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FAQ 
No, you do not need a referral. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, but many other patients take the initiative to schedule an orthodontic evaluation on their own. Back to top 2. At what age should a child be seen for their first orthodontic evaluation? The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that the first orthodontic examination should be at age 7. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth that have erupted which will allow us to effectively evaluate a child‚s orthodontic condition. Additionally, we have an opportunity to assess your child‚s facial growth pattern. It is always better to be seen early than late. In some instances where treatment is growth dependant, we may be able to avoid the need for jaw surgery or the acceptance of a compromised result or no treatment. Back to top 3. 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 6-15 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. Back to top 4. 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. Back to top 5. Will my teeth become straighter as I grow? No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age. Back to top 6. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam? If you or your child could potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail, or complete our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front desk office staff will request some basic information from you. Back to top 7. Do I have 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 orthodontic goals. Fortunately for new technology and advances in the field of orthodontics, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment. Back to top 8. 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. Back to top 9. 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 consultation appointment. 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. Back to top 10. How often will I have appointments? Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to seven weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly. Back to top 11. 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 five to seven 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. Back to top 12. 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. Back to top 13. 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!‰ Back to top 14. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces? Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment. Back to top 15. Do you give shots? No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment. Back to top 16. 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. Back to top 17. Can I still play sports? Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. Back to top 18. 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. Back to top 19. 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. Back to top 20. 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 their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary. Back to top 21. 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. Back to top 22. 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. Back to top 23. Will my child need an expander? At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander. Back to top 24. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult? A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, a significant percentage of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces! Back to top 25. 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. Back to top 26. Why should you 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. Back to top | 
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