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Frequently Asked Questions
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| Q:
What is orthodontics? |
| A:
Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that involves
straightening teeth and altering bone growth for proper jaw
alignment. It is also called “dentofacial orthopedics”. For
optimum chewing, your teeth should fit together like gears
meshing in a machine. When your teeth and jaws do not meet
correctly, it is called a “malocclusion” or bad bite. An orthodontist
first diagnoses your tooth and jaw alignments, then may recommend
to you special appliances to bring your teeth, lips and jaws
into their proper positions. When your teeth and jaws are
aligned through orthodontics, you will see improvement in
your appearance, health, gums, and chewing power - even your
speech and breathing may experience dramatic changes - all
of which will enhance your self image and quality of life. |
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Q: What’s the difference between a general dentist and
an orthodontist?
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| A:
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has spent an additional
two years or more in an advanced, intensive educational program
to be certified in the science of facial growth and tooth
movement from an accredited dental school. Graduation is not
the end of the education. Orthodontists advance their knowledge
through continuing education courses which also satisfy the
state law requirements. In contrast to the general dentist,
orthodontists limit their practice to the specialty of orthodontics
in order to serve your better. In fact, the American Dental
Association has issued the following statement: The American
Dental Association has recognized that Specialists are necessary
to protect the public, nurture the art and science of dentistry
and improve the quality of care. Specialists are recognized
in those areas where advanced knowledge and skills are essential
to maintain or restore oral health. The American Dental Association
has further stated that a specialty (such as Orthodontics)
must be a distinct and well defined field which requires unique
knowledge and skills beyond those of commonly possessed by
general practitioners. * *Requirements of Recognition of Dental
Specialists and National Certifying Boards for Dental Specialists.
Approved by the 1995 American Dental Association House of
Delegates - October 1995 |
Q: When should orthodontic treatment begin? |
| A:
Each case is different, so there is no one answer. However,
untreated orthodontic problems can get much worse. Get an
early evaluation by age seven. Every Child should have an
evaluation by age seven to predict the need and timing for
treatment. Some orthodontic problems may be very difficult
to correct if the face and jaws have finished growing, since
treatment may include influencing the growth of jaws and muscles.
See an orthodontist early in your child’s life. Early treatment
makes later corrections much easier, and less expensive. your
orthodontist can give you a timeline for your particular treatment.
Adults can also be treated. It’s not too late as an adult
to correct dental/facial problems; in fact, over 25% of all
orthodontic treatment is for adults. Because an adult’s facial
bones are finished growing, some corrections may require more
than braces alone. you can change your appearance dramatically
with orthodontic treatment accompanied by surgical intervention,
if you wish. |
Q: What signs indicate that orthodontic
treatment may be needed? |
| A:
* Unusual facial profile * Thumb and finger sucking * Overlapping
and crowded teeth * Missing teeth * Overbite * Spaced teeth
* Protrusion of upper front teeth * Mouthbreathing * Showing
too much gum tissue when smiling * Poor relationship of back
permanent teeth. This will be obvious to your family dentist
at an early age. ( The above list applies to adults and children)
If you have any concerns, ask your family dentist or call
for an appointment. A referral is preferred, but not necessary.
Children should be seen by age 7 if something seems unusual.
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Q: How will my child benefit from straight teeth? |
| A:
Orthodontic treatment can enhance dental health and dramatically
improve facial appearance. Properly aligned teeth are more
easily cleaned and cared for. Correction of the bite helps
with improved chewing and speech, as well as reducing future
wear of the teeth and stress on the supporting bone and jaw
joints (TMJ). Changes in facial appearance frequently improve
an individual’s self-confidence and self-image. |
Q: How does orthodontic care improve self-image? |
| A:
Scientific research has repeatedly shown the mouth and face
to be focal points of communication and social interaction.
Appearance has been related to interpersonal popularity, social
behavior, self-expectation, personality style, and self-image.
There can be little doubt that an attractive facial appearance
and smile can improve the quality of life in many dimensions.
Facial as well as dental esthetics are carefully considered
in planning individual treatment strategies. |
Q: What will happen on my first visit to your office? |
| A:
At your first appointment, Dr. McDaniel or Dr. Sternstein
will perform a thorough clinical orthodontic examination of
the bite, alignment of the teeth, health of the soft tissues,
function of the jaw joints and adjacent supporting structures.
If treatment is necessary, an appointment will be made for
a complete set of orthodontic diagnostic records to permit
a more detailed assessment of facial growth, and evaluation
of underlying structures not visible clinically. |
Q: What are orthodontic records? |
| A:
Orthodontic records usually include x-rays, photographs
of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. These diagnostic
records enable us to develop a detailed treatment plan appropriate
for your individual problem. After orthodontic records are
complete, you will be scheduled for a consultation appointment.
