How can I tell if my child
should have an orthodontic exam? | Back to top
Check for the following early warning signs:
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Early or late loss of
teeth.
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Difficulty in chewing
or biting.
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Mouth breathing or snoring.
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Finger sucking or other
oral habits.
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Crowding, misplaced
or blocked-out teeth.
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Jaws that shift or make
sounds.
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Speech difficulty.
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Biting the cheek or
into the roof of the mouth.
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Protruding teeth.
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Teeth that meet in an
abnormal manner or don’t meet at all.
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Facial imbalance.
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Jaws that protrude or
retrude.
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Grinding or clenching
of the teeth.
In addition to the previous warning signs, an orthodontic
examination is advisable any time a particular problem
is noted by the parent, family dentist, or child’s
physician. A referral from another professional is not
required for an orthodontic evaluation.
When should my child first
see an orthodontist? | Back to top
The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends
that every child should get an orthodontic screening
no later than age 7. Many orthodontic problems are easier
to correct if detected early rather than waiting until
jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean a patient
will avoid surgery or other more serious corrections
later in life. For more information on the American
Association of Orthodontics, visit their website at
http://www.aaortho.org.
How much will it cost? | Back to top
This will vary, of course, depending on the nature of
the problem. Some orthodontic problems require only
limited treatment. You may be surprised to discover
that orthodontics is less expensive than you thought.
-
We will be happy to
discuss fees. We do offer payment plans to help meet
individual financial needs. In addition, many dental
insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits.
Of course, it’s important to keep in mind the
lifetime value that orthodontics provides.
What are orthodontic records
and why are they necessary? | Back to top
Orthodontic records usually include X-rays, photographs
of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. The
records provide a wealth of information that is not
always revealed by a visual examination. This may include
missing teeth, extra teeth, the condition and development
of tooth roots, growth patterns of the jaws and face,
symmetry, and a host of other factors. Complete records
form the basis for a thorough and accurate diagnosis
and a sound treatment plan.
Why is "early treatment"
recommended for some children? | Back to top
In some cases, preventive or interceptive care can guide
the jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions,
improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve
space for the permanent teeth, and/or reduce the likelihood
of fracturing protruded front teeth.
What is the psychological impact
of orthodontic therapy? | Back to top
-
Treatment may reduce
appearance-consciousness during the critical developmental
years. Appearance can have an effect on popularity,
social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style,
and self-image. Also, orthodontic therapy may lessen
the likelihood that a child will be picked on by other
children.
-
Adult orthodontics may
positively affect career patterns, social acceptance,
and self-confidence.
Why is the adolescent growth
spurt so important in orthodontics? | Back to top
This is a time when much of the growth of the face occurs.
Treatment during this period provides an opportunity
to favorably influence the facial profile in a growing
child. Once growth of the facial bones are complete,
correction of jaw discrepancies usually requires surgery.
For this reason, early treatment may save considerable
time and money.
When is an adult too old for
braces? | Back to top
For those who can benefit from orthodontics, age is
not a factor. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting
structures are never too old. Increasing numbers of
adults are taking advantage of the lifelong benefits
of orthodontics. These are people who’ve made the
choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive,
healthy smile and the confidence that it brings.
What are the benefits of orthodontics? | Back to top
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A more attractive smile.
-
Reduce appearance-consciousness
during critical development years.
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Better function of the
teeth.
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Possible increase in
self-confidence and interpersonal effectiveness.
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Increased cleansibility
of the teeth.
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Improved force distribution
and wear patterns of the teeth.
-
Guide facial growth
for a more attractive profile.
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Better long-term health
of teeth and gums.
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Reduce or eliminate
the need for future jaw or facial surgery.
-
Guide permanent teeth
into more favorable positions.
-
Reduce the need to extract
permanent teeth.
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Reduce the risk of injury
to protruded front teeth.
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To possibly shorten
the treatment time required for comprehensive braces.
-
Eliminate the need to
replace missing teeth.
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Aid in optimizing other
dental treatment.
-
Less strain on the muscles/jaw
joints.
What does it mean to be board
certified? | Back to top
This Board Certification signifies a unique achievement,
a large step beyond the two to three years of advanced
education required for a dentist to become a specialist
in Orthodontics.
Board Certification is a 5-10 year process requiring
great preparation and the completion of three phases
of the exam process.
How long does treatment last? | Back to top
The length of treatment varies for each individual.
In cases where only limited treatment is required, treatment
may be as short as 6-12 months. Individuals requiring
full treatment can expect approximately 18-24 months.
Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance;
maintaining good oral hygiene, keeping regular appointments
and good elastic wear are all important in keeping treatment
time on schedule.
