Commonly Asked Orthodontic Questions:

Does it hurt?

Slight discomfort during chewing for one or two days after adjustment is common. Rarely is it enough to warrant pain medications.

Does it work and will it last?

Nearly everyone is pleased with their new smiles and appearance. Keeping the result involves a partnership between the patient and the orthodontist. Achieving a good result, adjusting the bite, releasing stress-producing fibers and periodic retainer or nightguard wear will ensure best results. Come see our 10 year after orthodontic cases- still beautiful results!

Can I afford it?

We can make financial arrangements for nearly everyone. Customarily, a down payment is required, with the remaining balance payable in monthly payments over the projected length of treatment. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and have third party financing available through the Dental Fee Plan.

Is it covered by my dental insurance?

If orthodontic insurance is a benefit on your insurance plan, we will be happy to pre-authorize and determine the exact amount available and payable by your insurance company. Most insurance companies will co-pay 50 percent of the charges, up to a lifetime maximum if you are covered for orthodontics.

How long will I be in treatment?

Each individual is different, and treatment time depends on the complexity of the case. We will review your specific case at the time of your consultation, before treatment is started.

Am I a candidate for Invisalign or clear, braceless removable appliances?

Removable appliances can be utilized for many patients. They are especially good for patients whose back teeth are in reasonably good relation, whose problems are mainly in the area of the front teeth. Teenagers with all of their permanent teeth erupted are also candidates for these appliances. Go to our website link to Invisalign for more information.

Can I have clear braces?

We do have clear braces available. We also have gold and mini-silver. We have models and photos of patients that show the appliances in place.

Can I have braces that go on the inside of the teeth?

Our office has had training in the lingual or “invisible” braces. We feel that the length of treatment and length of appointment time precludes their use for most patients.

Can I do braces on just my upper teeth? Just my lower teeth?

Yes, sometimes it is possible. But most of the time, both arches must be treated.

Are the records fees included in the total fee for braces?

We take all records (panoramic X-ray, cephalometric film, photos and diagnostic study models) before any orthodontic treatment is set up and accepted by the patient. Therefore, we do bill for records separately before orthodontic treatment begins.

Will I have to wear headgear?

Most cases do not require headgear. In cases that do require headgear, it can usually be worn only in the evenings, weekends, and while sleeping.

Do I need to wear rubber bands?

Most people will require elastics (rubber bands) at some time during treatment. Those can be placed and removed by the patient. The elastics serve to bring the upper and lower teeth together in proper alignment.

Will I need extractions?

Our preference is non-extraction orthodontics. Some types of malocclusions do require extractions or jaw surgery for ideal treatment. Patient cooperation is a critical factor in avoiding jaw surgery or extractions.

What about jaw surgery?

In some malocclusions, particularly in adults, jaw surgery may be required for optimum facial and dental results. In many cases, however, there are alternatives.

Will it change my looks?

It depends on the malocclusion and selected treatment. It can be minor or significant. We work with an excellent team of plastic surgeons and orthognathic surgeons who are committed to giving anyone who desires an optimal facial change the desired result. For people who are happy as they are, a significant improvement in dental aesthetics can usually be made without a dramatic facial change.

Will orthodontics help save my teeth?

Having an ideal and even bite and having teeth in good positioning for cleaning will definitely help you keep your teeth. We will be happy to evaluate your situation for functional problems and potential benefits.

Will orthodontics help my TMJ problems?

We have successfully treated numerous patients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. These problems are not all caused by bad occlusion. We will be happy to see if your problems are caused by, or exaggerated by, your tooth position.

Will orthodontics facilitate my gum treatment?

Orthodontics can often facilitate gum treatments.

Are there risks in treatment?

As in all treatments, there are risks as well as benefits. For nearly all patients, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Progress records are taken at three to six month intervals to assure minimal problems. We will, of course, evaluate any potential risk areas.

Orthodontic Terms

archwire
A wire engaged in orthodontic attachments, affixed to the crowns of two or more teeth and capable of causing or guiding tooth movement.

band (orthodontic)
A thin metal ring, usually stainless steel, which serves to secure orthodontic attachments to a tooth. The band, with orthodontic attachments welded or soldered to it, is closely adapted to fit the contours of the tooth and then cemented into place.

bracket
An orthodontic attachment that is secured to a tooth (either by bonding or banding) for the purpose of engaging an archwire. Brackets can be fabricated from metal, ceramic or plastic.

ceramic brackets
Crystalline, alumina, tooth-shade or clear synthetic sapphire brackets that are aesthetically more attractive than conventional metal attachments.

crowding
Dental malalignment caused by inadequate space for the teeth.

debanding
The removal of cemented orthodontic bands.

elastics (rubber bands)
Used to move teeth in prescribed direction (commonly connected to molar band and upper ball hook). Found in numerous colors for better appearance.

gingiva
The tissue that surrounds the teeth, consisting of a fibrous tissue that is continuous with the periodontal ligament and mucosal covering.

headgear
Generic term for extraoral traction (attached around the back side of the head) for growth modification, tooth movement and anchorage.

Herbst appliance
Fixed or removable appliance designed commonly for overbite problems and more.

imaging
The process of acquiring representations of structures in either two or three dimensions.

lingual
Of or pertaining to the tongue. A term used to describe surfaces and directions toward the tongue.

lingual appliances
Orthodontic appliances fixed to the lingual surface of the teeth.

maxillary
Of or pertaining to the upper jaw. May be used to describe teeth, dental restorations, orthodontic appliances or facial structures.

orthodontist
A dental specialist who has completed an advanced post-doctoral course, accredited by the American Dental Association, of at least two academic years in the special area of orthodontics.

orthognathic surgery
Surgery to alter relationships of teeth and/or supporting bones, usually accomplished in conjunction with orthodontic therapy.

overbite
Vertical overlapping of upper teeth over lower teeth, usually measured perpendicular to the occlusal plane.

radiograph
A permanent image, typically on film, produced by ionizing radiation. Sometimes called an X-ray after the most common source of image-producing radiation.

retainer
Any orthodontic appliance, fixed or removable, used to maintain the position of the teeth following corrective treatment.

retention
The passive treatment period following active orthodontic correction during which retaining appliances may be used.

straight wire appliance
A variation of the edgewise appliance in which brackets are angulated to minimize multiple archwire bends. Brackets and molar tubes have specific orientation in three planes of space.