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Braces are not “just for kids.” Because the basic process involved in moving teeth is the same in adults as in children, orthodontic treatment can usually be successful at any age. The health of the teeth, the gums and the supporting bones will also determine prospects for treatment. So, who can benefit? Almost anyone!
Although every child will not require early treatment, all children should be evaluated no later than age 7. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected early rather than waiting until jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean a patient will avoid surgery or other more serious corrections later in life.
Your initial visit will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. This will give us insight into your orthodontic needs. As your time is important, we may also reserve time following the exam for diagnostic records. These will include x-rays, photographs and impressions for study models.
The initial visit takes about 30 minutes and diagnostic records will take another 30 minutes. While we can often answer general questions about treatment at this point, we will address specific areas of treatment after careful analysis of the diagnostic records. We will then schedule a conference to discuss specific treatment options, length of treatment and financial arrangements.
We encourage questions at any time and insist that patients have a clear understanding of their specific needs before treatment begins. If you have orthodontic insurance, please bring your insurance card to the initial visit so we can give you an estimate of costs. Also, please print and complete the orthodontic medical history prior to your first visit.
Which types of braces are best? Metal? Ceramic? Invisalign? Lingual braces? There are many choices available and the type of braces you get depends on a number of factors. Some of these factors include the extent of your treatment, length of treatment time, fees involved and what you desire. We will be happy to discuss which option is best for you.
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Invisalign
- Lingual braces
- WildSmiles braces
Our metal brackets are silver. They are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. For the first 1-2 weeks they may irritate your cheeks and lips but once the tissues “toughen up” they will feel fine.
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Ceramic or “tooth-colored” braces are made of composite materials. They are strong and generally do not stain. Adults like ceramic braces because they are less noticeable than metal braces.
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Also sometimes called “speed braces,” self-ligating means the brackets do not need the little, colored rubber bands (elastics) to hold the wires onto the brackets. This creates less friction and allows quicker treatment. Because we don’t have to place new elastics every month, it may mean fewer appointments.
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Invisalign braces are great for people who do not have severe problems. The “braces” consist of strong plastic trays that are fabricated especially for you and they are invisible. Please click here for more information about Invisalign.
Images courtesy of http://www.invisalign.com |
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Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth and are virtually invisible to other people. The lingual brackets are made of metal. Special training is required for lingual braces and we are certified to provide this type of braces. The obvious benefit of this type of treatment is that no one will know that you are wearing braces unless they look inside your mouth!
Images courtesy of http://www.lingualcare.com
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WildSmiles brackets are fun for all patients-the young and the young at heart! The brackets are shaped like stars, hearts, flowers, diamonds and footballs.
Image courtesy of http://wildsmiles4you.com |
While many of our orthodontic patients are established patients in our practice, we gladly accept patients from other dental practices. We do not require you to “switch over” in order to have orthodontic treatment in our office. We will keep your dentist informed of your orthodontic progress and inform him/her of any general dentistry needs we may identify. It is imperative to stay current with hygiene appointments and check-ups with your dentist during orthodontic treatment.
Once you have begun orthodontic treatment it is just as important to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment. Braces and appliances can trap food and plaque. Brushing after every meal and snack and daily flossing is the best way to prevent tooth decat and gum disease. Extra care should be taken to gently brush along the gum lines with a soft toothbrush. Inadequate oral hygiene may result in gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth) and/or enamel decalcification (permanent staining of tooth enamel).
Hard foods, sticky foods and foods high in sugar must be avoided. Hard food can break or damage wires and brackets. Sticky foods can get caught in wires and brackets. Foods high in sugar can cause tooth decay.
- Taffy
- Tootsie Rolls
- All types of gum
- Sugar Daddies
- Starburst
- Caramels
- Ice
- Hard pretzels
- Jolly Ranchers
- Chewing cough drops
- Bagels
- Pizza crust
- Raw vegetables (unless cut into small pieces)
- Corn on the cob
- Candy
- Cake
- Pie
- Cookies
- Potato chips
- Dried fruits
Limit to once a day sugary drinks, such as soda, sweet tea, Kool-Aid and Gatorade.
In contemporary orthodontics (versus traditional orthodontics), we take into account the complex relationship of the teeth, the jaw joints, and the surrounding muscles of the head and neck. All orthodontic patients in our practice are evaluated using the neuromuscular approach. We don’t just straighten teeth, we strive to correct neuromuscular problems which results in a more stable outcome. Even young children can experience these problems so while a child’s teeth may look fine, the bite may be incorrect. We strive to intercept neuromuscular problems before they cause severe symptoms.
  
If the upper airway is obstructed, a person is unable to breathe efficiently through the nose. This necessitates mouth breathing which requires the tongue to lay low in the floor of the mouth instead of properly resting against the roof of the mouth. This, in turn, leads to inappropriate tongue habits. For example, during swallowing, the tongue should seal against the roof of the mouth. In contrast, mouth breathers thrust their tongues forward or sideways during swallowing. This can flare front teeth, open the bite in the front and can cause cross-bites of the teeth (lower teeth positioned outside the upper teeth instead of the other way around).
 There are various causes of upper airway obstruction. Tonsils and adenoids are the leading culprits. Not all tonsils and adenoids obstruct the airway. Only those patients with severely enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids are referred to an ENT specialist to have them removed. Allergies and enlarged turbinates in the nose can also obstruct the airway. These problems are also addressed by the ENT. During the course of orthodontic treatment, the tongue must be strengthened and re-trained to properly seal against the roof of the mouth during swallowing. If this is not addressed, the tongue will continue its bad habits and will most certainly cause relapse after orthodontic treatment is completed. Even retainers will not hold the teeth in place if the tongue continues its bad behavior.
Lastly, upper airway obstruction can cause obstructive sleep apnea, even in young children. Therefore, an added benefit to clearing the upper airway may be a marked improvement in sleep quality and daytime attention span.
We offer orthodontic appointments Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00-5:00 and on Fridays, 8:30-4:00.
Your scheduled appointment time is a reservation specifically for you. Missed orthodontic appointments can mean longer time in treatment. We require at least 48 hours notice if you need to change an appointment. We understand that unforeseen events may cause you to miss an appointment. A second missed appointment without notifying us may result in an additional fee.
Because most of our orthodontic patients are students, we cannot accommodate everyone with after-school appointments. Most appointments will be during school hours.
Wissler and Myers Family Dentistry is committed to helping you maximize your insurance benefits. There is a wide variety of plans so we can only estimate your orthodontic coverage in good faith. We cannot guarantee coverage amounts due to the complexities of insurance plans. As a service to you, we will bill the insurance companies.
If your insurance is discontinued for any reason, you are responsible for the entire remaining balance. Please be aware that many insurance companies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is distinct from regular dental insurance. We do not file claims until treatment begins.
We offer a variety of payment options for orthodontic treatment. We have in-house financing such as interest-free payment plans and Care Credit. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover Card. If you pay in full with a check or cash, you will receive 5% off of the treatment fee.
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