- When should I bring in my child for an orthodontic assessment?
The American and Canadian Association of orthodontists suggests that the ideal time to consider an orthodontic screening, or consultation, for your child occurs when the permanent front teeth and first molars erupt into the mouth (i.e. by age 7).
For some children, a timely screening, may lead to immediate treatment since many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early. This type of early intervention can help to minimize or simplify future treatment needs. For others, whose treatment may be months or years away, a screening will help the family establish a relationship with our office, and plan for personal and financial implications of treatment. Or, an early screening may suggest that treatment is not indicated, which can help to put parents’ minds at ease.
- Does my dentist need to make a referral if I want to have an orthodontic assessment?
Your family dentist does not need to make a specific referral for you to come to our office. In fact, we welcome referrals from our other patients. Whichever way you may learn of our office we would be pleased to meet with you for an orthodontic consultation to discuss your concerns and make recommendations. However, we do require that all of our patients see their dentist for regular check-up visits during orthodontic treatment.
- Are children being treated at a younger age than in the past?
No. Although some orthodontic problems have been shown to be treated more effectively at an early age, most orthodontic patients are still treated once all of the primary teeth have fallen out.
- When is the ideal time to start treatment?
It is difficult to suggest an ideal time that would apply to everyone since every case is unique and not all orthodontic problems are treated in the same manner. However, orthodontic treatment is most commonly initiated during adolescence when most, if not all, of the permanent teeth have erupted into the mouth. It is perhaps during this stage of development, as children enter their teenage years, that the psychological and social implications of orthodontics may be most beneficial; giving children the confidence to express themselves and interact in a positive manner.
- 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 4 to 8 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.
- Can Adults straighten their teeth?
It is never too late to pursue orthodontic treatment as an adult, since healthy teeth can be moved at any age. In fact, adult orthodontic treatment has never been more popular. Nearly 1 million adults are wearing braces today- twice as many as 10 years ago. Many adults who may not have had the opportunity to receive orthodontic treatment as children are deciding to correct that bothersome smile, or those crowded and difficult-to-clean teeth.
People should expect to keep their teeth for a lifetime and orthodontics can play a key role in reaching this goal. Today, with the significant technological advances in the field of orthodontics, treatment can progress more easily and comfortably for patients and in less time than in the past. There are “braces to suit all faces”, coming in silver, gold, clear, and even invisible braces. As a team, together with your dentist, we can achieve beautiful and healthy smiles that can last a lifetime.
- How long will it take to straighten my teeth?
It is difficult to suggest a standard length of treatment for an individual since every case is different. In general, the treatment time is determined by the complexity of the initial problem or malocclusion and the goals of the treatment. An average orthodontic treatment will generally last 18 to 24 months. However, simpler orthodontic problems could be treated in as little as a few months, while more complex cases could extend to more than 3 years. At your initial consultation appointment, the estimated treatment time based on the specific case will be reviewed. One must keep in mind that patient cooperation is an important factor with respect to treatment being completed on schedule.
- How often do I have to come in for appointments?
Generally we see our patients for routine adjustments every eight weeks. Depending on the nature of the treatment, this may vary. Typical appointments are approximately fifteen minutes in length. We recognize that our patients’ time is valuable and we work very hard to see everyone on schedule.
- Will I need to wear retainers when my treatment is finished?
Yes. During the retention period the teeth will settle into their new positions. There is always some individualization of the teeth both during and after the retention period. Throughout life, the position of our teeth is constantly changing. This is true with all individuals regardless of whether they have had orthodontic treatment or not. In addition, our teeth have a memory and may tend to shift back towards their original position. This is particularly true if your teeth were extremely crowded prior to treatment. Therefore, you MUST wear your retainers as instructed in order to minimize any post-treatment developmental crowding.
- How much does orthodontics cost?
The cost of orthodontics relates to the complexity of the treatment that is required. Since every person’s bite and smile is unique, the cost of providing the appropriate treatment will vary. However, the cost of orthodontic treatment is much more affordable than you might think. Our staff will work with you to set up a flexible payment arrangement that will extend over your treatment time. Please feel free to talk to us about how we can set up a manageable payment plan that suits your needs. If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontics, we will try to help you understand your benefit package. In addition, we will assist with the completion and filing of the necessary forms. When we consider that the psychological and physical benefits of orthodontics last a lifetime, treatment of this nature is not only affordable but also a wonderful investment in your health.
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