AAO Information Video Series

The American Association of Orthodontics provides an overview of what orthodontic treatment is and how it benefits patients of all ages. There are seven videos included in this webisode series discussing cosmetic dentistry, early treatment for children, importance of mouth guards while playing sports and much more. Click on the arrow to start the first of seven in the series.  A list of options is available on the bottom of the viewer after you start the first video.

Click the link to experience these fantastic videos:

http://www.braces.org/learn/Webisodes.cfm

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Baker has answered through his many years in orthodontic practice. 

1). What is usually done at the first appointment after the initial consultation?

             At this first appointment diagnostic records are taken.  These records usually  consist of  upper and lower impressions of the teeth.  A panoramic x-ray and possibly a lateral skull film is taken.  Also, intra oral and facial photographs are taken with a digital camera.

2). Does it hurt when braces are places upon the teeth?

             The patient feels absolutely no discomfort as the braces are bonded to the teeth.  When the wire is placed, the patient may feel some "tightness" as the wire is engaged into the braces(brackets).  During the first few days after the wire is placed, some degree of tenderness to the teeth may be experienced. If the discomfort is more than expected, please call the office.

3). Are new wires placed at every appointment?

             New arch wires are placed as needed.  This will depend on what is being accomplished.  A new wire may be placed at the next appointment or the present wire may be used for an extended period of time.

4).  Why do some cases take longer to treat than other cases?

              Patients should keep in mind that no two cases are exactly the same.  An estimate of the treatment time will be given to the patient at the beginning of treatment.  However, this is just an estimate.  The actual treatment time is affected by the overall complexity of the case, unexpected situations such as impacted teeth which do not erupt on their own, very slow eruption times of some permanent teeth,  unfavorable growth patterns of the jaw bones,  and  impacted second molars.   Major causes of extended orthodontic treatment are missed appointments and/or broken braces and wires usually caused by eating the wrong types of food.

5).  Does every patient have to wear rubber bands?

              The nature of the orthodontic problem and what is trying to be accomplished will determine what type of appliance is given to the patient.  Some patients may wear rubber elastics; other patients will not need them.  Some patients will need a bite plate appliance, a palate expander, or a headgear, or a removable growth and development appliance.  Remember, every case is different and may require different types of appliances to obtain a successful result.

6).  Is the fee for the orthodontic treatment the same for all the patients?

             The fee that was quoted to you at the beginning of treatment is based upon the complexity of the case, the estimated treatment time, and the type of appliances that will be used in your treatment.  Therefore, your fee may be the same, higher, or lower than any other patient that comes to our office.   

7).  Why do some children seem to start orthodontic treatment at such an early age?

             Sometimes, a young child will come to our office with the parents for a very specific problem.  They are usually told to come to the orthodontist by their family dentist.  We treat these young children in order to correct the problem or prevent the problem from becoming worse and thereby making the eventual orthodontic treatment less complex and assuring a more  satisfactory result.   These problems that are seen in young children include crossbites of the front teeth(where the upper front teeth go behind the lower front teeth upon closing of the lower jaw), a chronic thumb sucking habit which can result in tongue thrusting and protrusion of the upper front teeth,  and a poor eruption pattern to one or more teeth resulting in poor function or causing a very unesthetic dental appearance that may give the young child social problems. 

8).  Should I or my child see our family dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment?

             All patients undergoing orthodontic treatment should see their family dentist at regular intervals for exams, cleanings, and possible fluoride treatments

9).  What happens if we have to move out of the area during the course of the orthodontic treatment?

             This happens occasionally and usually presents no major problems.  Dr. Baker's office will help the patient find a qualified orthodontist in the new area.  Dr. Baker will give copies of the original records and treatment plan to the patient to present to the new orthodontist.   Financial arrangements will have to be made with the new orthodontic office for the continuation of the orthodontic treatment.

 10).  Do all patients have to have retainers after completion of the orthodontic treatment?

              Some type of retaining appliance is necessary after the orthodontic treatment to hold the teeth in their new position while the bone settles around the roots of the teeth.  The patient should be aware that teeth have memory and without retainers the teeth could relapse toward their original position.  There are removable retaining appliances and also bonded wires that go behind the teeth.  Dr. Baker will discuss with you which type of retaining appliance is best suited to your needs