1. What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry involving the diagnosis, supervision, guidance, and correction of issues regarding the misalignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are specialty dentists who have trained and are experienced in this sub-field. Their primary task and skills center upon the design, application, and control of personalized corrective appliances that will prevent and treat individual dental and facial irregularities. Sometimes this is done as a medical necessity, while other times it is as a cosmetic choice.2. At What Age Do People Schedule Orthodontic Screenings?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that everyone have an initial orthodontic screening by age 7. This is when most children have several key permanent teeth in place and thus allows us to best evaluate current and anticipated orthodontic conditions. Most orthodontic issues can be easily corrected if treated early, as corrective devices can be timed and coordinated with a child’s natural growth.
However, not everyone gets orthodontic treatment when they are young. We work with a large number of adult patients who are unhappy with their teeth and/or jaw alignment. For this, we say there’s no age too old to make an orthodontic screening! In fact, about one out of every five orthodontic patients is over 21 years old. We’re here to help you feel proud of your smile no matter how old (or young) you are.
3. What Should I Expect from My First Visit to the Orthodontist’s Office?
Every individual has their own orthodontics needs and expectations. That’s why we place such emphasis on treating each patient based on their individual circumstances and take pride in focusing on customized approaches for all of our patients.
When you arrive at our office, you’ll be greeted by a friendly treatment coordinator who will review your health history and ask you about the main concerns you have for yourself or your child. This will help our team determine the right treatment to meet your goals. We will take panoramic x-rays and perform a thorough examination to further determine the issue at hand and the possible treatments.
Following the examination, your orthodontist will explain the available treatment plans. You’ll then receive a full written treatment plan with a timeline and payment estimate. Office staff will assist you with any insurance or other questions you might have.
Are Metal Braces Necessary?
We live in an amazing era of innovation, with new medical solutions being invented, patented, and introduced to market every day. Modern day braces and other corrective procedures are significantly less noticeable and cumbersome than past models that featured heavy metal bands and brackets. Today, you can choose metal, clear, or ceramic brackets that can be bonded behind your teeth. We also offer Invisalign and other treatment options specially designed to minimize appliance appearance and better integrate with professional and active lifestyles. New options also include specialty wires that exert steady and gentle pressure, resulting in a faster and more comfortable smile-correcting process.
Of course, we know that this brief FAQ likely only brushes on the most pressing of your orthodontic questions and concerns. For more personalized information, contact our orthodontist’s office today and schedule an appointment!