Orthodontic frequently asked questions

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. New technology allows us to use lighter forces to move the teeth over a much shorter amount of time.

You can expect the braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment. These adjustments will make you more conscious of your teeth, but they should not be painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever (use as directed).

Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and use technology that reduces the discomfort. We use the latest in miniature braces and the highest quality orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

That’s a tough question because no two cases are alike. We want to focus on quality and not speed. However, many cases can take 12 to 15 months with comprehensive treatment lasting from 18-24 months. We finish many cases in less than 18 months, but that doesn’t mean certain cases won’t take significantly longer than this.

This refers to orthodontic treatment when all permanent teeth are erupted (adolescents or adults). It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment is not performed.

Not really. While adult teeth sometimes move a little slower than children’s teeth, you are never too old to benefit from braces.

A large portion of our practice is devoted to adult orthodontic care. In fact, we have several patients in their 50’s, 60’s, and even 70’s!

Extraction treatment means that permanent teeth need to be removed, most often to allow the front teeth to be pulled back if a patient’s teeth and profile are too protrusive.

Non-extraction treatment is accomplished by expanding the arches in order to make room for all the permanent teeth. It is less and less common to have permanent teeth extracted with today’s orthodontic techniques, but we don’t want you to get hung up on this decision. Our first choice is to not extract permanent teeth, but our greater purpose is to give you the best result possible.

We will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the decision that gives you the smile you deserve!

Yes. When teeth are missing, the teeth on each side of the space will tend to drift into the empty space. This can create a number of problems.

First of all, these spaces between the teeth are unattractive and can detract from your smile. Additionally, tipping of the teeth can lead to problems with function and recession of the gum tissue. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight.

Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do.

Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Although determining if orthodontic treatment is necessary can be difficult for you to assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice:

• Are you confident when smiling or laughing?
• Do you have trouble chewing or biting your cheek?
• Is it difficult to clean between your teeth or do you frequently get food caught between your teeth?

If yes, then orthodontic treatment can help.

Two phase treatment is not a clever way for orthodontists to get you into two sets of braces, we promise.

Two-phase treatment simply means that there will be two separate parts to your orthodontic treatment; however, this is not double the cost and double the time. Though we try to avoid this when possible, in many cases, it is needed for the best end result.

The first phase of treatment, Phase I, is aimed intercepting a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce the severity or eliminate it. These problems most often include crossbites (of the front or back teeth) and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This can also greatly help self confidence in the young child that is being teased or embarrassed by the position of his or her teeth. This phase of treatment usually begins while the permanent front teeth are erupting (typically around the age of 8-9). We usually recommend this treatment when waiting could cause orthodontic problems or social problems to worsen.

The second phase of treatment, Phase II, will occur after all permanent teeth have completed eruption. This serves to complete proper alignment which cannot be achieved with baby teeth present. In our office, this phase of treatment is significantly discounted due to the expense of Phase I treatment.

Absolutely not! Only certain orthodontic problems require early intervention. In fact, most of our patients are able to wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt to begin their orthodontic treatment.

This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited and more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, jaw surgery, and increased costs.