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Radiographs are the only way to reliably view the bone and roots of the teeth. So that we can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for our patients. Without radiographs, we are working blind. It would be like taking your car to a mechanic and asking what is wrong with the engine without opening the hood.
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My child still has baby teeth, aren’t they too young for braces?
After the initial exam we can determine if it will benefit your child to have any interceptive treatment. Interceptive treatment can include an expander to create more space, correct a crossbite, or to help the upper and lower jaws to fit together better. This first phase of treatment to increase space or align the jaws has to be done while a child is growing; it can reduce the possibility for extractions and the need for jaw surgery, it will greatly improve the eruption for the permanent teeth, and functions and position of the jaws.
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What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 is also called early interceptive treatment, this is to correct jaw problems such as crossbites, overbites, underbites and crowding. We can also correct bad oral habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. Phase 1 is typically done with an expander or partial braces. Phase 2 treatment is comprehensive orthodontics it involves a full set of braces when all of the adult teeth have erupted.
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How long will treatment last?
Treatment length depends on each individual, the severity of the individual’s problem will be assessed at your initial consultation.
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Will I need to have any teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment?
With our advanced orthodontic procedures and techniques extracting teeth can often be avoided. Seeing patients by age 7 so that we can detect and correct developing problems before they become severe is essential. Sometimes having teeth removed may be a requirement for achieving the best orthodontic result possible.
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How much will it cost for braces and do you offer any financing?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies from person to person depending on the complexity of the case. At your initial exam we will be able to determine the duration and cost of your treatment. We offer an interest free payment plan and will help you maximize any insurance benefits that you have.
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Is it possible to have all appointments scheduled after school?
Most people seeking orthodontic treatment have other important obligations, usually involving work or school. When beginning orthodontic treatment the first few visits will be a few weeks apart then typically at 5-10 week intervals. We will always try our best to accommodate your busy schedule, but not all procedures can be scheduled after school.
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Do you re-use braces?
No way! We provide all of our patients with their very own brand new set of braces.
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Do braces hurt? Are there shots involved?
Typically, braces do not hurt. After some appointments your teeth may feel sore for a few days. Using you normal headache medication will alleviate the discomfort. Some people don’t even experience any soreness at all. Injections are not necessary at any of our appointments
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Can I still play sports or a musical instrument?
Absolutely! We will provide you with a special mouth guard to wear for any sports. Playing an instrument with your braces on may take a couple of days to get used to, but braces won’t hold you back from having fun!
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Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
It’s never too late to have a beautiful and healthy smile! About twenty percent of our patients are adults.
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Can I still get braces if I have missing teeth or crowns?
If you are missing a tooth or teeth, orthodontic treatment will help to improve the alignment of the remaining teeth so that when you have replacement teeth placed they can look natural and function properly. If you have crowns they move just like a normal tooth.
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Do I still need to see my family dentist while in treatment?
Yes, it’s very important to continue to see your general dentist every six months. Only your dentist can provide the professional quality cleaning and dental exams necessary to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. During orthodontic treatment there are more areas for food and plaque to build up. During treatment we will evaluate your oral hygiene and recommend how to improve when it is necessary.
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Are there certain foods I should avoid while my braces are on?
Your orthodontic treatment success relies on your cooperation, avoiding foods that can cause damage to the brackets or wires allow treatment to progress efficiently. This would include anything hard, sticky or chewy i.e., gum caramel, ice and nuts. We will explain all the instructions and what type of diet to follow when your braces are placed.
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My friend has braces somewhere else and he is allowed to chew sugar free gum, is that ok?
No, there is no gum that is safe for braces. Gum is sticky and can open your braces and your wire will come out of the bracket, or the bracket will break away from the tooth. Both of these scenarios will extend your time with braces.
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How often should I brush and floss my teeth?
Since braces create add additional areas for food to get caught, we recommend brushing after each meal and before bed. Flossing daily will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. When your teeth are healthy they respond best to orthodontic movement. We will instruct you and give you the necessary tools to be successful at it.
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I’ve seen people wearing rubber bands with their braces, what are those and will I need them?
Rubber bands, or elastics, are used to correct the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Your orthodontist will let you know when you will have to wear them, if at all.
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What are retainers? Will I have to wear them forever?
Retainers are used to keep the teeth in the position they are in when the braces come off. We will instruct you on how to wear them and care for them. Retainers are used for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight.
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My regular dentist says that she can straighten my teeth, why should I go to a certified specialist?
Although some general dentist may do orthodontics only an orthodontic specialist has 2-4 years of specialized orthodontic training beyond dental school. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients. An orthodontist is highly experienced at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. Would you see your regular doctor if you needed heart surgery?
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Do Damon or any other type of braces make treatment progress faster or with less discomfort?
No. Braces only act as handles that are glued to your teeth to provide a platform with which various directional forces can be applied. There are many manufactures that claim that their particular type of braces move teeth faster, but all of these claims are grossly unsubstantiated by research. Some also claim that their type of braces can reduce the number of extractions or other appliances needed during treatment – these are also marketing ploys directed towards the public to help sell a product. The art and science of tooth movement has changed greatly over the last few years; however, most of these advances are a result in the new types of wires and how they apply force to the teeth.