At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician.

What is Phase I and Phase II Treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. This treatment is sometimes recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites, overbites, and underbites, or harmful oral habits. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.

Would an Adult Patient benefit from Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. Twenty to twenty five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does Orthodontic Treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Actual treatment time can be affected by the rate of growth and severity of the correction necessary. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.

Do Braces Hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the arch wires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.

Will Braces interfere with playing Sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Will Braces interfere with playing Musical Instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.

Should I see my General Dentist while I have Braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

Your First Visit
Your initial visit to our office is very important to us. It gives us the opportunity to get to know each other and determine what you hope to accomplish with your smile. During this visit, the doctor will answer questions that you may have such as the type of treatment needed, when it should start, and the estimated treatment time. If treatment is needed, you will be able to discuss fees and payment options before treatment begins.

We offer the following financial options for your convenience:
• Interest-free monthly payments
• Discount for paying in full
• Family discounts
• Most major credit cards accepted
• Insurance billing
We are also happy to work with Cafeteria accounts and Flex and HSA accounts.

If you are excited to get your treatment started, diagnostic records can be taken at the conclusion of this appointment so you can begin your treatment as soon as possible.

Frequent snacking can be your teeth’s biggest enemy. Everyone has plaque bacteria in their mouth. When this bacteria meets up with sweet foods or beverages, the bacteria create acid in your mouth that remains for 20 minutes after you finish your last snack. The acid attacks your tooth enamel and makes it weak. That’s when the cavities can start.

Part of life with braces is the challenge of eating foods that are right for you and easy on your braces. When your diet consists of part real food and part junk food–braces call for a change in eating habits. Don’t despair. We haven’t lost a patient to starvation yet.

Think if its right before you bite!

What to avoid:

All Gums including Freedent
Taffy
Toffee
Licorice
Gummy Bears
Starbursts
Jelly Beans
Tootsie Rolls
Raisins
Snicker and Marathon Bars
Sugar Daddies
Slim Jims and Beef Jerky
Lollipops and Suckers
Hard Candy
Hard Cookies
Jawbreakers
Nuts
Caramels

Air Heads
Now & Laters
Fruit Roll Ups
Fruit & Muesli Bars
Peanut Brittle
Crunchy Peanut Butter
Popcorn
Hard pretzels
Doritos and Fritos
Any hard chip snacks
Taco shells
Candied apples
Bagels
Dried Fruits
Ice
Popsicles
Celery Stalks
Lemon juice
Biting into apples, peaches, raw carrots- cut into pieces
Meat on the bone- cut off bone
Corn on the cob- cut off cob
Soft Drinks including diet sodas
Pens, Pencils, Fingernails- not foods but in the mouth far too often

Use a blender. Most fruits can be enjoyed if liquefied such as bananas, mangoes and melons. Cut anything that looks too hard to handle into smaller pieces. High sugar foods should be the smallest part of your diet, as well as high acidic foods such as tomatoes, salsas, vinaigrette dressings, oranges and pineapples. Your tooth enamel is going through enough right now.

Green vegetables will cling to your braces as if by magic. And you’ll probably be the last to know. If salad is your mainstay, check your smile in the mirror after meals or risk someone pointing out that piece of lettuce hanging from your braces.

Soon, it will be second nature to you to turn down dangerous foods. In our office, we keep a collection of delicious recipes discovered by our patients. As you invent new ways to enjoy old favorites, please share your culinary secrets with us. More on this website

News about Insurance

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