FAQ

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
What do we do to get started?
What happens next?
How long will it take?
How much will it cost?
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Can I still play sports?
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

2. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, Although treatment may not actually be started until years later, this early examination allows Dr. Edney to detect any possible areas of concern and schedule furture observations in order to stay abreast of any orthodontic conditions that would require treatment. Early detection and treatment can prevent more serious problems from developing. (Be sure to review the section, 'Early Treatment' under the "Treatment" tab on our website.)

3. What do we do to get started?

We’re just a phone call away - we would love to get you scheduled as soon as possible. Your first visit to our office – a consultation – is the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered and discuss your concerns. Dr. Edney and our Treatment Coordinator will discuss your needs and explain your options using many computer imaging visual aids and an extensive collection of before and after photographs of patients with similar orthodontic problems. No two patients are the same, therefore treatment plans always differ. Individual planning for each patient yields the best results. Having treatment while the jaws are still growing results in easier, faster and less costly treatment, too.Back to top

4. What happens next?

Regularly scheduled appointments are an important part of any orthodontic treatment. We see our patients every 6 – 10 weeks, depending on the individual situation, to check your progress and make adjustments to your braces. Regular check-ups with your family dentist are also necessary every 4 – 6 months during your orthodontic treatment. Once the braces are removed, retainers will be made. Your retainers are designed to settle your teeth in their corrected position and ensure a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Back to top

5. How long will it take?

No two patients are exactly alike, and no two treatment plans are either. Some limited treatments may take only a few months, while full treatment will take longer. Full treatment on teenagers averages 18 – 24 months, while treatment on adults is slightly longer. Keep in mind that averages may not apply in your case, depending on the severity of the problem. A comprehensive examination is the only way to provide an accurate estimate of the time and cost involved in your case.

6. How much will it cost?

The cost of treatment varies, of course, depending on the severity of the problem and the specific goals established for treatment. Amazingly, the cost of orthodontic treatment has actually decreased over the past 30 years in relation to income and other expenses found in today’s society. While it’s important to keep in mind the lifetime value that orthodontic treatment offers, we understand that you will have specific cost questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected with limited treatment, and the cost of this treatment may be less than you think. We are happy to work directly with your insurance company to help you maximize your orthodontic insurance benefits, and we offer payment plans to help meet individual financial needs.

7. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled five to 10 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.

8. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

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 their patient manager before dropping off their child.

9. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

10. Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

11. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

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.

12. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least three times each day, especially after eating and more importantly, before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

13. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Luckily, there are very few orthodontic emergencies. You may be able to temporarily solve many problems with your braces until you can schedule a repair appointment with our office. We provide our patients with a convenient refrigerator magnet showing various solutions. However, if you experience extreme pain or an appliance is broken, call our office immediately. Our after hours emergencies are processed through our office number and an assistant will return your call. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

14. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

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. As mentioned above, early detection and intervention can prevent more serious problems from developing.

15. What is Phase One (early) treatment?

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on 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. Additionally, this early intervention treatment will generally make comprehensive treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.

16. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?

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.

17. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. The process involved in moving the teeth is the same with adults as with children, thus orthodontic treatment can usually be successful at any age. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces! (Be sure to review the section, "Adult Treatment" under the "Treatment" section of our website.)

18. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

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.