Queen City Orthodontics is a magician, but there’s no sleight of hand in the answer to this question.

We agree with the recommendations of the American Association of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry that children see an orthodontist by age 7, before they have lost most of their baby teeth.

Few youngsters will actually need braces at this age, but if your child shows certain bite or alignment problems, early intervention may be able to prevent or reduce the need for braces or more invasive procedures in the future.

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If you think you or your child needs braces, you may be surprised to learn most – maybe all – dental insurance plans do not require a referral. You can make an appointment with an orthodontist any time to discuss your orthodontic needs and set up a treatment plan.

By the same token, if your dentist does make a referral, you do not need to choose that orthodontist. You’re free to see anyone you feel can do the best job for you.

That doesn’t mean, however, that your general dentist has no role to play in your care. He or she definitely does. Before you visit a specialist, your dentist should make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment. Also, you should ask your dentist’s advice on the best course for your needs. Sometimes that isn’t braces.

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This question comes up in our practice from time to time. Their general dentists are offering to give them braces for less cost, patients say. Is an orthodontist worth the difference?

If you want to be sure you’re getting the best and longest-lasting treatment for your needs, the answer is “yes.”

Orthodontic treatment does more than move teeth into a straight line. While one of the benefits of braces is certainly prettier teeth, orthodontists are trained to detect and correct complex bite and jaw problems that are normally beyond the skill level of general dentists.

Continue reading “Dentist vs Orthodontist for Braces?”

Our office, along with the American Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends every child see an orthodontist by age seven. That doesn’t mean your child will need braces that young – but if treatment is called for, it’s important not to wait.

These appointments are essential to screen for potential issues during the growth phase, and there are many reasons why you should not skip them. First, initial consultations are free, and in the best case you will be reassured your child’s bite is on the right track. This first visit is also a time to get to know your child, to introduce your child to our office, and it gives us a chance to advise you on how to resolve some behaviors that may be affecting your child’s bite.

If we do determine treatment is needed, the interceptive treatment may save you time and money in the long run. More important, we will be able to catch potentially severe problems before it’s too late.

Continue reading “When Should Children See an Orthodontist?”

If you’ve never closely examined your braces, or your child’s, you may not be aware of how many separate parts they contain. Traditional braces are applied by first bonding metal attachments directly onto the teeth. Then a wire, called an arch-wire, is run through slots in the brackets; this wire applies the pressure needed to move the teeth. Tiny rubber bands, in a choice of colors, hold the wire in place. The orthodontist replaces these bands, called ligatures, at each visit and patients can choose different colors each time.

For many patients, another type of rubber band will be needed to achieve proper alignment. These are interarch rubber bands, which orthodontists refer to as simply elastics. When elastics are used, they are critical to help adjust the position of the teeth.

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Happy day! Your braces are finally coming off! No more stabbing wires, orthodontic visits, half-smiling, saying “no” to gooey caramel apples.

After two or so long years, you’re done.

The last thing you probably want to hear from your orthodontist is that, in fact, you’re not finished yet. Every person who completes orthodontic treatment must wear a custom-made retainer for around twelve months – and probably for much longer part of the time.

Don’t be discouraged. The retainer is an important piece of your treatment plan – and it is usually easy to deal with, comfortable and barely visible.

Continue reading “Braces Coming Off?”