Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions and answers are provided to help you with answers to the most commonly asked questions about orthodontics:

Questions

What is an orthodontist? What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment? What are the possible results of untreated problems? What is the objective of the treatment? When do I need to see my dentist? What is jaw surgery? How frequent are my appointments? How long will I have to wear braces? Can Invisalign© help me? What is the cost of the initial examination? What is the cost of the treatment? Should I still floss? What are the different types of orthodontic problems? What is meant by the word "malocclusion?" What problems are caused when teeth are crooked? Are malocclusions preventable? At what age should orthodontic treatment begin? When should I be concerned about orthodontic problems in my child? If my child has early treatment, will additional treatment be necessary? Why is early removal of certain teeth sometimes necessary? At what age is a patient too old for orthodontics? Why are adults seeking orthodontics in increasing numbers? Are there other options to metal braces?

• What is an orthodontist?
  An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed at least a two-year residency in the study of orthodontics at an accredited dental school.  As orthodontic specialists, our practice is limited to prevention and correction of irregularities in the teeth and jaws and other deformities of the face caused by these conditions.
  
• What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
  With orthodontic treatment in our practice, you can expect a more beautiful smile, healthier teeth, gums and bone, a balanced bite and a healthy TM joint.  You naturally feel better when you look better, and an improved facial appearance is a vital asset to one's self-confidence and self-esteem, which will benefit social and career success.
  
• What are the possible results of untreated problems?
  Depending on the severity of the case, untreated orthodontic problems may increase the risk for tooth decay, gum disease, jaw joint problems, and loss of teeth.  Protruding teeth can be easily chipped or damaged.  An untreated malocclusion (or "bad bite") may also play a role in one's self-image.
  
• What is the objective of the treatment?
  Dr. Adenwalla's objective is to achieve optimal results in terms of occlusion, facial harmony, esthetics and TMJ health.  He emphasizes non-extraction of permanent teeth to correct the malocclusion whenever possible.
  
• When do I need to see my dentist?
  Dr. Adenwalla will work closely with your family dentist to ensure that the best possible dental health is achieved and maintained during treatment.  It is an absolute must to continue routine checkup and cleaning appointments with your family dentist while receiving your orthodontic care.
  
• What is jaw surgery?
  Jaw (or orthognathic) surgery involves the combined effort of the orthodontist and an oral surgeon.  In some cases, the jaw bones are positioned in a way that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to obtain a good result with orthodontics alone.  The most common problems corrected with jaw surgery include a protruding upper jaw (which sometimes causes a "gummy smile"), a protruding lower jaw, or a recessed lower jaw.  Dramatic improvements in facial features, as well as straight teeth, can be obtained when surgery is done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
  
• How frequent are my appointments?
  After the braces are on, appointments are usually every 4 to 6 weeks.  Most appointments last about 20 to 30 minutes.
  
• How long will I have to wear braces?
  The average treatment time for children is about two years while adults may take slightly longer.  It is dependent on many variables such as patient cooperation, difficulty of the case, keeping regular appointments, and etc.
  
• Can Invisalign© help me?
  Whether your smile needs minor improvements or more extensive adjustments, Invisalign can certainly help.  It's successful in treating overly crowded or widely spaced teeth.  It can also relieve more complex issues, including overbites, underbites and even crossbites.  In fact, we can use Invisalign clear aligners in all or part of just about any treatment plan.  See New Procedures to learn more about Invisalign©.
  
• What is the cost of the initial examination?
  There is no charge for the initial examination.
  
• What is the cost of the treatment?
  At the initial examination appointment, we will give you a good idea of the overall cost of the treatment.  Treatment fees vary according to the complexity of the treatment rendered and the time required.  In most cases, we can tell you at the initial visit what the cost will be.  In some instances, it may be necessary to wait until the diagnostic records have been evaluated to determine the problem and the exact cost involved.  If you determine that this is the quality of treatment you want for your child, a payment plan will be developed to fit your family budget.
  
• Should I still floss?
  Flossing is more important than ever when you have braces.  A floss threader, available from your orthodontist or pharmacy, makes it all possible.  Ask your orthodontist to show you how to use one and you'll be on your way to having a sparkling, healthy smile!
  
• What are the different types of orthodontic problems?
  Any number of problems can create the need for orthodontic treatment, from crooked, crowded or improperly spaced teeth to an overbite, underbite, closed bite or crossbite.
  
• What is meant by the word "malocclusion?"
  This is a technical term we may use to describe teeth and jaws that do not fit and work together correctly.  In simple terms, it means a "bad bite".
  
• What problems are caused when teeth are crooked?
  Beyond the loss of self confidence many people feel, crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.  Sometimes it's harder to chew certain types of healthy, high fiber foods, causing either digestive difficulties or avoidance of the offending foods.  Other people may experience discomfort in their jaw joints from the improper alignment of teeth and gums.  If your teeth protrude, they may be more likely to chip or fracture.  An improper bite may even cause teeth to wear unevenly or faster.
  
• Are malocclusions preventable?
  Not generally.  Most often, the condition is inherited, such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between teeth, or numerous irregularities of the jaw and face.  Thumb- sucking or tongue thrusting plus dental disease or premature loss of primary or permanent teeth are just a few things that may contribute to an acquired malocclusion.
  
• At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
  Children, adolescents and adults can all benefit from orthodontic treatment; it all depends upon individual circumstances.  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age seven, unless a problem is evident earlier.  That way, the orthodontist can determine the most ideal time to begin treatment.
  
• When should I be concerned about orthodontic problems in my child?
  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age seven, unless a problem is evident earlier.  That way, the orthodontist can determine the most ideal time to begin treatment.
  
• If my child has early treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
  In most cases, yes.  After the permanent teeth have erupted, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase.  The objective of continued treatment is to place the permanent teeth in positions of optimal comfort, function, esthetics and long-term stability.
  
• Why is early removal of certain teeth sometimes necessary?
  Early removal of selected teeth may be necessary to guide the eruption of permanent teeth.  Carefully timed extractions may prevent a variety of problems, including:
  • Impacted or unfavorable positioned permanent teeth.
  • Damage to the roots of permanent teeth.
  • Severe crowding in the permanent teeth requiring lengthy and complex treatment.

  

• At what age is a patient too old for orthodontics?
  Patients who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old for orthodontic therapy.  They can spend the rest of their lives with an attractive smile if they choose to.  Age is not a factor.
  
• Why are adults seeking orthodontics in increasing numbers?
  Many adults are receiving orthodontic care that was not available to them as children.  They realize that improving the health of their mouths and the attractiveness of their smile and facial appearances can result in changes for the better in their personal, social and professional lives.
  
• Are there other options to metal braces?
  Some patients would not feel comfortable wearing obtrusive metal braces.  There is good news as there are other options to conventional braces.  Ceramic brackets and Invisalign both offer an attractive alternative.