Ask the Orthodontist
- Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
- At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
- Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
- How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
- What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
- What will I learn from the initial examination?
- How long will it take to complete treatment?
- How much will braces cost? Are financing options available?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I return to school or work the day I receive my braces?
- Do you give shots?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- How will I clean my teeth with braces on?
- What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
- Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
- What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
- Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
- Will my child need an expander?
- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
- Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
- My teeth are straight. Why do I need braces?
- Will I need a retainer after treatment?
1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, but others are referred by their friends who are patients, while others take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves. We do request that you have seen a dentist recently for a checkup.
2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The proper age to treat orthodontic problems varies with the type and severity of the problem. However, an orthodontic consultation should be as early as possible after any problem is suspected. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened for orthodontics at seven years of age. Generally, treatment does not begin until later, however, special situations do require earlier intervention. Although early treatment is stressed, more and more adults are being treated with extremely satisfying results. There is no reason for an adult with healthy teeth and gums to forego orthodontic treatment in this day of advanced techniques and enlightened society. Adults make up a significant part of our practice, and we have treated some well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s!.
3. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In fact, in most instances, after eruption of the permanent molars, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
4. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
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. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
5. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent is welcomed to our office and prepared for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis.
To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit Page.
6. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
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.
7. How long will it take to complete treatment?
The duration of treatment varies considerably depending on growth factors, the response of the teeth and mouth to orthodontic forces, cooperation and compliance, as well as the complexity of the problem. In general, treatment involves a visit every 6 to 8 weeks, with a total time from 6 months to 2 or 3 years. Difficult malocclusions will require more time, and the less complicated ones will require less time. The "average" time frame is approximately 22 months.
8. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available?
It is impossible to give an exact estimate for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you.
Please see "Financial information" section under Office Policies.
9. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6-8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Please see "Appointment" section under Office Policies.
10. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their child before dropping off them off.
11. Do braces hurt?
When braces are placed in the mouth at our office, this is a relatively comfortable procedure. In fact, many of our patients fall asleep! Generally, as the teeth begin to move, there is some soreness that begins later in the day, and can last for up to a week, following each appointment. In these situations, Tylenol (not Advil) is recommended to ease the discomfort. We do provide orthodontic wax to help you become accustomed to your braces.
12. Can I return to school or work the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school or work after an orthodontic appointment.
13. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
14. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
15. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend and provide our patients with a mouthguard for all sports.
16. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
17. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e., caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
For more information please see For Our Patients.
18. How will I clean my teeth with braces on?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day — after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
19. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you as outlined in Appointments.
20. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
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.
21. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 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.
22. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
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.
23. Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
24. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
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.
25. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists who have studied and learned the complex skills required to manage both tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
26. My teeth are straight. Why do I need braces?
Orthodontic treatment should not only straighten your teeth, but align them in a way so that they function better and are harmonious with your facial profile. Treatment involves the use of braces or other appliances to put gentle pressure on your teeth. This gentle pressure, over a number of months or years, can move your teeth into the right position and provide you with the proper bite.
27. Will I need a retainer after treatment?
When braces and appliances are removed, it is the end of the active phase of orthodontic treatment. This is not the end of treatment by any means. The retention phase is extremely important to confer stability and maintain the quality results you have achieved at MCO. There are many options for retainers, and Dr. Tam will be happy to help you choose the best one for your smile. Retainers are generally worn full-time for the first 6-12 months and checked at regular appointment intervals. Wear is eventually tapered down to nights only, but it is recommended that retainers be worn for life. It is best to continue with a schedule of one or two nights a week since the teeth and surrounding bone are vital tissues that are exposed to constant pressures from the tongue, cheeks, and food. Regular use of retainers will minimize the movement associated with these forces to keep your “smiles for the future!”
