Is It Too Late To Have Braces If I Am An Adult?

What Are The Benefits Of Orthodontic Treatment For Adults?

Is It Required That I Be Referred By My Family Dentist To Schedule An Appointment With Dr. Smith?

How Do I Schedule An Appointment For An Initial Exam?

What Will Happen At The Initial Examination Appointment?

Is There A Cost For The Initial Examination?

What Orthodontic Records Are Essential To Properly Diagnose And Treat Each Patient’s Individual Orthodontic Problem And Construct A Treatment Plan?

What Will I Learn From The Initial Examination?

Will I Have To Have Any Teeth Removed For Braces?
How Long Will It Take To Complete Treatment?

How Much Will Braces Cost? Are Financing Options Available? How Does My Insurance Work?

How Often Will I Have Appointments?

Do Braces Hurt?

Will I Pay Extra For “Clear” Braces?

What Alternative Do I Have To Wearing Braces?

What Are Lingual Braces?

Can I Still Have Braces If I Have Missing Teeth?

Do You Give Shots?

Do You Use Recycled Braces?

Do I Need To See My Family Dentist While In Braces?

Are There Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth While In Braces?

What Is An Emergency Appointment? How Are Those Handled?

What If The Emergency Occurs After Normal Office Hours?

Can I Wear Braces Even Though I Have Crowns And Missing Teeth?

Will I Have To Wear Retainers?

Is Orthodontic Care Expensive?

Will Insurance Pay For Treatment?

Why Should You Select Dr. Smith To Be Your Orthodontist?

IS IT TOO LATE TO HAVE BRACES IF I AM AN ADULT?
No. Age is not a factor. Over 20% of our patients are adults in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s 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. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT FOR ADULTS?
When left untreated, many orthodontic problems become worse. Treatment by a specialist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment for adults include the following:

• Improve the smile/self confidence
• Reduce appearance-consciousness
• Improve the ability to clean crooked and crowded teeth to prevent not only tooth decay, but gum disease and tooth loss
• Treatment can be very advantageous to reduce the potential for other orthodontic problems, such as abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, excessive stress on supporting bone and gum tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints (which may result in chronic headaches and/or pain in the face or neck). Problems such as crowding, crossbites, overbites, underbites or other alignment problems can all contribute to the above
• Eliminate or reduce discomfort which may accompany “TMJ” (“jaw joint”) problems
• Correct harmful oral habits such as clenching/grinding and thumb or finger habits
• Improve speech
• Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
• Develop space for crowded, impacted or blocked-out permanent teeth
• Lower the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Improve facial balance (the balance of the jaws)
• Improve lip closure

If you notice a problem with your teeth or if your dentist recommends that you see an orthodontist, it is in your best interest to make the appointment. We can be reached at 739-3900 to inquire further about the process.

Everyone wants and deserves a beautiful smile, and everyone should have a healthy one.
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IS IT REQUIRED THAT I BE REFERRED BY MY FAMILY DENTIST TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH DR. SMITH?
No. Many patients who have concerns about their health and appearance and want to be evaluated as to the need for orthodontic care take the initiative themselves to schedule an initial examination.
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HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INITIAL EXAM?
If you think you would benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office at 739-3900 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. During your call, our administrative staff will gather some very basic information and then schedule an appointment.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE INITIAL EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT?
Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough examination to determine if there is a need for orthodontic treatment. He will be looking to determine if there is enough room to accommodate all of the teeth, if the top teeth are lined up correctly with the bottom teeth, if any teeth are crooked or not oriented in the right position and if there are missing or extra teeth? He will also be asking the patient if they clench or grind their teeth and have they experienced any jaw joint problems?
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IS THERE A COST FOR THE INITIAL EXAMINATION?
No. There is no cost for the initial examination.
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WHAT ORTHODONTIC RECORDS ARE ESSENTIAL TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND TREAT EACH PATIENT'S INDIVIDUAL ORTHODONTIC PROBLEM AND CONSTRUCT A TREATMENT PLAN?
ORTHODONTIC RECORDS
Orthodontic records include a panoramic x-ray, a cephalometric x-ray, models of the teeth, three (3) facial photographs and six (6) intraoral photographs. Pre-treatment orthodontic records are essential for Dr. Smith to properly diagnose and treatment plan each patient's individual orthodontic problem and treatment needs. Some orthodontic records may be taken again during the course of treatment or after the completion of treatment.

Panoramic X-rays

Cephalometric X-rays

Impressions

Facial Photographs

Intraoral Photographs

PANORAMIC X-RAY
A panoramic x-ray enables Dr. Smith to see the roots of the teeth and the position of any unerupted teeth. Any missing or extra teeth will be identified on this x-ray. Panoramic x-rays are an excellent way to determine the best time to begin your child’s orthodontic treatment.
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CEPHALOMETRIC X-RAY
Cephalometric x-rays are used by Dr. Smith to make angular and linear measurements of a patient's hard and soft tissue utilizing various landmarks. Examples include the angles of the teeth in relation to the skull and jaw structures and the assessment of the facial profile. Each patient's measurements are compared to normal values
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IMPRESSIONS
Impressions are molds of your child’s teeth that are used to make plaster study models. Dr. Smith uses the models to help in treatment planning. Impressions are almost always made before and after orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances such as expanders and retainers are made on models of your child’s teeth.
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FACIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Facial photographs enable Dr. Smith to identify and analyze various features of your child’s face and smile. Facial asymmetries, "gummy" smiles and profile imbalances are identified using facial photographs. These pre-treatment photographs also provide a way to assess the progress of treatment.
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INTRAORAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs of your child's teeth are used, along with study models, to help Dr. Smith accurately evaluate the malocclusion. These photographs are extremely valuable to assess the progress of treatment.



