WHY IS TREATMENT
IMPORTANT?
​
Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper
function and creates healthy, beautiful smiles.
Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean
and maintain as well as can cause abnormal
wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to
extensive and expensive dental procedures.
WHY SEE AN ORTHODONTIC
SPECIALIST?
​
They are the dental professionals with
the skills and experience to best treat
orthodontic problems. Aligning teeth to
function properly and look great, too,
is what an orthodontic specialist
does best.
WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN GET
THEIR FIRST EXAM?
​
The best time for treatment is when
an orthodontic problem arises, but as
a general rule, age 7 is an ideal time
to get an evaluation. There is usually
an optimal time in your child’s life to
achieve the best results, so you won't
regret getting an early consultation
from an orthodontic specialist.
WHAT CAUSES
ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS?
​
Most problems are inherited – such as
crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or
missing teeth and some jaw growth
problems. Others can be a result of
thumb- or finger-sucking, dental
disease, accidents, the early or late
loss of baby teeth or other causes.
WHAT PROBLEMS SHOULD
I WATCH FOR IN MY CHILD?
​
The American Association of Orthodontists
(AAO) recommends that all
children have a check-up with an
orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
AM I TOO OLD FOR
ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
​
Age doesn’t matter. The key factor in
determining a good candidate for
treatment is the health of teeth and
gums.
HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT
TAKE?
​
It depends on the complexity of the
case and what the patient wants to
achieve. A short-term touch up can be
as little as several months while
comprehensive treatment could last
several years.
WHAT IS THE COST?
​
Orthodontic specialists customize
both treatments and fees. After a
face-to-face consultation, you can
determine what type of treatment,
appliances and results might work
best for you. A flexible payment plan,
which can include dental insurances,
FSAs and HSAs, may be used to
construct an affordable plan.
SOME ORTHODONTIC
PROBLEMS ARE
EASIER
TO CORRECT WHEN
FOUND EARLY.
​
​
WHAT HAPPENS IF
I HAVE AN ORTHODONTIC
EMERGENCY?
​
Print a list of common orthodontic issues
and instructions for what to do if a bracket
loosens, a wire comes out, food gets
stuck between teeth, and other scenarios.
​