'' photo courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontists."

 

 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
 

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as they grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

 

 

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

 

 

Upon arriving, each patient will be asked for the new patient forms. The doctor will then complete a thorough clinical exam. Additional information, such as X-rays or photographs, may be needed for proper diagnosis.

 

 

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

 

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 orthodontic treatment.

 

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The average time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.

 

 

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

 

 

Braces do not hurt. Teeth may be sore for few days. In these situations, pain medicatins will ease the discomfort.

 

 

Yes. There is no reason you cannot return to school the same day.

 

 

Yes. Ask for a mouth guard.

 

 

Yes. Make regular visits to your dentist every six months.

 

At least 3 times a day

 

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.

 

 

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

 

 

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the resting period, during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

 

 

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

 

We can help you at any age.ther is no age limit if you have healthy teeth and gums.

 

 

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.