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WHAT WILL I LEARN FROM THE INITIAL EXAMINATION?
There are five important questions that will be answered during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• Will any permanent teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?

In addition to these, Dr. Smith will take the time to answer any other questions a patient may have.
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WILL I HAVE TO HAVE ANY TEETH REMOVED FOR BRACES?
Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, because today's technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, the need for removing teeth has been greatly reduced.
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HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE TREATMENT?
Treatment may take between 6 months to 30 months, or longer, depending on the severity of the problem, the patient's cooperation, and the degree of movement possible. Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem.
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HOW MUCH WILL BRACES COST? ARE FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE? HOW DOES MY INSURANCE WORK?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until Dr. Smith has actually examined you. The exact cost and financial options will be discussed at the initial examination. We have many financing options available to meet most needs and will be happy to review them with you. We do file insurance on your behalf. We also offer a courtesy (discount) for fees paid in full within the first three months of treatment. Proper orthodontic treatment to correct a problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.
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HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE APPOINTMENTS?
Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patient's needs. With the latest technology, most patients are seen every eight-to-ten (8-10) weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, appointments may be scheduled more often.
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DO BRACES HURT?
With the latest technology, many of our patients do not report any soreness at all following most of their visits! For some visits, however, teeth may be sore for a day or two. In these situations, discomfort can be managed with medications such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol). We often remind our patients, “it does not have to hurt to work! “
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WILL I PAY EXTRA FOR "CLEAR" BRACES?
No, our practice includes this option in the basic fee. We want you to look your best with your braces, and to feel as comfortable as possible while undergoing treatment.
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WHAT ALTERNATIVE DO I HAVE TO WEARING BRACES?
If the thought of wearing braces is all that is stopping you from getting the smile you've always wanted, we have some very good news for you. Invisalign is a breakthrough in orthodontics that uses a clear, virtually undetectable tooth-aligner to gradually move your teeth.... without metal wires or brackets. Aligners are removable and custom-made for your teeth through the combination of our expertise and the latest in 3-dimensional computer graphic technology. Invisalign straightens your teeth without calling attention to them. For more information on Invisalign, click here.

Our Invisalign patients are just raving about their treatment.
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WHAT ARE LINGUAL BRACES?
Lingual braces are mounted behind a patient's teeth (on the inside). They were popular many years ago before the advent of Invisalign and "clear" or "tooth-colored" braces. Lingual braces are seldom used anymore since they are generally less comfortable than traditional braces, require a greater number of visits to complete treatment and are more costly. In addition, some people have trouble eating and talking with lingual braces. Presently, lingual braces are only used in special clinical cases.
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CAN I STILL HAVE BRACES IF I HAVE MISSING TEETH?
Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. Ultimately, this can lead to functional, esthetic and periodontal problems. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems from happening and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.
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DO YOU GIVE SHOTS?
No. No shots are necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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DO YOU USE RECYCLED BRACES?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the very best orthodontic result possible. Dr. Smith would never use worn, used or recycled braces.
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DO I NEED TO SEE MY FAMILY DENTIST WHILE IN BRACES?
Yes. Regular check-ups with your family dentist are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will assist in determining how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
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ARE THERE FOODS I CANNOT EAT WHILE I HAVE BRACES?
Yes. Once treatment begins, very complete instructions will be provided regarding foods to avoid. Click to View a List of Items to Avoid While Wearing Braces. Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding foods.
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HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY TEETH WHILE IN BRACES?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after breakfast, lunch, supper and at bedtime. We will instruct each patient how to floss their teeth with braces on and will also recommend antibacterial and fluoride rinses to help protect the teeth.
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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT? HOW ARE THOSE HANDLED?
If something happens and your braces are causing discomfort or if something is broken, you should call our office (739-3900). In most cases, these issues are simple to resolve and often do not require a special visit.
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WHAT IF THE EMERGENCY OCCURS AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS?
Our office is available after normal working hours. Simply call the office and wait for the answering machine to answer. The recorded message will give you the number where we can be reached.
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CAN I WEAR BRACES EVEN THOUGH I HAVE CROWNS AND MISSING TEETH?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth so that the space where teeth are missing can be properly restored.
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WILL I HAVE TO WEAR RETAINERS?
Orthodontics is a process of moving teeth through the bone into new positions. Once the teeth have been moved into their desired positions, retainers will be placed to maintain the correction. Once stabilization occurs, we encourage our patients to continue to wear their retainers on a nightly basis to maintain their beautiful smile.
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IS ORTHODONTIC CARE EXPENSIVE?
Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. Due to the variety of problems that we treat, the cost of orthodontic care varies from patient to patient. After your examination (at your first visit), we will review the costs involved with treatment. Financing is usually available and our office offers flexible, customized payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.
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WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR TREATMENT?
Today many dental policies include orthodontic benefits. If you provide us with the necessary information, we will be happy to contact your insurance carrier for you to determine your orthodontic benefits. Or, if you prefer, you may contact them directly.
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WHY SHOULD YOU SELECT DR SMITH TO BE YOUR ORTHODONTIST?
Teeth and sometimes entire facial structures are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is very important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Dr. Smith graduated from dental school and elected to complete three (3) additional years of specialty training following dental school to become an orthodontist. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the only certifying organization recognized by The American Dental Association, and has successfully provided orthodontic treatment to several thousand patients since opening his practice in 1990.
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