An Orthodontist is a Specialist in the Dental Field
An orthodontist is specially trained to correct problems affecting the teeth and jaws. If you need braces or some other form of appliance, you will need to see an orthodontist. But just how do you go about finding the right one to meet your specific dental needs? Well, you can start with our practice. We have licensed specialists with Diplomate Status of the Board of Orthodontists and Diplomates of the College of the Board of Orthodontists. A status that no other local orthodontist can boast! Since some treatments can take years, our multi-doctor family ownership allows you the advantage of continuity of care, sharing of knowledge, and foremost a built-in second opinion. There are many questions you may have about orthodontics. How long the needed appliance will remain in place and how many follow-up or maintenance visits will be required. The charge for the procedure and how billing is handled. 
Can you make scheduled payments, or is the total amount all due at once?
What types of insurance does the orthodontist accept and will the office submit the claim?
Most insurance plans are accepted, either as co-payment or payment in full. Finding out the answers to these questions will help you make an informed choice and they also prevent any unwelcome surprises down the road. A good relationship is built on honest and open communication. We want you to know all before you or your child begins a new journey. An added advantage for prospective patients of our practice is knowing that their orthodontist has a university and hospital affiliations. Orthodontists must be on the cutting edge of their continuing education in the pursuit of excellence.
Perhaps someone you know could have benefited from braces as a child but didn’t have the opportunity to have their teeth straightened. The good news is it is not too late. Today more adults than ever are seeking orthodontic correction for irregularities in teeth alignment. Whether their teeth are crooked or crowded or perhaps spaced too far apart, braces can realign and balance the teeth within the jaws and face. Besides the cosmetic benefits, braces can improve overall oral hygiene. Once the decision is made the orthodontist makes plaster models of the teeth and recommends the type of appliance best suited to the individual’s needs. That may mean conventional wire braces, braces with mini brackets, or so-called invisible braces. Orthodontic treatment cannot only improve a person’s appearance but boost their self-esteem. At any age having the teeth straightened can make a world of difference. Ask about braces behind your teeth!
When is the right time for children to get braces? Well, the fact is the ideal time for treatment tends to vary from child to child. Usually, however, the dentist will monitor the development of the secondary teeth and approach the subject of braces once a problem is noted. Don’t ever worry, it is our pleasure to provide you with a free consultation exam and evaluation at any age. The national census was taken from Pediatric Dentistry and Medical Societies is that a child should be analyzed at seven (7) years old. The orthodontist will advise that braces be applied based on when the maximum improvement can be expected in a timely cost-effective manner.
Malocclusion, or an improper alignment of teeth, can cause all types of difficulties for children, including problems with chewing, which in turn can interfere with proper nutrition. In fact, it is not too early to have the first family dental exam soon after the baby teeth have erupted with routine visits scheduled thereafter. Don’t put off seeing a dentist, especially if problems develop. Your family dentist will help guide you for orthodontic treatment.
Routine dental examinations for children should be started as soon as the baby teeth are in at approximately three (3) years old. From that point on, the dentist will evaluate the teeth on each visit, and if problems are detected, such as crooked teeth or an uneven profile, orthodontic treatment will be recommended at the appropriate time.
A university-trained postgraduate of orthodontics is specially trained 2 to 3 years beyond dental school. Your orthodontist should be trained to treat Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMJ dysfunction) of the jaw joints. He can straighten teeth with braces or corrective appliances, and correct jaw position, and improve facial balance via orthognathic team surgery with an oral maxillofacial surgeon. The ideal age for orthodontic treatment to begin tends to vary from child to child. Its usually advised, however, that the teeth are straightened before the face and jaws have finished growing to avoid the aforementioned problems of surgery and TMJ dysfunction. So don’t put off getting an orthodontic evaluation. If a problem is noted, seek a professional opinion right away.
