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According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists,
untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded
teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may
contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more
susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in
unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in
tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately,
orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile-it creates a healthier
you.
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Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed
by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be
appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have
extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their
patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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Orthodontics is not merely for improving the aesthetics of the smile;
orthodontic treatment improves bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions
occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect
the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth or feel about your smile.
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Our pediatric dentists screen for developing orthodontic problems at
every check-up visit starting at age 2. By the age of 7, the first
adult molars erupt, establishing the back bite. During this time, Dr.
Finelli or one of our pediatric dentists can evaluate front-to-back and
side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting
incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding or gummy
smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.
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Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater
opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides
growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When
orthodontic intervention is not necessary, Dr. Finelli and/or the
pediatric dentists can carefully monitor growth and development and
begin treatment when it is ideal.
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Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
Reducing treatment time in braces
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal
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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.
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No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred to Dr. Finelli by our
pediatric dentists, yet many other patients take the initiative to
schedule an examination themselves.
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If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic
treatment, simply call our office. We will be happy to schedule an
appointment for you.
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There are five 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?
· Will any teeth need to be removed?
· Approximately how long will the treatment take to complete?
· How much will the treatment cost?
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Orthodontic records are taken if it is determined that the patient is
ready to begin some phase of orthodontic treatment. These records
consist of study models (molds) taken of the teeth as well as certain
x-rays specific for orthodontic treatment. These diagnostic records are
then analyzed by the orthodontist to complete the diagnosis and
finalize the treatment plan. The records and treatment plan will then
be reviewed with the family/patient at the follow up consultation visit.
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Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic
problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The
"average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 24 months.
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It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until an
examination has been performed. We will discuss the exact cost and
financial options during the consultation appointment. There are many
financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will
review these with you. We request that you bring your coverage
information to the initial visit so that we can better explain the
financing of treatment and file your insurance claims.
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Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most
patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 weeks. If there are
specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will
schedule appointments accordingly.
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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 an
orthodontic assistant before dropping off their child.
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Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during
after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4
to 6 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.
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Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
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Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided
with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
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Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be
sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as
Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits,
patients do not feel any soreness at all!
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No. Administration of local anesthetic is not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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Removing teeth is sometimes necessary to achieve the best orthodontic
result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of
orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced
orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for
orthodontic treatment.
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Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist or our pediatric
dentists are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the
intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
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Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
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Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after
each meal and before going to bed. We teach our patients to floss their
teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special
fluoride, if necessary. Daily use of a fluoride rinse is important to
prevent decay and tooth decalcification.
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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.
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If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you
should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over
the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set
aside time for you. We are on-call 24/7 with a responsive live
answering service.
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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.
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At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
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Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated for children
between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21
months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address
significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to
improve self-esteem and self-image.
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It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after
Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called
the "resting period," during which growth and tooth eruption are
closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be
kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In general, 25
percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and
self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to
wear braces!
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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.