How long does the average treatment take?
Utilizing the newest technologies we now anticipate total treatment times averaging 14 to 18 months from start to finish. Obviously some more demanding cases can take longer and more basic cases can finish sooner, but we complete most of our cases in that time period.
How much does the average treatment cost?
The cost of treatment varies depending on which phase of treatment is being received, how long treatment will take and what type of braces are being used. There can be additional charges for surgical cases and cosmetic brackets. We also advise that you continue your regular schedule with your family dentist. Those charges for general dentistry will be delivered by your family dentist.
Is orthodontic treatment painful?
No! It is rare for our patients to say they are in pain during treatment. The discomfort they feel is generally covered by simple over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or extra strength Tylenol. In addition we provide soft wax to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.
How often will appointments be?
Early on, most appointments are 10-12 weeks apart. As treatment progresses, we average 6-8 weeks between visits.
We live a long ways away. How many appointments will be needed altogether?
Typically, a total of 10-12 appointments will be required for treatment to be complete.
What happens at a typical visit?
Once the patient is seated the technician reviews the chart to see what is planned for the day's appointment. A doctor is consulted prior to commencing work, then the necessary procedures are performed. Upon completion of the days work, the doctor checks and review the work performed and plans the next appointment. All questions are answered and comfort is assured prior to the patient leaving. Most visits end with a review of the day's work with the accompanying parent.
How long is an average visit in the office?
Initial visits are typically 1-2 hours in length with most visits 15-30 minutes in length. Appointments which require the application of any braces, either initial of during treatment can be longer. Most of these brace application visits are performed during the morning hours as they tend to take longer and require more direct contact between doctor and patient. The initial banding (i.e. the day braces are first placed) usually takes 2-2 1/2 hours.
Does the office accept insurance?
Most major dental insurances are accepted by our office. These include those for the military, government workers, teachers and most major industries. Our office will be glad to assist in filing insurance forms and in many cases will allow direct assignment of benefits to our office.
What happens when treatment is complete?
All of our patients enter a one year retention program following completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Retainers are delivered at the end of treatment, final records are taken and reviewed and periodic follow up visits are scheduled to assure the beautiful result achieved with braces will last for a life time.
What happens if a patient is not ready for treatment?
We place all patients who are not ready for treatment in our "Orthodontic Guidance Program." This allows patients to be recalled to the office periodically in order to assess their status in terms of orthodontic development. It is our goal to not start any patient until it is the most opportune time to treat them. By waiting for this time, a treatment plan which is the most efficient and economical can be delivered. In a sense we wait until we can do the best care, at the best time, for the best value!
What colors are available for braces?
Every color imaginable!! We have collected orthodontic ties with every color of the rainbow which we make available to our patients. Even those patients with the new Damon brackets, which do not require ties to hold the wires in place, are given the choice of colors if they so desire. Patients with clear braces can place clear ties on their braces or can have colors as well. We like our patients to enjoy their treatment with us and we do what we can to make it fun.
What happens if an appointment must be missed or canceled?
We request our patients to call us as soon as possible if a change in schedule arises. If the office is closed you may leave a message to cancel your appointment on our answering machine. You may then call back to reschedule or request the office to call you at your convenience. If appointments are canceled in adequate time, patients requesting sooner visits can often be accommodated. The sooner an appointment is rescheduled, the sooner a new appointment can be made which will keep treatment progress at the rate necessary for a speedy finish. One of the largest causes for extended treatment times is missing appointments. Delaying rescheduling delays progress even further. So if an appointment must be missed please call to cancel and reschedule as soon as possible.
What should be done in an emergency situation?
There are very few “orthodontic emergencies” that need to be treated immediately. Placing wax over pokey wires or wires that come out of the slot may wait until the office is open. Trauma to the face causing broken brackets or teeth knocked out should be treated by your general dentist since they have X-ray equipment available to diagnose fractures. However, when in doubt, call the emergency number at (303) 596-5018.
What do I do to get started?
Call us as at (303) 694-1711 if down South or (303) 464-9300 if up North for a complimentary evaluation appointment. When you come for the first appointment you will be met by one of the treatment coordinators who will brief you about the visit. Then the doctor will examine you (or your child) and determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, diagnostic records (digital photos, X-Rays and impressions) will be taken to evaluate.