Frequently Asked Questions from patients
How do I
know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?
A. 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 are
the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?
A. 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 or shifting of the jaw, your child may
have a skeletal problem, which requires early orthodontic intervention.
These are
only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.
What age
should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
A. The American Association of
Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection
of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective
action and avoid more difficult treatment later.
Can you
be too old for braces?
A. 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?
A. 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 ?
A. 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 and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the
missing teeth.
