the office is closed, Dr. Hydo or Dr. Miller can always be reached for emergencies via our office paging system.
25. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has 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.
26. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 10-14 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image. It is simpler to correct moderate problems before they become severe and Phase One treatment makes any subsequent orthodontic treatment significantly easier, faster and provides you with an enhanced final result.
27. 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 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. Phase One treatment is intended to make any future treatments faster and more ideal which includes minimizing the need for extraction of permanent teeth. The corrections made during Phase One treatment cannot be accomplished once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.
28. Will my child need an expander?
Expanders are very commonly used in Phase One treatment to create more room for crowded teeth. At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will benefit from an expander.
29. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
30. 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.
31. Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
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.