Frequently Asked Questions

When should my child have an initial orthodontic examination?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic screening by seven years of age. This is the time when the permanent incisors and molars are growing in and enough jaw growth has occurred to enable detection of common orthodontic problems. Treatment at this age often involves guidance of facial development and tooth eruption (dentofacial orthopedics). Once a problem is detected, the orthodontist can advise the optimum time to begin early intervention.
Why is "early treatment" recommended for some children and not for others?
Certain types of orthodontic problems are more effectively eliminated at an early age, while other types of problems are best treated after all of the baby teeth are lost. All patients present different problems, so it's always best to have an early evaluation to assess the proper time to start treatment of the patient's unique condition. The goal of early intervention is to guide the growing jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions; therefore reducing the magnitude of the problem, or in some cases, completely eliminating the need for complex treatment in the teen years. Thus, if the orthodontic problem stems from underlying skeletal imbalances, or if the permanent teeth that have erupted so far are in poor relationships, early treatment may be suggested. In actuality, the majority of orthodontic problems are best treated in the pre-teen to early teen years.
When is an adult too old for braces?
Adults who have healthy teeth and supporting gum tissues are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Increasing numbers of adults are taking advantage of the lifelong benefits of orthodontics. These are people who've made the choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile and the confidence that it brings. We are pleased to present our adult patients with tooth colored ceramic braces or even the newest option, Invisalign®.
Why are retainers so important?
Retainers are used to maintain the teeth in their new positions while the fibers that hold the teeth to the bone adapt to the new positions of the teeth. It takes months and sometimes years for these gum fibers to re-adapt. That is why we recommend that all orthodontic patients continue retainer wear for an extended period of time. Your orthodontist will set up a schedule of retainer wear for you after your braces are removed. To maintain your teeth as they are the day that the braces are removed, you must faithfully wear your retainers as instructed.
What is the average cost of orthodontic treatment?
There really is no average cost, as treatment needs differ from patient to patient. In our office, we schedule a one hour appointment to obtain pertinent dental history, to complete a thorough orthodontic examination, and to discuss the options of treatment and the length of treatment. The cost of treatment depends on the complexity and length of the treatment indicated.
How does my orthodontic insurance work?
Once we receive information regarding your insurance company and your specific policy, we will submit the necessary insurance forms for your treatment. All insurance benefits will be sent directly to the subscriber. If after contacting your insurance company, you still have questions or problems regarding payments, we will help you obtain the needed information. Keep in mind that having dental insurance coverage does not automatically mean there is orthodontic coverage.
How often would I need to come for appointments?
Treatment intervals for patients undergoing conventional orthodontic treatment are usually 6-8 weeks apart. Invisalign® patients are often seen at longer intervals, while retainer patients are often seen once per year.
Are appointments available after school or work?
We schedule as many appointments during the after school/work time as we can; however, longer appliance adjustment appointments must be scheduled during the day. It helps to familiarize yourself with upcoming "days off" from school or to know which classes are easier to miss so that appointments can be made during the day hours.
What happens if I must reschedule or miss an appointment?
Appointments are set up on a 6-8 week interval and a make-up appointment may not be available for some time. Thus, having to reschedule at the last minute can result in prolonging treatment. We are often asked if we can squeeze a patient in, but in many cases this is not possible, as unscheduled patients who are squeezed into the schedule will cause a backup resulting in regularly scheduled patients waiting 15-30 minutes for their appointment. It is our goal to respect each and every patient's time. Please help us keep this goal by keeping your scheduled appointments.
What can I expect if I arrive to my appointment late?
If you arrive over half way through your appointment, you will most likely be asked to reschedule. We understand that traffic and other issues may cause late arrivals, so we encourage you to come 5-10 minutes early for your appointment. By the time the patient checks in and brushes their teeth, they have used approximately 8-10 minutes of their appointment time. We want you to complete orthodontic treatment in a timely manner, and having to reschedule appointments delays treatment. Please give us a call if you think you might be late and we will try to maintain your appointment while still staying on schedule..
Do I need to see my general dentist while in orthodontic treatment?
Our practice is limited to orthodontics, so we must work hand in hand with your general dentist to maintain the optimum health of your teeth and gums. We encourage you to maintain regular 6 month check-ups and cleanings with your dentist. Adults who have a history of periodontal (gum) disease may also need to see a periodontist (gum specialist) on a regular basis throughout orthodontic treatment.
How important is patient cooperation during orthodontic treatment?
Successful orthodontic treatment is a "two-way street" requiring consistent, cooperative effort by both the orthodontist and patient. To successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the patient must carefully clean his or her teeth, keep appointments as scheduled and occasionally wear rubber bands, headgear, or other appliances as prescribed by the orthodontist. Damaged appliances and unhealthy gum tissue can lengthen the treatment time and may undesirably affect the outcome of treatment. The teeth and jaws can only move toward the desired position if the patient follows home care instructions as prescribed.
How will my diet be affected by braces?

