Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should a child be evaluated by an orthodontist?
Generally children should be seen for an orthodontic evaluation when they are seven years old. At this time the child’s permanent lower incisors and first molars have erupted and a good assessment of lower crowding and the bite relationship may be made.
2. Why are children receiving orthodontic treatment when they still have baby teeth?
Reasons for treatment at this time are many and varied. Treatment may correct dental concerns such as crowded teeth, crossbites, eruption problems, or finger/thumb habits. Also, skeletal discrepancies may be favorably altered through growth modification procedures like headgear, a functional appliance or widening the palate.
The orthodontist must evaluate if the benefits and opportunities of early treatment are greater than the time, effort and expense of early treatment.
3. How can a young patient benefit from the removal of teeth?
Occasionally the permanent teeth of young patients are so crowded that they may benefit from the removal of baby and/or permanent teeth. Each patient is unique and should be thoroughly evaluated with records (models, radiographs, and photographs) prior to making the decision to remove teeth. Orthodontists hope to avoid removing teeth unless absolutely necessary.
4. What are some of the benefits of early treatment in children?
Eliminating thumb/finger sucking habits or establishing favorable bite relationships may favorably alter facial growth. Good space management may permit permanent teeth to erupt in an uncrowded healthy position in the jaw, may avoid impacting permanent teeth, may reduce the need to remove permanent teeth and may decrease the vulnerability of teeth to trauma.
5. If a child received early treatment (before the eruption of all permanent teeth), is additional treatment necessary after the permanent teeth erupt?
Early treatment may be started in an attempt to correct an urgent concern. It is hoped that after the eruption of the permanent teeth additional orthodontic treatment will not be needed. However, if a second phase of orthodontic treatment is recommended, the length of treatment may be shortened or the difficulty of treatment reduced.
6. When is a patient too old for orthodontic treatment?
A patient is never too old for orthodontic treatment. Tooth movement is a process that is never turned off naturally. It is very important that the patient’s gum tissue and bone supporting each tooth is healthy prior to and during orthodontic treatment.
7. What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for an adult?
Apart from improving facial esthetics and dental function, favorable bone relationships and gingival health may be achieved. Additionally, orthodontically moving teeth may allow the optimal replacement or restoration of lost, fractured or periodontally compromised teeth. The vast number of adult patients may be treated in less than a year using fixed or removable appliances.
8. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment is based upon the difficulty of the case, anticipated time needed to complete treatment and the type of appliance (removable/retainer or fixed/braces) used to move teeth. The type of tooth movement desired determines the type of appliance to be used during treatment.
If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Frank's office.
