If you or your family needs orthodontic treatment, you may have questions about the process, procedure, and cost. There have been significant advances and improvements in braces and orthodontic appliances over the last decade or two. If you had orthodontic treatment in the past and are now looking into orthodontics again or for your child, you may be surprised by how much easier, more effective and more comfortable treatment will be.
Read on for some answers to our patient’s most commonly-asked questions. And, of course, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Rosenberg with any questions you may have.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7, or when they start getting permanent teeth. Because early intervention can help stop later problems, the orthodontist may want your child to return for periodic check-ups after more permanent teeth come in. Seeing an orthodontist for an initial consultation around age 7 can make treatment easier and quicker down the road.
The cost of treatment will depend on factors like the severity and complexity of your orthodontic goals, the type of treatment (braces, dental aligners, or something else), the length of your treatment plan, and your insurance plan.
The length of your treatment plan can vary based on your age, the extent of your orthodontic issues, and the treatment options you choose. Children and teens who get braces while their teeth and jaws are still growing may need a shorter treatment than an adult whose teeth are already "set." Treatment can be as short as 4 to 6 months or up to two years. At Smile Experience Orthodontics we make it our priority to complete your treatment in under 2 years. We know that patients want to achieve great results in as little time as possible.
We use state of the art technology and appliances to be as gentle as possible. At worst, some patients experience dull soreness that will last from 1 - 3 days or less.
In general, patients do not need to make changes to their diet while wearing braces. However, there are a few foods to avoid or be careful with such as very sticky or very hard foods. We will review this in more detail when you start treatment.
Invisalign, unlike metal and ceramic braces, are removable. Aligners look like a thin, clear mouthguard, providing gentle pressure to your teeth whenever you're wearing them. You'll remove your dental aligners whenever you eat, drink, brush, or floss.
Braces are attached to your teeth with a strong adhesive that can only be removed by an orthodontist. They rely on an archwire (which your orthodontist will periodically adjust) to move your teeth into the right positions.
An orthodontist is a type of dental specialist who works exclusively with people who need braces, Invisalign, or some other type of orthodontic treatment. We are experts in teeth movement. We are also experts in oral growth and development so orthodontists can often identify issues with teeth development before a problem advances - leading to much more efficient and effective treatment!
Additionally, a general dentist will have completed dental school, whereas, Dr. Rosenberg studied oral development and teeth movement for 3 additional years after graduating from dental school.