Your diet directly affects the health of the supporting gum and bone tissues around your teeth. If you are careful about the type of food you select and the way you eat your food, your teeth and gums will stay healthy throughout treatment, and your orthodontic appliances will remain in good working condition.

I . DIFFERENT FOOD AFFECT DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRACES

The braces on your front teeth are bonded to the surface of your teeth. These braces may shear off when biting into hard food. In general, try not to bite into any food with your front teeth. Cut or tear food into small pieces, then chew on the back teeth.

The braces on your back teeth are actually bands that go all the way around each tooth. These bands are more resistant to shear than the braces on the front teeth. However, sticky foods may pull at the bands and eventually break the cement seal. Once the cement seal is broken, plaque begins to leak in and cause decay.

A. HARD AND CRUNCHY FOODS

Unfortunately, most of what we normally think of as “healthy food” is very hard on braces. Since it is very important to maintain a healthy diet, fresh fruits and vegetables that are hard and crunchy should be either cut into small bite-sized pieces or cooked until tender.

Examples:

  • Apples, carrots, celery, broccoli, etc – Cut into bite sized pieces and chew with the back teeth.
  • Corn – should be cut off the cob
  • Meat – should be cut off the bone

B. STICKY FOODS

Any food that sticks and pulls at the teeth or creates suction between the teeth should be avoided. These types of foods usually have a high sugar content as well. Sugary foods that become lodged between the teeth and the braces will increase the risk of cavity formation.

Foods to Avoid:

  • Ice
  • Caramels
  • Hard candy
  • Toffee
  • Hard crusted bread
  • Taffy
  • Hard pretzels
  • Now and Laters, etc.
  • Popcorn
  • Sugary gum

II. WHAT ABOUT GUM?

Most gum isn’t sticky enough to actually pull bands off teeth. However, frequent or extended periods of gum chewing put orthodontic appliances through a lot of wear and tear. Eventually, the band cement will begin to wear thin and wash away, leaving areas for plaque to seep in and cause decay and cavities. So, if you must have gum, keep the chewing period very short – only a few minutes at a time.

III. TIP FOR DEALING WITH SORE TEETH

You’ll notice that when you come in for adjustments, your braces will feel tight for several hours. This tightness is usually followed by a period of a few days when your teeth may feel sore. Believe it or not, it’s actually a good idea to chew gum immediately after an appointment, or whenever your wires feel especially tight. Why? Chewing will result in an increase in blood circulation around the roots of the teeth, thereby helping to clear out the biochemicals that are associated with pain. Keep the gum chewing period to a minimum, and by all means, chew only sugarless gum.

REMEMBER:

  • Loose or broken braces prolong treatment time. If the teeth are not attached properly to the wires, they are not under control and my move in the opposite direction than what was planned.
  • Plaque can seep under loose braces where it impossible to clean. This trapped plaque causes rapid tooth decay and cavities.
  • Sugar leads to an increase in the acidity of plaque, therefore promoting the formation of “white spots” (decalcification or early cavities). The longer the sugar exposure, the higher the risk of forming cavities and permanent discoloration of the teeth.

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