- What is orthodontics exactly?
- What is a malocclusion?
- What's different about our office?
- How long will I have to wear my braces?
- What foods should I avoid eating while in treatment?
- Do you use recycled brackets?
- How does your office clean instruments?
- Why are retainers so important?
- At what age should we begin treatment?
- Why are children being treated younger these days?
- If we have Phase I therapy, will we still need braces later?
- What are diagnostic records, and why are they necessary?
- Am I too old for braces?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I bleach my teeth?
- Will you be cleaning my teeth during braces?
- Can I still play wind instruments?
- Can I still play sports?
- How does orthodontic insurance work?
Q: WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS EXACTLY?
A: Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion," which means bad bite. The word orthodontics is derived from Greek "Ortho" means straight, "dont" means tooth and "ics" means pertaining to. The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design application and control of corrective appliances, like braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.
Q: WHAT IS A MALOCCLUSION?
A: The word "malocclusion" is derived from 'Mal' meaning bad and '0cclusion' meaning bite. This is another word for "bad bite." Many malocclusions are inherited. For example, if your father has large teeth and your mother has a small jaw, then you could possibly inherit a jaw that is too small to support large teeth. Bad habits like fingernail biting, tongue thrusting (pushing the tongue against the teeth), thumb sucking or mouth breathing could also cause malocclusion because they put steady pressure on the teeth and jaws and move them out of line. Teeth and jaws aren't as motionless as you might think. There are two kinds of malocclusions. The most common is the skeletal malocclusion, where one jaw overlaps the other; a discrepancy between the upper and lower jaws. The other kind is a dental malocclusion which occurs when the teeth are out of alignment: (turned, crowded, spaced) but the jaws are lined up underneath one another. It is also possible to have a skeletal and a dental malocclusion at the same time. The type of malocclusion a patient presents with will be a key factor in determining when orthodontic treatment will be started and the type and length of treatment needed.
Q: WHAT'S DIFFERENT ABOUT OUR OFFICE?
Q: HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WEAR MY BRACES?
A: The length of treatment varies with the severity of the problem. Treatment times in our office range from 1-2 months to 36 months or more for more complex cases. Most teenagers have their braces for 2-2 1/2 years.
Q: WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID WHILE EATING WHILE IN TREATMENT?
A: Foods that can damage the braces, and thereby lengthen treatment time fall into two categories: hard and sticky. Click here for more specific examples. For ideas on what meals and foods you can eat, click on Recipes.
Q: DO YOU USE RECYCLED BRACKETS?
A: No, we never have, and never will, plain and simple.
Q: HOW ARE INSTRUMENTS CLEANED?
A: In keeping with our commitment to provide our patients with the very best orthodontic treatment available we have taken great measures to ensure our sterilization program meets or exceeds the most stringent standard of care. You will notice that protective gloves are always worn when working on patients. Protective eye wear and masks are also worn for those procedures that warrant their use. Whenever possible, disposable items are used and when this not feasible, the latest sterilization techniques are utilized. All instruments are mechanically cleaned and then place in a state of the art heat sterilization unit. Our sterilizers are monitored regularly to ensure their effectiveness and safety. All employees have received extensive training in regards to sterilization procedures and attend a review course every year to keep primed. In addition, everyone in our office is CPR certified. Sterilization procedures are approved and recommended by the American Dental Association. We are proud of our sterilization program and welcome any question you may have.
Q: WHY ARE RETAINERS SO IMPORTANT?
A: Retainers are a very important part of orthodontic therapy. We consider this the third phase of orthodontic treatment. The retention phase is taken very seriously in our office. The American Association of Orthodontists advocates indefinite retention, which means that some form of a retainer should be worn on a periodic basis to prevent tooth movement as a person ages. Orthodontists are aware that if retainers are discontinued, there will be changes in tooth position. Just as the rest of the body changes with time, use, and the aging process, so do the teeth. Teeth can shift in position over time whether a person has ever had, or has not had, orthodontic treatment. The purpose of removable orthodontic retainers is to keep the tooth shift to less than it would be if no retainers were placed. While it is still possible for teeth to move somewhat, even with proper retainer wear, that movement is generally minimized. Retainers are sometimes referred to as “checker” appliances, and their use is the responsibility of the patient. They should be worn as needed to ensure that they fit properly and thus hold tooth position well. Please remember that tooth movement is normal throughout life, retainer wear after braces are removed simply helps to reduce this natural shifting tendency, but does not guarantee that it cannot occur over time. We will always be available to provide guidance and answer questions you may have about maintaining your orthodontic correction.
Q: AT WHAT AGE SHOULD WE BEGIN TREATMENT?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an orthodontist by the time they are 7 years of age. You or your dentist may want to take a look before then if there are specific concerns. Just because we see things that need to be corrected doesn't necessarily mean that they will need to be treated now. These early screenings will give you peace of mind and let you know what to plan for in the future. Seeing children at this age allows the orthodontic specialist the maximum opportunity to prevent serious problems from developing and to provide corrective treatment at the best age for your child to have the most beautiful, healthiest smile possible. Since there is not fee for this service, you may want us to look at all of your children.
Q: WHY ARE CHILDREN BEING TREATED AT A YOUNGER AGE THESE DAYS?
