1. Is it required that my family dentist refer me for an examination?
  2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
  3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
  4. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
  5. How long will it take to complete treatment?
  6. How often will I have appointments?
  7. Do braces hurt?
  8. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
  9. Can I still play sports?
  10. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
  11. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
  12. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
1. Is it required that my family dentist refer me for an examination?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
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2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
Orthodontic treatment is rarely required before age 8 years. If you or the dentist notice an orthodontic concern, call to schedule a complimentary examination to determine the scope of the problem and the best time to start treatment. Most of our patients are ready for comprehensive treatment sometime after 10 years old.
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3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
It is unusual for orthodontic problems to correct themselves with future growth. At your examination the doctor will be able to tell you how growth will affect specific conditions. The space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
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4. Will I need 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 the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for the majority of our patients.
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5. 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.
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6. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
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7. 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!”
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8. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
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9. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
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10. 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.
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11. 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.
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12. 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.
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