Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

1 . Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist? No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

2 . At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening? The American Association of Orthodontist recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. Many conditions are more easily treated at a younger age.

3 . How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam? If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

4 . What will happen at the initial examination appointment? Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a thorough exam.

5 . What will I learn from the initial examination? • There are five essential questions that we will cover 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 teeth need to be removed? • How long will the treatment take to complete? • How much will the treatment cost?

6 . Will my teeth straighten out as they grow? No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.