Q) What is an Orthodontist? A) An orthodontist is a "SPECIALIST" in dentistry. After graduating and becoming a dentist, they must apply, be accepted and graduate from a university accredited by the American Dental Association. This is two or more years of specialized training in the art and science of moving teeth. Only orthodontists are uniquely qualified to perform orthodontic services. Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists guarantees they are certified in the specialty of orthodontics.
Q) How many years of school does it take to be an orthodontist? A) It takes 22 years of school to become an orthodontist!
Q) Can my family dentist do orthodontics? A) Would you have your family doctor perform open heart surgery on you? General dentists are not trained in orthodontics but are not limited by law from placing braces on teeth. Some attend weekend courses and provide orthodontics services in their office. Your assurance in receiving the best care possible for yourself or your child is to see a university trained, certified orthodontic specialist.
Q) Do I need a referral from my dentist before seeing the orthodontist? A) No, you do not need a referral from your dentist in order to see the orthodontist. However, 75% of our patients are referred to us by their dentist. You may call and schedule an appointment with our doctors yourself.
Q) What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Q) Should I wait until all the permanent teeth are in before seeing the orthodontist? A) No, many tooth alignment or jaw growth problems can be detected by age 6. Some of these problems are best treated early, avoiding a more serious problem later or eliminating braces as a teenager all together.
Q) How old should my child be before seeing the orthodontist? A) It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that a child first see an orthodontist by age 7.
Q) Can habits like thumb sucking, finger sucking or pacifiers damage the teeth? A) Yes, these habits can be very destructive to the developing jaws and the position the permanent erupt into. These habits need to be stopped as soon as possible when a problem is occurring. We can help and have appliances to stop the habit.
Q) When are you too old for braces? A) Many adults are benefiting from orthodontics to improve and have a healthy, beautiful smile. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old for braces.
Q) Will there be a charge for my examination? A) No, there is never a charge for an orthodontic exam and consultation at Orthodontic Affiliates. Q) Will they need to take an x-ray. A) Yes, the orthodontist must see the teeth, bone and the relationship of the top and bottom jaws to properly diagnose and treat the patient. The x-ray cost is usually covered by your insurance. We also have several special promotions through out the year for FREE x-rays. Watch for one in your mailbox!
Q) How much do braces cost? A) Braces cost as little as a few hundred dollars, up to around $4,500 dollars depending on the diagnosis and the required treatment. Only after doing an examination can the orthodontist tell you how much it will cost, since it varies from individual to individual.
Q) Can I afford braces? A) Yes, almost everyone can afford braces here at Orthodontic Affiliates. Our practice has the widest range of payment plans. We do not require a down payment and most payment plans are interest free.
Q) Do you accept insurance plans? A) Yes, we accept most insurance plans and have years of experience in helping you receive your benefit.
Q) Do you accept credit cards? A) Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
Q) What are your office hours? A) Our office hours are from 8:30am or 9:00am depending on the office until 5:00pm Monday thru Thursday and until 3:00pm on Fridays. Evening appointments until 8:00pm are available two evenings per week. Saturday hours are available September thru April.
Q) Do I still need to see my regular dentist during the time I have braces? A) Yes, we recommend that you continue to see your dentist for cleanings and other primary dental care at least every 6 months during orthodontic treatment.
Q) How long will I be in braces? A) Most people in our practice are finished in 18 months or less, due to the advances in orthodontic technology. Minor tooth movement cases can be done in as little as 2 or 3 visits.
Q) Is it painful to have braces? A) It is painless to have your braces placed! It usually takes a few days to get used to having braces on your teeth. Some patients experience some tooth discomfort for a few days as the teeth begin to move.
Q) Does it hurt to have the braces removed? A) No, most people do not experience any discomfort when removing the braces. Some people's teeth are sensitive to cold air during the removal procedures.
Q) Can I still kiss with braces on my teeth? A) Yes, you can kiss with braces on your teeth.
Q) Can I play a musical instrument with braces? A) Yes, you can play the instrument of your choice with braces on your teeth. It may take a few days getting used to playing with the braces on.
Q) Can I participate in sports with braces on? A) Yes, you can play sports with the braces on. You may need to wear a special mouth guard to protect your lips and teeth just as you would without braces. Ask us and we will be happy to provide you with an athletic mouth piece when your braces are placed at no additional charge.
