Q. Is it required that I be referred by my family dentist to schedule an appointment?
A. No. Most of our patients are referred by their family dentist, or referred by a happy patient. Many patients are concerned about the appearance of their teeth, and take the initiative to schedule themselves for an examination to be evaluated for orthodontic care.
Q. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening for my child?
A. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, the six-year molars and the front teeth in most children have erupted allowing the orthodontist to evaluate most developing orthodontic problems.
Q. Will my child’s teeth straighten out on their own as they grow?
A. No. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as a child grows. In most people, after the permanent 6-year molars have erupted, the space available for the front teeth actually decreases with age.
Q. Will I have to have any teeth removed for braces?
A. Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. The goal in orthodontic treatment is not only to straighten the teeth, but to achieve a balanced facial profile. Dr. Beth Prosterman philosophy is to avoid extraction of teeth if at all possible.
Q. How long will it take to complete treatment?
A. Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. An “average” time a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
Q. How often will I have appointments?
A. Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patient’s needs. Most patients in braces or Invisalign will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. After each appointment, Dr. Beth Prosterman will advise you when she would like to see you next.
Q. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces or Invisalign?
A. Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not interfere with everyday activities.
Q. Do you give shots?
A. No. Needles are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
Q. Can I still play sports?
A. Yes. We recommend a sports guard specifically designed for braces.
Q. Do I need to see my dentist while in orthodontic treatment?
A. Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are even more important while in orthodontic treatment. Your family dentist will determine how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments during your orthodontic treatment.
Q. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
A. Yes. Once treatment begins, 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. caramel and gum). Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding what foods to avoid.
Q. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child still has some baby teeth?
A. Yes. Some orthodontic problems are more successfully treated when the child still has baby teeth remaining. However, if treatment is not recommended at that time, Dr. Beth Prosterman will follow the patient’s growth and development on a recall basis.
Q. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
A. This phase of treatment is started while the patient still has baby teeth remaining (usually between 7-10 years old). During this treatment phase, the patient does not wear a full mouth of braces. Rather, they wear appliances or devices that may be removable (retainer-type) or fixed, depending on the problem. This phase is usually recommended when there is a problem with: lack of space, habit correction (thumb, finger, tongue), narrow upper jaw, problem with the eruption path of the permanent teeth, or problems related to the bite. Interceptive orthodontics can also reduce the risk of trauma to protruding teeth. As well, early intervention may prevent the need for extraction of permanent teeth. In some cases, early treatment is beneficial when orthodontic problems are affecting the self-esteem of the child. Often, Phase 1 treatment is followed by a period of observation where the doctor is waiting until all the permanent teeth erupt. At this time, a decision can be made whether the patient would benefit from second phase treatment (full braces).complet).
Q. Will my child need full braces or Invisalign if he/she has Phase One treatment?
A. It is best to assume that your child will need full braces or Invisalign 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.
Q. Is it too late to have braces or Invisalign if I am already an adult?
A. No. The percentage of adults requesting orthodontic treatment is on the rise. Many adults did not have the opportunity as a child to receive orthodontic treatment because of finances, proximity to an orthodontist, or lack of knowledge as to the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults too. No patient is “too old” to wear braces or Invisalign!
Q. Can I wear braces or Invisalign even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
A. Yes. A tooth with a crown will move the same way as 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 the teeth are missing can be properly restored.
Q. Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
A. If you have orthodontic coverage, we will gladly provide you with the forms needed. However, the financial contract is with our patients and not with their respective insurance companies. Final responsibility for collection of benefits from your insurance company rests with the insured party.
Q. What is the cost for orthodontic treatment?
A. Orthodontic fees are discussed at the initial consultation. The fee is individualized and is based on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, and the types of appliances required to correct them. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac, cheques and cash. We offer several interest free payment plan options to try to best match your financial requirements.