A: It is now well understood by the scientific community, that during young ages, the bones and muscles are growing rapidly. This is when the doctors can influence your child’s growth to create the best bite. Things that can be accomplished early may not be able to be easily done later. Also with early treatment we may prevent further bite problems from happening. Interceptive therapy usually lasts anywhere from 6-16 months. Early treatment offers many benefits, often achieving one or more of the following goals:
enhancing self-esteem by improving the child's appearance with proper jaw alignment
creating more stable long term results, especially with severe bite problems
shortening or improving the result of the second phase of treatment
treating at an age when children are more cooperative
preventing possible fractures to buck teeth (since teeth that stick out are more easily damaged during falls or accidents)
minimizing the possibility of future jaw surgery
minimizing removal of permanent teeth
Q: IF WE HAVE PHASE I THERAPY, WILL WE STILL NEED BRACES LATER?
A: Phase I, or interceptive therapy, describes treatment done at a young age, usually 7-10 years old. During these ages, the doctors can attempt to re-direct improper jaw growth (also known as dentofacial orthopedics), detect unfavorable eruption patterns, advise you about missing teeth, and help with early correction of harmful habits. Early treatment will help permanent teeth erupt more ideally, and may improve jaw alignment. Since children in this age group still have many baby teeth, our ability to correct every aspect of the bite is limited until more permanent teeth have erupted.
Hence, Phase II therapy is the placement of full braces to correct bite problems such as deep overbites, large overjets, bite alignment, crowding and spacing, which could not be addressed during Phase I. Our goal is to be sure we are giving you all your treatment options, so together we can choose the most appropriate long term course of action.
Many patients do not require Phase I treatment. Therefore, they are candidates for comprehensive orthodontic treatment once most of their permanent teeth have erupted.
Q: WHAT ARE DIAGNOSTIC RECORDS, AND WHY ARE THEY NECESSARY?
A: The best treatment results come from a thorough study of your profile, jaws, muscles and teeth. Diagnostic records include x-rays, digital imaging, and molds (impressions) of your teeth. Measurements are made from these records, which allow both Dr. Deb and Dr. Diane to independently develop all possible treatment options available to you.
Q: AM I TOO OLD FOR BRACES?
A: About thirty percent of our practice is made up of adult patients. The oldest patient that we have treated to date was 77 years old. Teeth move no matter what your age, as long as they have healthy supporting structures!
Q: DO BRACES HURT?
A: Initially, the braces will feel prominent to your lips and cheeks. This is normal. As you become accustomed to your braces, and tooth alignment improves, this sensation will cease to be a concern. Although the brackets are round and smooth, until the cheek tissues have "toughened" you may find it helpful to use a small piece of orthodontic wax around the bracket that is creating the irritation. If your supply of wax runs out, call our office for more. The wax may also be purchased at a local drugstore. Moving teeth makes them sore for a day or two after each visit. The times when you may experience discomfort are: after separators, a new wire, new elastics, or new appliance. Getting the braces applied to the teeth doesn't hurt at all. Usually it takes several hours after the braces are placed before you notice any discomfort. The new heat activated wires that the doctors use do not require much force to move the teeth, and are therefore less painful. Non-prescription pain remedies such as Tylenol or Advil (Ibuprofen) are recommended for discomfort. For maximum effectiveness, it may be best to take such medication before the discomfort begins.
Q: CAN I BLEACH MY TEETH?
A: We do not advise bleaching your teeth until you have finished growing. Certainly, your dentist can discuss the most appropriate techniques and proper timing. Please do not bleach your teeth during orthodontic treatment as this will cause an uneven appearance in your tooth shade when the braces are removed. Please only use non-whitening toothpastes.
Q: WILL YOU BE CLEANING MY TEETH DURING BRACES?
A: This is a service that your dentist and hygienist will continue to perform for you during orthodontic treatment. It is important that you continue to keep your regularly scheduled cleanings since your dentist will also help us monitor your teeth for cavities. For our adult patients, or patients who need extra help with their cleanings, we encourage more frequent cleanings with your dentist. Sometimes, a gum specialist (periodontist) may be asked to assist with deeper cleanings and gum evaluations. We are happy to review home care instructions with you at your orthodontic appointments – just ask!
Q: CAN I STILL PLAY WIND INSTRUMENTS?
A: Yes! Initially, you will have an adjustment period, during which you will need to practice more to learn new lip positioning. You may also experience irritations, which will heal and become tougher quickly. We advise using wax and warm salt water rinses to aid in the adjustment and healing process.
Q: CAN I STILL PLAY SPORTS?
A: Yes! If you play contact sports, an orthodontic mouthguard is required. They are available at the office, and are provided at no charge to you while you are in treatment.
Q: HOW DOES ORTHODONTIC INSURANCE WORK?
There are many different agreements with insurance carriers and their subscribers and each contract provides a different benefit. However, orthodontic insurance generally differs from regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic services. This benefit is paid as a percentage of the orthodontic fee, until the benefit maximum has been reached. Charges for lost or broken appliances may not be covered by insurance.
For your convenience we will gladly assist you in submitting initial insurance claim pertaining to charges for care rendered in our office. However, please be aware that our primary financial relationship is with our patient or their families and not with their respective insurance companies. Financial arrangements can be made based on your estimated insurance benefit; however any outstanding insurance claims not paid are the responsibility of the patient or the patient's family.
So that our office can submit your claim forms accurately and completely we ask that you provide us with the name, address, and telephone number of your insurance carrier.
Please complete the insured or employee section of your form and sign where indicated. While we do our best to quote any available benefits as accurately as possible, our estimate can not be considered a guarantee of payment. Occasionally, the total estimated benefit may not be available due to circumstances beyond our control. We cannot render services on the assumption that our charges will be paid by an insurance carrier. However, for you convenience, we will accept payments from your insurance company assigned to us by the insured. Such payment will be credited accordingly to your account.
If your company requires verification of continuing treatment you may send them a copy of your canceled checks or cash receipts. If your insurance carrier provides a form for verification of continuing treatment, we will be glad to complete the signature portion.
