Drs. McDaniel & Sternstein

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Q: What’s the difference between a general dentist and an orthodontist?

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.

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.

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?

A: No. We are sensitive to your financial circumstances and offer a variety of payment plans that spread the expense over time.

Q: Do you accept my orthodontic insurance?

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.

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?

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.

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