Frequently Asked Questions

  • At what age should I have my child checked by an Orthodontist?

    The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening appointment by age 7. That does not mean that every child should be treated at this age. In fact most children should be able to wait until age 10-12 to begin treatment dependent on their stage of tooth eruption

  • What is Phase one treatment?

    Phase I treatment is orthodontic treatment started before the permanent teeth have completely erupted with the intention to prevent severe problems in the future. Most often patients who have had Phase I treatment will require full braces in the future.

  • All of my child’s friends in elementary school have braces should mine have them also?

    Since nobody has the same problem each patient requires an exam to determine what plan is best for them. We take a very conservative approach to early treatment.

  • What are the indications for phase one treatment?

    Some of the indications are children with an underbite, crossbites which are causing the jaw to shift when biting down, harmful habits such as thumb sucking or severely crooked teeth which are causing self esteem issues.

  • Do you reuse braces?

    You may not believe it but it is legal to sterilize and recycle braces that have been used on patients. We do not believe in recycling braces. Each patient receives their own new set of braces when starting treatment. Ask your orthodontist if they use recycled braces.

  • Do I need to have a dentist refer me for treatment?

    Although many patients are referred by their family Dentist you can make an appointment without a referral from a Dentist unless it is required by your insurance plan.

  • What if I have an allergy to latex gloves, what do you do for that?

    All of our staff wear Latex free gloves when working on our patients!

  • What will happen at the initial examination?

    At the initial free examination a panoramic x-ray will be taken to examine the teeth. Also any pictures needed to explain the results of the exam will be taken. The results will be explained and treatment options will be discussed. In addition the fee for treatment and an estimate of the insurance benefit if available will be explained.

  • Why should I see an Orthodontist do have my braces?

    Orthodontists receive a minimum of 2 years of specialized training in Orthodontics after Dental school.

  • What does Board Certification mean?

    Although it is not mandatory to practice orthodontics, Board certification is an educational goal that some Orthodontists choose. Board certification involves written and oral exams in addition to the presentation of completed cases to the examiners of the American Board of Orthodontics.

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