When should my child first see an orthodontist?

Do I need a referral from my dentist in order to make an appointment with an orthodontist?

What will happen at an initial orthodontic examination?

What will an appointment for an initial orthodontic examination cost?

If orthodontic treatment is recommended, what happens next?

Will my child have to miss school for orthodontic appointments?

After I begin treatment, what happens at a normal orthodontic appointment?

What do elastics, headgear and retainers do?

What is Invisalign? How does it work?

When should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that a child be seen at age seven. This has been communicated to all family dentists in the American Dental Association (ADA). The rationale behind this recommendation is so that an assessment can be made of the child’s teeth and jaw growth pattern as the transition is starting to occur from primary (baby or deciduous) teeth to secondary (adult or permanent) teeth. An early examination gives baseline information about the child’s dental status, both for follow-up monitoring and for possible early intervention if warranted so that later problems can be avoided or mitigated. Although “crooked” or “spaced” teeth are usually not of concern at an early age, some things like crossbites or teeth blocked from eruption (growing into the mouth) at the proper time can be detected and helped. Habit-related issues such as persistent thumb-or finger-sucking, which can deform children’s growing bones and displace teeth from their proper positions, can also be addressed so that a normal growth pattern can be re-established.

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Do I need a referral from my dentist in order to make an appointment with an orthodontist?

Although most patients usually call us for an appointment after their general dentist suggests it, you can certainly contact us at any time on your own. We will be happy to contact your general dentist for you after your initial examination to report our preliminary findings regarding both the orthodontic conditions and any dental health concerns.

It is important for you (or your child) to be in good dental health prior to beginning any orthodontic treatment. Therefore, being current with your dental check-ups and preventive care (cleanings, X-rays) is a good idea.

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What will happen at an initial orthodontic examination?

At this appointment, Dr. Caldwell will examine the patient’s teeth and the bite relationship of the upper and lower teeth, assess facial symmetry and the jaw growth pattern, and note any items which should be corrected. A small dental mirror is usually all that is necessary for this examination.

After completing the examination, Dr. Caldwell may ask you a few basic questions, discuss his findings with you, and inform you if any further appointments are advisable.

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What will an appointment for an initial orthodontic examination cost?

To encourage people to seek knowledge and advice which is beneficial to their oral health and dental appearance, we offer each patient an initial examination at no charge.

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If orthodontic treatment is recommended, what happens next?

The first step, before treatment actually begins, is to have diagnostic records taken. These consist of digital X-rays, digital photographs, and impressions for study models of the teeth.

These items allow the orthodontist to analyze and measure many important features and determine an individualized treatment plan. The orthodontist will then go over your records and customized plan with you at a subsequent consultation appointment. If the treatment plan involves conventional braces, the orthodontist will describe the process of getting started with your treatment, and the office staff will assist you with scheduling the first appointments. Our office manager will review payment plan options, including reimbursement from any insurance you may have.

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Will my child have to miss school for orthodontic appointments?

Regular orthodontic appointments will take place about once a month, and these usually take approximately 45 minutes.

One or two long appointments at the beginning and end of treatment will need to be scheduled in the morning, but monthly adjustment appointments can be scheduled either in the morning or in the afternoon after school. Many patients from nearby schools come to the office during the day so that they can still take the school bus home. We provide notes for students to give to the attendance office personnel at school verifying their appointments in order to satisfy the requirement for an excused absence. Over a year’s time, most patients only miss an hour or so of school every month or two.

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After I begin treatment, what happens at a normal orthodontic appointment?

At each appointment, the first task is to check the condition of the braces and to assess oral hygiene. Then an evaluation is made of the progress since the last appointment. Once this is complete, the next procedure is undertaken. This may be a new archwire, a further adjustment in an archwire already in use, or perhaps adding some new component to the braces. If the patient has only an early-phase appliance, such as a space-maintainer or palate expander, these are checked regularly to make sure they are intact and clean.

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What do elastics, headgear and retainers do?

Elastics and headgears are simply means of applying a traction force to move teeth toward the correct bite positions. These items attach to braces and can be removed for eating and brushing. Most headgears are worn about 12 to 14 hours each day (which includes 8-10 hours while sleeping). Elastics are worn varying amounts depending on their purpose, from 8 to 24 hours each day. Retainers are removable appliances, usually made of hard acrylic plastic and custom orthodontic wires. They “retain” the straightened teeth in their new positions after braces are removed.

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What is Invisalign? How does it work?

Invisalign is an alternative method of gradual tooth movement. It uses a series of clear aligners, made of a special plastic material, to move teeth in small increments to positions of better alignment and improved esthetics. After treatment, each patient continues to wear the final aligners (or sometimes other retainers) to keep their teeth in their corrected positions.

Invisalign works very well in situations with mild to moderate crowding or spacing of teeth. It does not work satisfactorily for individuals with substantial bite relationship problems, severe crowding, or discrepancies between the upper and lower arch forms. Patients undergoing Invisalign treatment have the benefit of essentially invisible treatment and unhindered oral hygiene, but, compared to traditional braces, it also requires patients to be more attentive to their orthodontic treatment and 100% compliant in wearing the aligners.

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