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Patients must visit a dentist for an exam and have any necessary fillings before getting braces. In addition, patients should visit the dentist every 6 months for a thorough examination and teeth cleaning. Patients are also encouraged to brush their teeth right before their appointment.

Convenient Appointments

Our staff makes every effort to accommodate each patient’s individual schedule. We require 24-hour notice for cancellations, to help us continue to schedule efficiently for our patients.

Treatment Time

Orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 18 to 36 months, though this will vary depending on your individual case. Appointments are typically scheduled 4 to 12 weeks apart. Your cooperation in keeping scheduled orthodontic appointments, maintaining proper hygiene, and taking care of your braces may allow you to finish your orthodontic treatment early.

Communication

We encourage patients to ask questions about their orthodontic treatment. On a patient’s first visit, Dr. Johnson will inform patients and/or parents about important treatment details.

Life With Braces

Taking Care of Your Braces

The Anatomy of Your Braces

typodont blue

Band – ring of metal that was placed around the tooth.

Bracket – attachment glued directly to the front of the tooth.

Arch wire – large wire that fits into the bracket slots and is used to move the teeth.

Ligature – tiny wire or plastic module (often brightly colored) that attaches the arch wire to the bracket.

Hooks – used to attach elastics (rubber bands).

Reminders

Remember to bring all removable biteplates, headgear, retainers, etc. to EVERY appointment.

If your band comes loose or brackets come unglued, call the office BEFORE your appointment so we can be prepared to repair the broken part. If we are not informed, we may not be able to fix it until your following appointment.

Your braces will be attached quickly and easily to your teeth, but a full day is necessary for the bands to completely affix. It is a clever idea to wait several hours after getting braces before eating solid food. You may find it easier to eat soft foods for the first couple of days while you are becoming accustomed to eating with your new braces.

girls smiling

Reminders

How do you know if a person needs orthodontic treatment?

It is usually difficult to know if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Asking your general dentist is always a good starting point. Since our initial exam is complimentary, call us today to schedule a consultation and ask orthodontic treatment questions. We will be happy to explain your recommended treatment.

What are the signs or symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Although it may be difficult for you to determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary, the following may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.

Look at your (or your child’s teeth) teeth. If you see signs of crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth or overlapping teeth, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Bite all the way down but keep your lips open so you can see the teeth. Do the front teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? All these are indicators for potential orthodontic treatment. Look at your jaw alignment. Does the jaw shift off center during biting down? If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, it suggests a skeletal or jawbone problem, which requires early orthodontic intervention. These are only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.

At what age should an orthodontist see my child?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. All baby teeth need not be gone before initiating orthodontic treatment. In fact, early detection of some orthodontic problems is important to take preventive/interceptive action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Early orthodontic treatment also potentially prevents extraction of teeth which is needed in some cases if the teeth get very crowded. Again, since our initial consultation is complimentary, it helps to get a consultation as soon as possible.

Can you be too old for braces?

No, age is not a factor. So long as the gums and bone which support your teeth are healthy, one can get orthodontic or braces treatment at any age.

Will orthodontic treatment hurt?

Orthodontic treatment mechanics have advanced technologically over the last few years. Introduction of new high-tech wires, smaller braces, innovative accessories, and stress of preventive/interceptive treatments make today’s orthodontic treatment comfortable. We do not use anesthetic injections for any of the procedures. As a rule, braces can cause a little discomfort initially until one gets used to them. Teeth can get a little sore a day after every adjustment appointment, but it is not painful. This can be relieved easily with over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed. Most of our patients do not need to take any pain relievers.

Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?

Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic, or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems from happening and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

What is Phase I (Early Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?

Phase I or Early Interceptive Treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth with few of their permanent teeth. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept moderate or severe orthodontic problems early to reduce or eliminate them. These problems include jawbone problems, cross bites and developing crowding. This phase does not use full braces as braces are never put on baby teeth. We use expanders, removable appliances, a Herbst appliance (instead of headgear) and retainers during this phase. These treatment approaches take advantage of the active growth to change the jawbone structure to either make extra room or address jawbone discrepancies. This helps reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery and delivers better long-term results and treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment to achieve an ideal bite.

Phase II treatment involves the use of full braces with a goal to finish the occlusion or bite ideally. It usually occurs when all permanent teeth are present. Many times, there is a gap between Phase I and the start of Phase II treatment. This phase most commonly occurs around the age of 12 or 13 years old.

What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?

This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition at any age. It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment is not performed.

Does everyone need Phase I treatment?

No, but in many cases early intervention helps a lot. We will offer Phase I treatment only if it will make a difference in oral health, otherwise we keep the patients for a complimentary recall consultation every six months.

What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?

In our office, Phase I treatment usually lasts 12-14 months. Phase II or full braces treatment lasts from 12-24 months depending on the complexity of the case. In both situations, we see patients every 8 to 10 weeks for their adjustment appointment.

Orthodontic treatment time and its success depends on multiple factors such as, age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the speed of natural response of teeth movement.

What are extraction and non-extraction therapy?

Extraction therapy is a technique where some teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in your child’s mouth. This contrasts with non-extraction therapy where the jaw is expanded, and teeth are shaved to make room for everything. We will make a thorough evaluation at the consultation and discuss the options to determine which procedure best suits the patient.

What are the different types of braces?

Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.

Translucent, clear, ceramic braces are the most popular with adults. You must be remarkably close to someone to be able to see them. Yet, because they are a ceramic material, they are more fragile and have some limitations. We will discuss these choices of braces and any other braces questions at the consultation appointment.

Is orthodontic care expensive? Do you have a payment plan?

We strive to make orthodontic treatment affordable and offer a variety of flexible payment plans. Please call our office today to set up a complimentary consultation and learn more about our payment plans and any other orthodontic treatment questions.