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1.
At What Age Should I Schedule An Appointment For An Orthodontic Screening?
2. How Do I Know If My Child Is In Need Of Orthodontic Treatment?
3.
What Are The Early Signs Of Orthodontic Problems?
4.
Is It Required That I Be Referred By My Family Dentist To Schedule An
Appointment With Dr. Smith?
5.
How Do I Schedule An Appointment For An Initial Exam?
6.
Is There A Cost For The Initial Examination?
7.
What Will Happen At The Initial Examination Appointment?
8.
What orthodontic records are essential to properly diagnose and treat
each patient's individual orthodontic problem and construct a treatment
plan ?
9.
What Will I Learn From The Initial Examination?
10.
Will I Have To Have Any Teeth Removed For Braces?
11.
How Long Will It Take To Complete Treatment ?
12.
How Much Will Braces Cost? Are Financing Options Available? How Does My
Insurance Work ?
13.
How Often Will I Have Appointments?
14.
Can I Have All Of My Appointments After School ?
15.
Can I Drop My Child Off For An Appointment ?
16.
Do Braces Hurt?
17.
Can My Child Return To School The Day They Receive Their Braces?
18.
Do You Give Shots?
19.
Do You Use Recycled Braces?
20.
Can I Still Play Sports And/Or Musical Instruments While In Braces?
21.
Do I Need To See My Family Dentist While In Braces?
22.
Are There Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?
23.
How Often Should I Brush My Teeth While In Braces?
24.
What Is An Emergency Appointment? How Are Those Handled?
25.
What If The Emergency Occurs After Normal Office Hours?
26.
Can Orthodontic Correction Occur While A Child Still Has Some Baby
Teeth?
27.
What Is Phase One (Early) Treatment?
28.
Will My Child Need Full Braces If He/She Has Phase One Treatment?
29.
Will My Child Need An Expander?
30.
Is It Too Late To Have Braces If I Am Already An Adult?
31.
Can I Wear Braces Even Though I Have Crowns And Missing Teeth?
32.
Will I Have To Wear Retainers?
33.
Why Should You Choose An Orthodontic Specialist?
1.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD MY CHILD BE SEEN BY AN ORTHODONTIST?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be
evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is
important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult
treatment later. Most patients, however, are treated during adolescence
between the ages of 10-12.
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2.
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
a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is
a specialty and it is all that we do. At Tollgate Orthodontics, your child's
initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your
child and make any necessary recommendations.
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3.
WHAT ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS?
Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to
assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic
advice. Ask your child to open their mouth, and let you look at their
teeth. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your child's
teeth or overlapping teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.
Ask your child to bite all the way down, but keeping their lips open so
you can see their teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom?
Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front
teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind
the bottom teeth? All these are indicators for potential orthodontic treatment.
Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center
when your child bites down? If you see any misalignment, shifting or asymmetry
of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem that requires early
orthodontic intervention.
These are only some
of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.
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4.
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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5.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INITIAL EXAM?
If you think you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment,
simply call our office at 401-739-3900 and we will be happy to schedule
an appointment for you. During the call to schedule your appointment,
our administrative staff will gather some very basic information regarding
you or your child.
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6.
IS THERE A COST FOR THE INITIAL EXAMINATION?
No. There is no cost for the initial examination.
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7.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE INITIAL EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT?
Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough examination of the patient's mouth 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 growing in the right position and if there are
missing or extra teeth? He will also be asking the patient if they are
experiencing any breathing problems, have they had any finger or tongue
habits and have they experienced any jaw joint problems?
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8.
WHAT ORTHODONTIC RECORDS ARE ESSENTIAL TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE AND TREAT
EACH PATIENT'S INDIVIDUAL ORTHODONTIC PROBLEM AND CONSTRUCT A TREATMENT
PLAN?
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ORTHODONTIC RECORDS
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| Orthodontic
records include a panoramic x-ray, a cephalometric x-ray, models of
the teeth, 3 facial photographs and 6 intra-oral 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. |
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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 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 teeth that are used to make plaster study
models. Dr. Smith uses the models to help in your 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 teeth.
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FACIAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Facial photographs enable Dr. Smith to identify and analyze various features
of your face and smile. Facial asymmetries, "gummy" smiles and
profile imbalances are identified using photographs of your face. These
pre-treatment facial photographs provide a way to assess the progress
of treatment.
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INTRA-ORAL PHOTOGRAPHS
Photographs of you or 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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9.
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 or
parent may have.
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10.
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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11.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE TREATMENT?
Treatment may take 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. Treatment time obviously
depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem.
