Orthodontics is the specialized treatment of a facial, dental, or functional condition that may cause one to be unhappy with one's appearance, bite or smile. The primary objective of an orthodontist is NOT to straighten teeth. Although teeth are important, the major concern is the entire facial function and appearance. Harmony and balance of the face from childhood on are products of proper bone, muscle, joint and teeth relationships. The desired results not only include straight teeth, but also pleasant facial aesthetics, healthy bite, improved speech, a winning smile, and an appropriate self image.

I'm too old for braces! 2 OLD 2 B WIRED? NEVER! We have great results with adults as patients, usually because they recognize the importance of having a functional and pleasing smile and are willing to do what it takes to obtain results. The fact that they are now investing their own time and money, rather than that of their parents, becomes a huge motivation to follow through with treatment. Twenty five percent of today's orthodontic practices are made up of adults, up drastically over the last ten years. There are a wide range of treatment options available in addition to traditional braces, so it is always worth investigating - it will only cost an hour of your time.

What age should my child first see an orthodontist for an evaluation?

The American Association of Orthodontists has recommended that the proper age for a child's first visit to the orthodontist is seven. Early detection and treatment of growth and dental problems can and often does provide results that will not be achieved at a later age.

Shouldn't I just wait until all my child's adult teeth come in before we see an orthodontist?

 It is important that your child be checked early in order to avoid any potential problems. This type of care can prevent the extraction of permanent teeth, the worsening of the condition (improper jaw growth, for example), and even jaw surgery. Early treatment can sometimes mean avoiding braces as an adolescent.

How much do braces cost?

It is impossible to give a dollar figure without examining the patient to determine the type and length of treatment needed. The treatment plan determines the cost, so all of this information is provided to you at the complimentary evaluation so that your decision regarding treatment can be an informed one. However, most families can afford orthodontic treatment, and we offer a variety of payment plans that fit most budgets. These options will also be discussed in detail at your initial visit.

Do you accept credit cards? We are happy to take your credit and debit cards. Check with the office you plan to visit to see which cards are accepted. Do you accept insurance? Each office handles insurance independently. Please contact the office of your choice for more information. What are your hours? Please contact the office you prefer for detailed information. Both offices are staffed daily, but doctors' office hours may vary.

Can I play sports while I have braces?

Only if you could play before you had them (ba da boom). Of course you can play. In fact, we have seen several patients over the years whose teeth were saved because they were wearing braces. A line drive or an elbow during a basketball game could knock out unprotected teeth. We will be happy to provide you with a mouth guard that will help protect your teeth, lips, and brackets should you get hit in the mouth.

Will my ability to play a mouth instrument be affected by wearing braces?

Temporarily, but you can play as well as you did before braces by doing the same thing you would do to get to Carnegie Hall - practice, practice, practice. Having braces does take some adjustment, but it will not keep you from playing your instrument. Most of our patients say it takes a week or so for the mouth to adjust, then everything should be back to normal.

Are there any foods or activities I should avoid when I have braces?

The things to stay away from are:

• Hard, brittle foods
• Ice
• Popcorn (kernels and hard pieces)
• Sunflower seeds in the shell
• Hard candy (Lifesavers, peppermints, Certs, Jolly Ranchers, etc.)
• Peanut brittle, jaw breakers
• Hard cereal bars
• Gum (if you cannot live without it, try Orbit or Extra - the sugar-free kind that is not as sticky.)
• Sticky candy (caramels, taffy, Airheads, gummy bears, etc.

Certain foods can be eaten if some adjustments are made. Whole fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, and celery should be cut into pieces and eaten carefully. Corn on the cob can be cut off, and hard breads should be torn or cut into small pieces. Doritos, Tostitos, Fritos, etc. should be put toward the back of the mouth and eaten carefully. DO NOT CHEW on pens, pencils, or fingernails! This can also break brackets, which means more appointments, and sometimes extra cost.

Help! What should I do if I have an emergency?

As careful as you are, you may occasionally do some damage to your appliances. If you have a loose bracket, please call our office so that we can repair it. A loose or broken bracket is not a true emergency, but it does need to be repaired as soon as possible. This type of appointment takes longer than a normal checkup, so it is imperative that you call ahead even if you have a normal appointment already scheduled. We need to ensure that we have enough time to correct the problem; otherwise we would not be able to repair the bracket.

For a broken archwire, (the one that goes around the outside of your braces), call our office for an emergency appointment. If the wire is sticking your cheek or gums, you can try using sterilized wire cutters or nail clippers to clip the offending piece. Otherwise, we can clip it for you. If the inside of your cheeks are raw, dry the tooth area thoroughly and apply wax to the brackets that are rubbing. This will allow the cheeks to heal and toughen. If you run out, please call us and we can mail you more, or you can pick some up at our office at your earliest convenience, or even the local drugstore.

Why do I have to wear rubber bands? I don't like them, so sometimes I take them out because they hurt.

Rubber bands provide the extra "umph" your teeth need to move into their proper places. The bottom line is if you don't wear them, your teeth won't move. Finishing your treatment within the allotted time frame is dependent upon your cooperation, and you are the only one who can decide if getting your braces off is more important than a little temporary discomfort. If you can hang in there through the first day or so when your teeth are sore, then the discomfort will diminish, then go away. Patients who take the elastics off when their teeth start to hurt are essentially taking one step forward and two steps back. The result of this strategy is that your treatment time gets longer (meaning you don't get your braces off when you thought you would), and the pain continues.

Will I wear a retainer when I get the braces off?

The day you have your braces removed, you may receive "permanent" retainers on the backside of your front teeth, and we will take an impression for a removable upper retainer that you will wear only at night. The most important thing you can do for yourself in order to keep your smile looking its best is to wear your retainer.

How long do I have to wear it?

How long do you want your teeth to stay straight? Teeth move and shift throughout your lifetime, so it is more than a good idea to wear your retainer! If you have had your braces off more than two years, two to three nights a week should be enough to keep them looking their best. If your retainer feels tight at all, it means your teeth have moved, and it is necessary for you to wear it a few nights in a row until it is comfortable again.

When can I have the fixed retainers taken out?

How long do you want your teeth to remain straight?  Teeth move and shift your entire life, so both doctors highly recommend leaving them in place.  Having a removable retainer increases the odds it will be lost (which results in a replacement fee!) and also increases the likelihood that you will forget to wear it.  We can remove fixed retainers and give you removable ones to wear every night. The doctor will recommend what he feels will work best for you, but the ultimate choice will be yours.