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Q: What will happen at the consultation appointment? |
| A:The
consultation appointment is a time set aside to fully discuss
the nature of the orthodontic problem and the specific recommendations
for correction. You will also be informed of the cooperation
we will need to obtain best results as well as difficulties
which can arise. All questions will be answered including
the time of treatment and expense involved. |
Q: Do I have to pay for orthodontic care all at once?
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| A:
No. We are sensitive to your financial circumstances and offer
a variety of payment plans that spread the expense over time.
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Q: Do you accept my orthodontic insurance? |
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A:Yes. You’ll be glad to know we work with many different
insurance plans, but if insurance isn’t an option, we’ll work
with you on a payment plan that you can afford. Our main goal
is, after all, to give you the healthiest, nicest smile possible.
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Q: What role will my family dentist have in my orthodontic
treatment? |
| A:
Your family dentist will be kept informed of your diagnosis,
treatment plan, and progress. You will receive copies of all
correspondence sent out from our office relative to your treatment.
You should see your family dentist every 4 to 6 months for
routine dental exams and cleanings. We may request that you
be seen at other times as well if there are special concerns
such as: a) replacement of missing teeth. b) restoration of
broken down or malformed teeth. c) treatment alternatives
(ie. sometimes restorative procedures can enhance orthodontic
treatment). Drs. McDaniel and Sternstein consider orthodontic
treatment a team effort with your family dentist as the “quarterback”.
When your orthodontic treatment is complete, your family dentist
will once again be responsible for your total dental care
and therefore is very interested in the quality of your orthodontic
treatment and your results. |
Q: When will my appointments be scheduled? |
| A:
Once treatment has started, patients are seen at 4 to 6 week
intervals. We also understand concerns about missing
school
or work and schedule appointments so that each patient receives
a fair proportion of late afternoon appointments. For
your
convenience, we try to maximize the number of shorter appointments
during the more desirable early and late periods in our
working
day and are happy to provide school excuses as needed. |
Q: What happens if I have a problem with my braces after hours
or on a weekend? |
| A:
Orthodontic emergencies are rare, but if you have a problem,
we respond promptly. (Both Doctors live within a few minutes
of the office.) |
Q: Why do people choose to have braces during adulthood? |
| A:
Many of our adult patients are being treated for orthodontic
problems that were not corrected when they were younger. These
individuals realize that improving the health of their mouth
and the attractiveness of their smile and facial appearance
often results in changes for the better in their personal,
social and professional lives. Over 25% of our patients are
adults. |
Q: What can we expect from your practice? |
| A:You
can expect technical excellence in a supportive, encouraging
environment. Drs. McDaniel and Sternstein have combined orthodontic
experience of over 50 years. They share a non-extraction philosophy
of developing room for crowded teeth whenever possible and
consider facial as well as dental esthetics when planning
treatment. Although your treatment will be managed by just
one of the doctors, they confer on difficult cases. You will
benefit from their ongoing sharing of information and procedures.
In addition to keeping abreast of current developments in
orthodontics, both doctors are on the staff of the S.I.U.
Medical School where they teach, lecture, and consult. Both
are members of the Head and Neck Anomalies Clinic at the medical
school where, along with plastic surgeons, ENT specialists,
pediatricians, speech therapists, and geneticists, they diagnose
and plan treatment for children with significant facial deformities
and impaired growth. The success of our efforts depends heavily
on cooperation and compliance. Therefore, we communicate clearly
and address patients concerns promptly. It is our goal to
provide you with such personalized and quality care that you
will feel comfortable recommending us to your friends and
family. |
Q: Why a retainer? |
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A:At
the end of treatment, teeth generally are close to their
final desired positions. There is a degree of “settling”
which happens when the teeth are free to respond to the
muscle pressures of chewing. Although the teeth have moved
into new locations, the gum tissue has often been stretched
and will try to return to it’s original location. Retainers
are designed to keep the teeth in good alignment during
this adjustment period. The lower front teeth are particularly
likely to change, especially if they were crowded to begin
with. For that reason, lower retainers are generally attached
in a more permanent fashion to discourage unfavorable changes
and also to remove the worry about a possible lost or broken
retainer. The upper retainer usually is of a removable variety,
which must be worn faithfully to keep the teeth in their
new and desired locations. Although not as dramatic as the
active treatment time with braces, the retention period
is equally, if not more, important to the final result.
For
more Information - AAO Websites
www.AAOMembers.org
www.braces.org
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