Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office at 214-691-1172. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Upon arriving, each patient will be seen by the New Patient Coordinator who will acclimate you to our office and prepare you for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and x-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Johnson will then complete a thorough exam. If you have a current panoramic x-ray, please bring it to this appointment. To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit page.

What will I learn from the initial examination?

There are four essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. New technology has provided advanced orthodontic techniques that greatly reduce the need for removing any teeth.

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 9 to 18 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 15 months. Because of our utilization of the latest in orthodontic technology, our treatment times have decreased by 35% in the last 5 years. To read more about our technology see our Sure Smile page.

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will explain the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance information and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.

How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 8 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 8 to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with the receptionist upon their return.

Do braces hurt?

Generally, braces do not "hurt". After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, medications such as Tylenol or Advil will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, "It does not have to hurt to do the job."

Do you give shots?

No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Do you use recycled braces?

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for all sports. We are happy to provide you with a mouthguard when requested and have several color options available.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. We recommend cleaning appointments at least every 3 to 6 months.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least 3-4 times each day: after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to brush, floss, and care for their teeth with braces.

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If something breaks, you should call our office. In many cases we can address these issues over the telephone. If not, we will then schedule an appointment or add extra time to your existing appointment. For more information see Emergencies.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 6-12 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe, such as providing more room for permanent tooth eruption, correcting underbite or overbite, improving facial profile and lip posture and boosting self-esteem and self-image. For more information please refer to our Child Treatment page.

Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?

Even with ideal cooperation and favorable growth response in Phase I most patients will benefit with continued Phase II treatment which is full braces. However, Phase II is generally less severe and may require a shorter treatment period. Both phases are important for the correction of problems, yet are distinctly different. The most important value of two-phase treatment is the end result. For more information please refer to our Child Treatment page.

Will my child need an expander?

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander. The purpose of an expander is to correct crossbites that cause jaw assymetries and other structural problems. The added benefit is creating additional space for permanent teeth to erupt. Please refer to the RPE page for more information.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 30% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontists are specialists who have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.