Initial Visit
Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth start to appear, usually between the ages of 6 and 8. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for the first time by age 7.
Why do you evaluate patients so young?
The purpose of early evaluation isn’t necessarily to begin treatment right away but to inform and observe. At an early age, eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of patients at this age may need to start treatment in some form, but it’s better to begin correction as early as possible in these cases. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed, and an observation schedule is arranged until the patient is ready to begin treatment.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the patient’s current situation or any concerns the doctor may have. We may just do a visual exam and explain the situation, or we may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics, including scanning of the teeth with photographs to document the current position.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Yes, we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults, and according to the American Association of Orthodontics, one in four patients are adults! Newer cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is trained as a general dentist but has had at least 2 more years of full-time training in orthodontics and graduated with a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patient appointments, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. These typically are longer procedures in the morning, but sometimes, scheduling during school or work hours is unavoidable. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family’s needs.
Do you see patients for emergencies?
Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our emergency care page for more information.
Financial
Can we make payments?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.
How do you handle insurance?
After verifying coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed-upon fee.
Do you take American Express, Master Card, and/or Visa?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as payments over the internet.
Do you give family discounts?
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
Types of Treatment
What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later. Phase 1 treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics done during adolescence. Examples of phase 1 treatment include correcting individual tooth or jaw crossbites and severe underbites and overbites where function, esthetic, or psychological concerns are identified.
What is phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12-year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts between 2 and 3 years.
How do I know if Phase 1, 2, or both types of treatments are necessary?
An early visit is suggested. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care.
Does early treatment ensure a better result?
Not always. Experience and research shows that early treatment achieves meaningful goals but the quality of the result is determined at the end of care. For this reason, we do not encourage early treatment unless significant benefits can be achieved.
Moving of Teeth (Mechanics)
I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
Yes.
How long do braces take?
On average, complete treatment can be accomplished in 2 years of active tooth movement. Sometimes, this active movement is divided into two or more periods of time, with a rest of 6 to 18 months in between. (See phase 1 and 2 treatment above).
How do braces work?
Quite simply, crooked teeth are gradually moved into desired positions by taking shaped wires and attaching them to brackets on the teeth.
Retainers
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6-12 months, followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over a lifetime.
How about retainers glued to the backs of teeth?
For some patients, permanent retainers are attached to the back of the lower teeth to keep them in place. This requires special hygiene procedures and regular recalls to the family dentist.
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Do wisdom teeth cause teeth to get crooked?
Research has shown this may not be true.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth do not cause crooked teeth, but they can cause gum problems, swelling if impacted, and trap food below the gum tissue, causing infection. It is much nicer to plan for their removal rather than have them removed under emergency conditions.
When is a good time to have wisdom teeth removed?
According to oral surgeons, the best time is when approximately 2/3 of the root has formed. The average is sometime after age 16.
