FAQ

Questions from the Patient

How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Also, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex which will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.

What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7-8. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

By age 7-8, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has occurred that the dentist or orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems, and alleviate parents' concerns if all seems normal. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by age 7-8, and crossbites, crowding and developing injury-prone dental protrusions can be evaluated. Any ongoing finger sucking or other oral habits can be assessed at this time also.

Some signs or habits that may indicate the need for an early orthodontic examination are:

Early or late loss of baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting
Mouth breathing
Thumb sucking
Finger sucking
Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion with the rest of the face
Biting cheek or roof of mouth

An orthodontic screening no later than age 7 enables the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems (if any), advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated.

What are the benefits of early treatment?

For those patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, early treatment presents an opportunity to:

Guide the growth of the jaw
Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches (the arch-shaped jawbone that supports the teeth)
Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions
Lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
Correct harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking
Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth (teeth that should have come in but have not)
Preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are coming in

Can you be too old for braces?

No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

Will it hurt?

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable and use technology that reduces the discomfort. We use the latest in miniature braces and the highest quality of orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.

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. In some cases orthodontic treatment can close these spaces to prevent the need to have implants or bridges to replace the missing teeth. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can close these spaces to prevent the need to have either implants or bridges placed to replace these missing teeth.

Questions About the Treatment

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

Phase I or Interceptive treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth and a few of their permanent front incisors. This stage in development is usually about the age of seven. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal dysplasias, crossbites and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better long term results and treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment in order to achieve an ideal bite.

Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later. Usually we are waiting for 12-16 more permanent teeth to erupt before Phase II begins. This most commonly occurs at the age of 12 or 13. The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve an ideal occlusion with all of the permanent teeth.

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 was not performed.

Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?

Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.

Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?

If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increase costs.

What is the length or duration of orthodontic treatment?

Braces may be on between 6 months to 30 months, or longer depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement possible.

What is extraction therapy?

Extraction therapy is a technique where some teeth are removed to either make room for the other teeth or to help correct the bite.

FAQ