Common Questions about Braces

Answers from Dr. Craig

Q: What is the right age for my child to see the orthodontist?
A: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that an orthodontist first see a child as early as age 7 and even earlier if a parent, or the family dentist, discovers a problem. Fortunately treatment is not necessary at this early of an age for most patients, and only periodic checks for proper growth and development are recommended. However, for some situations including severe crowding, overbites, and cross-bites can benefit significantly through earlier .interceptive. treatment.

Q: What is the right age to begin braces?
A: The timing of orthodontic treatment is extremely important and greatly affects the treatment result. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment (full braces) typically may begin between the ages of 10 and 13, depending on the individual, but the ideal time to start treatment is different for each individual. Since every patient is unique and tooth development varies from one individual to another, there is not a specific age that is best to begin orthodontic treatment. It is best to have regular growth and development checks with an orthodontist to help determine optimal treatment timing. Our goal is to reduce treatment time in full braces and provide the best and most stable results possible.

Q: Why does it seem that kids are getting braces at a much younger age?
A: What you may be noticing is called "interceptive" orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this early treatment (which may occur as early as age 7 or 8) is to correct dental problems which cannot wait until a later age. Some examples of these conditions are illustrated below (adjacent, or wherever) and include severe overbites and/or crowding, and cross-bites of front or back teeth. If not corrected at an early age, these conditions could lead to fractured teeth, gum problems, or improper development of the bite. Interceptive treatment is intended to accomplish the correction of these conditions in 6-12 months. The child will then be evaluated periodically to see if full orthodontic treatment is needed at a later date.

Q: Am I too old for braces?
A: No! In fact, treatment for adults is on the rise. As braces have become more aesthetically pleasing and more affordable, adults are wearing braces more and more. Adult treatment is both effective and efficient. Today's orthodontic treatment is far more comfortable and less noticeable than the braces kids wore when you were growing up. In fact, some minor and moderate tooth movements are possible with clear aligner systems such as Invisalign and OrthoClear, which don.t even look like braces at all. For those cases which are a little more complicated, aesthetic porcelean brackets are available which are much less noticeable than metal braces. This combination has contributed to the significant rise in adult orthodontic treatment.

Q: Are there ways to move my teeth without braces?
A: Yes, Invisalign is an exciting new technology that allows effective tooth movement without braces for certain types of cases. Invisalign is a series of clear aligner trays, each programmed with a specific amount of tooth movement. You can barely see the aligners on the teeth, even up close! Invisalign can only be used on later teens and adults, and will not work for every case. Only an evaluation by your orthodontist can determine if clear aligners can work for you. Check out the Invisalign website (www.invisalign.com) for more information about this innovatiove orthodontic system.

Q: How much do braces cost?
A: There is no standard fee because every mouth is different. The doctor needs to do an exam to evaluate on an individual basis. At your initial consultation, Dr. Grider will perform an initial exam including a panoramic x-ray, if necessary. He and his staff will provide accurate estimates regarding the type of treatment necessary, approximate length of treatment, and associated fees. All of this will be done without any cost or obligation.

Q: Can the fee for orthodontic treatment be financed?
A: Yes, there are several different payment options. We offer interest free in-house financing that spreads out the cost over the length of treatment. There are also outside finance options available that allow those who qualify to start treatment with little or no down payment, and extended payment terms up to 60 months.

Q: How long is full orthodontic treatment?
A: Treatment is usually between 18-30 months, depending on the difficulty and amount of treatment needed.

Q: Do I continue to see my Dentist for regular visits during orthodontic treatment?
A: YES! Continue seeing your dentist and hygenist for routine check-ups and cleanings.

Q: How much longer do I have until I get my braces off?
A: We let our patients know their estimated completion date, but the rate of tooth movement varies from person to person. Missed appointments, broken braces, and lack of cooperation prolong treatment.

Q: How long do I have to wear my retainers?
A: You will need to wear them at night. Length of time will be dependent upon your individual treatment and the difficulty in holding the teeth in their corrected positions. For most patients, we recommend they wear their retainers for several years after their braces are removed. At Grider Orthodontics, we take retention just as seriously as the active phase of orthodontic treatment.