Q: At What age should a child have an orthodontic examination?
Answer: At age seven, unless you suspect a problem at an earlier age.
Q: Why are children evaluated at such an early age?
Answer: Early diagnosis and treatment can guide erupting teeth into
a more favorable position, preserve space for the permanent teeth and reduce
the likelihood of Fracturing protruded front teeth. Also, early treatment
may shorten treatment time, make treatment easier, and, in some cases, reduce
the cost of treatment.
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Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
Answer: Cost depends on the severity of the orthodontic problems and
sometimes on the age of the patient. We have standard payment plans, and may
also customize a payment plan for you.
FEES: If you pay in full at the start of the treatment there is a fee discount.
There is also family discount for additional members of the family especially
if they are being treated at the same time.
We accept VISA, MASTERCARD and DEBIT CARDS for your convenience.
Orthodontic therapy may eliminate the need for other medical and dental treatment.
The physical and psychological benefits usually last a lifetime, which makes
orthodontics one of the best investments in healthcare and quality of life.
Q: What is the psychological impact of early treatment?
Answer: Appearance has been related to popularity, social behaviors,
self-expectation, personality and self-esteem. Orthodontic therapy may lessen
the likelihood that a child will be "picked on" by other children. Treatment
may reduce appearance-consciousness and emotional scarring that can occur
during critical development years. Also, as adolescents enter the sensitive
teenage years, they become far less receptive to orthodontic therapy.
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Q: In addition to the aesthetic improvements, what
are some of the other benefits of orthodontic therapy?
Answer: Additional dental benefits may include better function, improved
cleaning, more favorable wear patterns and greater longevity of the natural
teeth.
Q: What are some of the types of braces?
Answer: Silver, gold, silver with colored elastics, clear, plastic
'invisible'. Small, medium and large brackets are available. There is also
Invisalign®. The invisible way to straighten your teeth, without braces.
For more about Invisalign® please visit www.invisalign.com.
Q: What kind of braces will I get, will I need a
headgear?
Answer: The type of braces you get depends on your age and what problems
you came in to correct. The full evaluation after your orthodontics records
will help us to make the decision. Some patients get fixed braces, silver
or clear, others get removable ones, some need habit appliance or headgear
along with braces. Headgear is a viable treatment option for young patients
who have buck or buff teeth (Class II) where the top front teeth are far ahead
of the bottom ones. Fortunately we have designer colored headgear currently
available.
Q: Why is the growth spurt at puberty so important
in orthodontics?
Answer: This is the time when much of the development of the face occurs.
Treatment during this period allows the orthodontist to favorably influence
the facial profile in a growing child. Once growth of the facial bones is
complete, correction of skeletal discrepancies usually requires surgery.
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Q: What should I do if Iím not sure about the need
for orthodontic care for a child?
Answer: If in doubt, seek out an orthodontist. An early visit may reassure
you that a problem doesn't exist; however, if the orthodontist does diagnose
a problem, this early diagnosis can avoid more complex problems that may worsen
with time.
Q: At what age is the patient too old for orthodontics?
Answer: Patients who have healthy supporting structures (bone and gums)
are never too old for orthodontics. Age is not a factor. Anyone who is not
happy with the appearance of their teeth and smile should see an orthodontist.
Q: Why are adults seeking orthodontics in increasing
numbers?
Answer: Many adults are availing themselves of orthodontic treatments
that were not available to them as children. They realize that improving the
health of their mouths and the attractiveness of their smiles and facial appearance
can result in changes for the better in their personal, social and professional
lives. Technical advances have also had an impact on the success of adult
therapy.
Q: What are some of those advances?
Answer: Advanced technology has produced small, tooth-colored brackets
that are barely noticeable. Specially alloyed wires are more comfortable,
can speed up treatment and may decrease the number of necessary appointments.
New retainers can be placed where they do not show. Also, advanced surgical
techniques now allow treatment of many skeletal problems after growth is complete.
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