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12.
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 or your child. 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 or 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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13.
HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE APPOINTMENTS?
Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patient's needs.
Most patients in braces will be seen every six to ten (6-10) weeks. If
there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, appointments
may be scheduled more often.
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14.
CAN I HAVE ALL OF MY APPOINTMENTS AFTER SCHOOL?
This is a very common question. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all
appointments for all student patients for after school hours. However,
because most appointments are scheduled six to ten weeks apart, most patients
miss very little school because of orthodontic appointments. We reference
all of the area school calendars at the front desk and try very hard to
help in all possible ways to assist patient scheduling
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15.
CAN I DROP MY CHILD OFF FOR AN APPOINTMENT?
We are very understanding of busy schedules and working parent's desires
to run errands while their child is at our office. If you have a cell
phone and provide us with the number, we can reach you by page or phone
when it is time to return. On some occasions Dr. Smith may want to speak
with parents when you return, so please, we request that parents check
in with the front desk staff as they schedule their next appointment.
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16.
DO BRACES HURT?
As a general rule, braces do not "hurt." After some visits,
teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications
such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)
can be used to ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients
do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, it does
not have to hurt to work!
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17.
CAN MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL THE DAY THEY RECEIVE THEIR BRACES?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
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18.
DO YOU GIVE SHOTS?
No. No shots are necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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19.
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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20.
CAN I STILL PLAY SPORTS AND/OR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WHILE IN BRACES?
Yes! We will provide you with a mouth guard for all sports. If you play
an instrument such as a trumpet, we will provide you with a "lip
protector" that works very well to cushion your lip from your braces.
Please inform us when you need a mouth guard or lip protector.
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21.
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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22.
ARE THERE FOODS I CANNOT EAT WHILE I HAVE BRACES?
Yes. Once treatment begins, very complete instructions and a comprehensive
list will be provided regarding foods to avoid. Some of those foods include:
ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods, i.e. "Snickers",
caramel and taffy. Sugar free gum is allowed at certain times during treatment.
Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be
avoided by carefully following instructions regarding foods.
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23.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BRUSH MY TEETH WHILE IN BRACES?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after
breakfast, lunch (or as soon as they get home from school), supper and
before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth
with braces on and will also provide a prescription for a special fluoride
gel to help protect the teeth.
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24.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT? HOW ARE THOSE HANDLED?
If something happens and your braces are causing pain or if something
is broken, you should call our office (739-3900). In most cases we can
address most issues over the telephone.
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25.
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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26.
CAN ORTHODONTIC CORRECTION OCCUR WHILE A CHILD STILL HAS SOME BABY TEETH?
Yes. However, we do not require braces for every patient who visits our
office. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early
intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we
will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right
for treatment to begin.
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27.
WHAT IS PHASE ONE (EARLY) TREATMENT?
Phase One treatment is usually initiated for children between the ages
of 7 and 10 and usually takes about 12-16 months. Objectives of Phase
One treatment include the development of space to accommodate all of the
permanent teeth, correcting the skeletal relationship ("overbite,
underbite, crossbite, open bite," etc.) between the upper and lower
jaws, and to improve a child's psychological self-image and self-esteem,
both very important during their formative years.
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28.
WILL MY CHILD NEED FULL BRACES IF HE/SHE HAS PHASE ONE TREATMENT?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after
Phase One treatment. The period of time following Phase One treatment
is called the "resting period," during which growth and tooth
eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients
will be kept informed as to any future treatment recommendations.
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29.
WILL MY CHILD NEED AN EXPANDER?
At the completion of the initial examination, Dr. Smith will determine
whether a patient will require an expander or not.
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30.
IS IT TOO LATE TO HAVE BRACES IF I AM ALREADY AN ADULT?
Over 20 percent of Dr. Smith's patients are adults. In fact, orthodontic
treatment for adults is one of the most gratifying areas of Dr. Smith's
practice for both patients and staff members. Health, happiness and self-esteem
are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to
wear braces!
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31.
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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32.
WILL I HAVE TO WEAR RETAINERS?
Orthodontics is a process of moving teeth through the bone into their
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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33.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE AN ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST?
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 additional years of specialty training following dental
school to become an orthodontist. He is certified by 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.
Schedule Your Complimentary Examination Now.
Serving the Providence, Rhode Island area including Cranston, Coventry,
East Greenwich, Johnston, North Kingstown, Warwick, and West Warwick areas
500 Tollgate Road, Warwick, Rhode Island (RI) 02886 • 401.739.3900 fax 401.739.8626
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