Exactly what is an orthodontist, and how is that different from a dentist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has spent at least two additional years, in a school accredited by the American Dental Association, studying human growth and development, genetics, biophysics, embryology, engineering, and other relevant subjects.

  Why are straight teeth important?

Besides improved appearance and a great smile, there are significant health benefits to straight teeth. They are easier to keep clean, for one. And improperly aligned teeth, or a “bad bite,” can make application of fixed prosthodontics, such as crowns or bridges, virtually impossible.

  At what age should children see an orthodontist?

Most dental authorities suggest a first exam around the time a child enters school, at age 6 or 7. Conditions identified and corrected early on can eliminate or simplify later procedures, often at substantially less cost. Contrary to popular believe, it is not necessary for all of a child’s baby teeth to be gone before beginning orthodontic treatment. In fact, waiting until all permanent teeth are in place can result in serious complications and significantly higher expense. Early preventive intervention can eliminate the need for full treatment in later years.

  I’m an adult. Is it too late for me to benefit from orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely not. Teeth and tissue are essentially the same in adults and children; the main difference is that an adult’s bone structure is more dense and more firmly set, which can cause a slightly longer response time. With people becoming more aware of the tremendous impact orthodontics can make in their appearance, and treatment options ever more flexible, some orthodontists now report that as many as half their patients are adults.

  How do you decide what to do?

We ask each patient to complete a detailed questionnaire. Besides a basic medical history, it includes questions about oral habits such as thumbsucking, teeth grinding, and jaw clenching, and questions about respiratory habits such as mouth breathing and snoring. Next, we take a series of x-rays to determine the shape of your upper and lower jaws and their relation to each other. Finally, we make a plaster mold of your top and bottom teeth to record their exact alignment. Your treatment will be determined after thorough analysis and consideration of all this information.

  Will it hurt?

There is some discomfort, limited usually to the first 24-48 hours after treatment. The discomfort is the result of resistance to the pressure of stretching and compressing the membrane in which your tooth is suspended. The adjacent bone will quickly accommodate the movement and adjust accordingly. A couple of aspirin or ibuprofen tablets is usually sufficient to relieve any discomfort. Brackets (braces) on today’s orthodontic patients are cemented to the outside of teeth, rather than wedged in between; that alone has eliminated much of the soreness traditionally associated with braces.

  How long will treatment last?

No two orthodontic treatment plans are alike; one person might require just a few visits while another might require several years. Typically, most corrections can be completed within 18 to 36 months. You will come more frequently in the initial stage of treatment, usually every two to four weeks. Because many of our patients are under 18, they will inevitably have some appointments that fall during school hours. These are considered excused absences; we are happy to provide signed and dated record of appointments.

  What are my payment options?

There is a $40 fee for a new patient exam. A complete diagnostic analysis is $225. Occasionally, we can perform the full diagnostic analysis during your initial visit; in that case, the $40 fee would be waived. Once we determine your treatment plan, we ask for a small down payment up front, then divide the remaining cost into modest monthly payments for the duration of your treatment time. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards, and can arrange for automatic bank drafts from your checking or savings account.

Archwires – thin wire strips that connect your teeth and guide their movement

Bands – metal rings that encircle your teeth, anchoring the brackets and archwires in place

Brackets –small squares bonded to your teeth that act as handles for the archwires

Dentist – a person trained to provide diagnosis, treatment, and overall coordination of services related to oral health needs.

Elastics – rubber bands that may be used to connect the upper and lower braces, applying pressure to reposition specific teeth.

Endodontist - a dentist who specializes in root canals

Exodontist – a dentist who specializes in tooth extraction

Ligatures – small rubber rings or fine wires that fasten the archwires to the brackets

Mouthguard – a protective device worn to protect teeth during physical activities

Oral Surgeon – a dentist qualified to perform surgery in and about the head area

Orthodontist – a dentist who specializes in straightening teeth

Pedodontist – a dentist who specializes in treating children

Periodontist – a dentist who specializes in treating gum disorders

Prostodontist – a dentist who specializes in the restoration or replacement of teeth

Retainer – a removable appliance used to move or maintain teeth placement

Spacer – a small piece of elastic or wire inserted between molars to make room for bands

Springs – may be used to connect archwires to brackets, applying pressure and helping archwires keep their original shape