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What is the best age to start
treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics
recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7.
An early examination allows the orthodontist to determine how and when
a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement.
In some cases, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable
once the face and jaws have completed growing.
Do habits like thumb sucking cause a problem?
Prolonged habits can indeed affect the way the teeth
grow in and will ultimately affect the bite. Other habits such as
open mouth breathing, finger sucking, or lip biting can also cause complications.
Early examination by an orthodontist will determine if treatment will
aid in getting habits stopped.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment can vary depending on the severity of
each case and on the cooperation of each patient. Dr. Freeman will
be able to determine your specific length of treatment during your initial
appointment with us.
Does it hurt to have braces?
Discomfort results from the teeth moving through the bone to their new
positions. Technology advances provide much gentler forces which
have greatly reduced tooth soreness. Most of the time, Tylenol or
warm salt water rinses will ease any discomfort.
Why should I be concerned about
a bad bite or misfit of my teeth?
Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient's dental
health by possibly causing premature wear on the teeth, asymmetrical jaw
growth, difficulty in hygiene, or malfunctioning bite. Orthodontics
will align your teeth for optimum function, hygiene, and appearance.
How often will I need office visits?
Once appliances are in place, routine office visits
are at six to eight week intervals. Periodically, Dr. Freeman will
need to check you sooner if, for example, elastics are being worn.
When treatment is complete, retainer adjustment visits are spaced further
apart until finally, follow up adjustments are not needed.
Will I have to wear retainers?
Orthodontics is a process of moving teeth through
the bone into their new position. Following active orthodontic treatment,
retainers will be placed. This is very important to maintain the
new position of your teeth! Once stabilization occurs, continued
retainer wear is recommended. Like all parts of the body, teeth
are constantly changing and adapting. Only conscientious wear of
the retainers will keep movement to a minimum.
Will insurance pay for treatment?
Today many dental policies include orthodontic benefits.
Once eligibility has been determined, the remaining balance is divided
out for the patient to pay without interest.
Do adults wear braces?
YES! Many adults are seeking the treatment
they did not or could not have when they were younger. Technological
advances in the industry have provided excellent treatment options for
adults. We are pleased to offer Invisalign, a "brace-free"
way of straightening teeth. ( See our "Invisalign" page
for more information on Invisalign).
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