Here you'll find
the answers to the most commonly asked questions about orthodontics.
Have a
question that isn't covered here?
Just drop us a line.
We can't get into specifics about your particular needs without an in-person
consultation, of course. But we can answer general questions on orthodontic
procedures, or arrange a time to meet with you.
Why get
braces?
Because a
smile is a priceless, precious asset — one that can last for a lifetime.
Beautiful smiles help build confidence, and investing in orthodontic
treatment today means you can enjoy the benefits of a super smile for years
to come.
It's not just
about appearance, either. "Malocclusions" or "bad bites", can affect the way
you chew or talk, and can even lead to more serious (and expensive) oral
health problems. Here are some of the common conditions that can be
corrected with orthodontic treatment:
-
Crowded teeth:
teeth are crooked, turned, or "overlapping"
-
Overbite:
the upper jaw or teeth are too far in front, or the lower too far back
-
Under bite:
the lower jaw or teeth are too far in front, or the upper too far back
-
Over jet
(Protrusion): the upper
teeth stick out and do not fit with the lower front teeth
-
Spacing:
teeth that have gaps or spaces between them
Ask yourself — or
have your child ask — this question: "Do I like my smile?" If the answer is
no, then orthodontic treatment can be one of the best investments you'll
ever make.
Who
should get braces?
In short,
anyone who needs treatment.
It's a common misconception that braces are just for teenagers. The fact is
that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment— whether
it's correcting a long-time bite problem that wasn't addressed in younger
years, or catching developmental problems early.
-
To ensure the best overall dental
and facial development, all children should have an orthodontic
consultation sometime between the ages of four and seven. Usually, nothing
more than observation is needed (and we will continue to monitor progress
at no charge) but if a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a
lot of treatment and expense down the road.
In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all
children see an orthodontist by age seven — sooner if something is
obviously wrong.
-
You're never
too old for a beautiful smile. If you've been living with a bite problem
for a long time, or been hiding your smile, it's time you found out how
adult orthodontics can transform your smile —
and your life.
My
child has crooked teeth. Will they straighten out as they grow?
The
space available for teeth in the mouth does not increase with age so,
unfortunately, there won't be any opportunity for your child's teeth to
straighten. The fact is, after the molars erupt (usually in the sixth year)
the space in the mouth actually gets smaller as the child grows older. So,
if your child has crooked or crowded teeth, it's best to get an orthodontic
evaluation sooner than later.
Can
my dentist do orthodontics?
Orthodontists are dentists that complete at least two additional years of
very comprehensive full time specialized university training. So even though
orthodontists are dentists, they are very specialized in their training.
Some dentists take weekend courses in orthodontic treatments, but for
specialized care you should see an orthodontist.
Do I need
to be referred by my family dentist to see an
orthodontist?
No.
Although many of our patients are referred to us by family dentists, if you
have concerns about the health or appearance of your (or your child's) smile
and would like a free evaluation, just book an
appointment.
How do I
schedule an initial examination?
It's easy — just give us a call. Our number is
520-745.0654. Or email us at
appointments@drjaw.net.
How much
is an initial examination?
Your
initial exam is free because we consider it to be an important first step in
your orthodontic health and a great opportunity to welcome you into our
family.
Do we
still need to see our family dentist if we're already seeing you?
Yes, you
still need to see your regular dentist for check-ups, cleanings and other
dental care. Patients with braces or other orthodontic appliance can find it
difficult to keep their teeth clean. Your family dentist will advise you as
to how often to come in for check-ups. Check out our patient education page
for more information on how to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
What
about invisible aligners?
Orthodontics has come a long way in recent years. Lighter, more effective
materials. Mini-braces. "Behind-the-teeth" braces.
And yes, in many
cases we can now correct bite disorders with invisible aligners — clear
plastic appliances that fit around your teeth and gently and gradually align
them. Not only that, our office is a certified Invisalign orthodontic
office. Invisalign uses the latest in computer imaging technology to create
custom aligners. Check out our patient education page to see more.
Want to know if
any of these treatments is right for you? Just call our office at
520-745.0654
— we'd be happy to meet you and discuss your treatment options.
What foods do I have to avoid?
Unfortunately, there are a few foods that should be avoided while in braces
— primarily hard foods and sticky foods. For example, foods such as peanut
brittle and candied apples can not only be very difficult to clean from
braces but can even damage and break them.
How long
will treatment last?
There are a
number of factors that determine how long you will wear braces, but in most
cases you'll be ready to show off your new smile in about 18-24 months. And
with today's modern orthodontic appliances, treatment is getting faster —
and easier — all the time.
Braces are used
to straighten your teeth gradually, not overnight, so a little patience is
needed. Just remember, any discomfort you may feel will be brief.
Your beautiful, healthy smile, however, will last a lifetime.
Are
retainers needed after braces?
Wearing a
retainer after braces is an important step in treatment because they keep
the teeth stable while the bones and gums adapt to the change. Without them,
there is a possibility that the teeth may start moving back into their old
positions — not good.
What about costs?
As
mentioned earlier in this section, your initial consultation is free, so it
costs you nothing to get an assessment. The total cost will vary by case and
complexity, but because our modern techniques often require fewer visits,
you might be surprised at how affordable orthodontic treatment can be.
A beautiful,
healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make in your or your
child's future. And to help you fit this investment into your budget, we
offer a variety of payment methods:
-
In-house financing with no
interest, an appropriate down payment and the remaining balance paid over
your treatment time
-
Outside financing that
offers no down payment and low monthly fees paid over your treatment time
-
Automatic Credit Card
payments (all major credit cards accepted)
-
Most major insurance plans
(we will fill out the necessary paperwork for you).
During your first
visit and evaluation, our treatment coordinator will be happy to explain all
the financial options to you and work with you on customizing a payment plan
that fits your needs.
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