Q) Are there certain things you can't eat? A) Most good nutritious foods in all the food groups can be eaten. Good nutrition is important for the teeth to move. Certain hard crunchy foods like apples and carrots need to be cut up into smaller bites or they can be cooked. This prevents wires from being bent or braces being broken off the teeth. Food and beverages like soda pop that contain high amounts of sugar should be limited. It's more important to brush and clean your teeth thoroughly afterwards. High acid foods like lemons should also be avoided. Chewing on ice or hard candies should be avoided as it will break the braces off the teeth. Sticky, chewy candies like taffy, caramel, gummy bears, dots, jolly ranchers and others will damage the appliances and can cause damage to the teeth while in braces. It will also delay being finished on time with your braces if things are constantly broken and in need of repair.
Q) Do you have invisible braces? A) Yes, we do have braces that are barely visible. They are referred to as ceramic braces and mimic the color of your natural teeth. We also offer Invisalign, the invisible way to improve your smile! This is the latest technological method of moving teeth without using braces at all. Please ask us about Invisalign or click on the hypertext to visit their website. Q) Do you have colored braces and rubber bands? A) Yes, we do have colored braces and rubber bands at no additional charge, if you want them. Colored braces can make having braces more fun.
Q) Will braces damage my teeth or gums? A) No, braces will not damage your teeth and gums if you care for them properly and stay on schedule with your appointments. Lack of proper brushing and extended treatment can damage the teeth.
Q) Will I need to have teeth extracted? A) No, Orthodontic Affiliates practices non-extraction techniques. Only in certain unusual circumstances do permanent teeth need to be extracted.
Q) Will I need to wear a headgear? A) No, Orthodontic Affiliates treatment technique does not require the use of headgear. Only in a select few cases will headgear be necessary to wear.
Q) When can I get my braces? A) In most cases we can put your braces on the same day as your first visit to see us. It's easy to get started.
Q) How long does it take to put the braces on? A) It takes about one hour to actually place the braces on your teeth.
Q) How many years of experience do the doctors of Orthodontic Affiliates have? A) Orthodontic Affiliates has been in operation since 1957 and the current doctors have a combined experience of 45 years.
Q) What about infection control? A) Orthodontic Affiliates utilizes the most modern sterilization equipment available to the profession. We sterilize all instruments and handpieces. For your safety we also subscribe to a monitoring service that test our equipment every month to be sure it is operating properly. Additionally, we practice utilizing barrier techniques and surface disinfection - sterilization.
Q) Do you use recycled braces? A) Orthodontic Affiliates has never used recycled braces even though when properly remanufactured and sterilized, there is no risk to the patient receiving them.
Q) Do you treat TMJ problems? A) Yes, Orthodontic Affiliates is very successful and probably treats more patients with TMJ disorders than anyone else in northwest Indiana. For more information return to our home page and click on the TMJ file.
Q) Will my medical insurance pay for TMJ problems? A) Yes, in most instances your medical insurance will pay for TMJ treatment, since it is a problem with one of the body's many joints that may have disease or mechanical problem.
Q) Can a bite problem cause TMJ disorders? A) Yes, it is our belief that malocclusions or bad bites can cause or contribute to TMJ disorders. There are several other factors that may do the same, ask one of our doctors.
Q) Will I need braces after TMJ therapy? A) When it is determined that the bite is a contributing factor or that by correcting the bite it will help stabilize the temporomandibular joints, braces will be recommended.
Q) Why are retainers needed after braces? A) Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in their corrected positions after braces until the bone & ligaments remodel to the new tooth position. This takes a couple of years to occur. In some cases retainers may need to be worn indefinitely or for life.
Q) Will my teeth shift after my braces are removed? A) No, with proper retainer wear your teeth should stay straight for a lifetime. Some harmful habits like biting on pens and pencils or muscle imbalances will cause the teeth to shift after braces or later in life.
Q) Will my wisdom teeth cause my teeth to shift? A) No, the wisdom teeth come in at around age 18 to 21. We recommend that the retainers be worn until the wisdom teeth have erupted or have been removed.
Q) Why should I come to Orthodontic Affiliates over anyone else? A) Dr. Tom Surber and Dr. Randall Schmidt are "SPECIALIST" in braces and are recognized as leaders in orthodontic care.
Q) Where can I get more information? A) Call any office location and we will be happy to answer your additional questions and send you a FREE brochure or call the office nearest you to schedule your appointment.
Q) Can I e-mail Orthodontic Affiliates for more information or an appointment? A) Yes, we welcome your questions and will be happy to send you more information or schedule your appointment. |
A healthier more
beautiful smile