What is the best age to start treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7.  An early examination allows the orthodontist to determine how and when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement.  In some cases, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have completed growing.

Do habits like thumb sucking cause a problem?
Prolonged habits can indeed affect the way the teeth grow in and will ultimately affect the bite.  Other habits such as open mouth breathing, finger sucking, or lip biting can also cause complications.  Early examination by an orthodontist will determine if treatment will aid in getting habits stopped.

How long will treatment take?
Treatment can vary depending on the severity of each case and on the cooperation of each patient.  Dr. O will be able to determine your specific length of treatment during your initial appointment with us.

Does it hurt to have braces?
Discomfort results from the teeth moving through the bone to their new positions.  Technology advances provide much gentler forces which have greatly reduced tooth soreness.  Most of the time, Tylenol or warm salt water rinses will ease any discomfort.

Why should I be concerned about a bad bite or misfit of my teeth?
Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient's dental health by possibly causing premature wear on the teeth, asymmetrical jaw growth, difficulty in hygiene, or malfunctioning bite.  Orthodontics will align your teeth for optimum function, hygiene, and appearance.

How often will I need office visits?
Once appliances are in place, routine office visits are at six to eight week intervals.  Periodically, Dr. O will need to check you sooner if, for example, elastics are being worn.  When treatment is complete, retainer adjustment visits are spaced further apart until finally, follow up adjustments are not needed.

Will I have to wear retainers?
Orthodontics is a process of moving teeth through the bone into their new position.  Following active orthodontic treatment, retainers will be placed.  This is very important to maintain the new position of your teeth!  Once stabilization occurs, continued retainer wear is recommended.  Like all parts of the body, teeth are constantly changing and adapting.  Only conscientious wear of the retainers will keep movement to a minimum.

Will insurance pay for treatment?
Today many dental policies include orthodontic benefits.  Once eligibility has been determined, the remaining balance is divided out for the patient to pay without interest.

Do adults wear braces?
YES!  Many adults are 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.  We are pleased to offer Invisalign, a "brace-free" way of straightening teeth.