Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I know if I need to see an orthodontist?
Here are a few clues that a visit to the orthodontist might be a good idea:
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
- Jaws that are too far forward or back
- Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
- Upper & lower teeth that don't meet, or meet in an abnormal way
- An unbalanced facial appearance
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking
Why should I go to an orthodontist and not just my regular dentist?
Even though some dentists offer some limited orthodontic care, it is best to consult an orthodontist who is a specialist in this branch of dentistry. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional education and training in their field. Find out more about Orthodontics...
So that means that I can skip my regular dentist
appointments while I'm being treated by an Orthodontist, right?
Nope! Sorry, you don't get off the hook for your regular visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleaning. It is crucial that you maintain your dental visit schedule so that your teeth and gums stay healthy during your orthodontic treatment. We work in partnership with your dentist for your overall dental health.
Why should I get my teeth fixed?
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. Such problems can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, and possible jaw joint problems.
How long does treatment take?
Since treatment can vary from patient to patient, it is not easy to determine how long treatment can take. Generally speaking, 1 to 3 years is typical for treatment.
Are children the only ones who should have braces?
No, it is never too late to get started. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in every 5 patients today are over the age of 18.
What age should my child be for their first orthodontic
checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child have an orthodontic checkup by age 7. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. Some problems are easier to correct if they're found early.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, but we ask that you contact your insurance provider prior to coming to your first visit to make sure that you are covered. Many insurance companies do NOT include dental or orthodontics in their plans, so it is best to know in advance what is covered.
Here are some questions that might be helpful when you speak to your insurance provider:
- Do I have orthodontic coverage?
- What are my benefits?
- Is a pre-treatment estimate required?
- Does the insurance company pay automatically?