Initial Visit
Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss treatment options and findings without charging a fee. Beyond the consultation, there may be a co-payment for x-rays and other diagnostic procedures as needed.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
As a rule of thumb, we like to make an initial assessment of patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front adult teeth start to appear. This can vary anywhere from age 6 to 9 in most cases.
Why do you evaluate patients so young?
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of issues do require early intervention, however, and it is important to screen for such findings. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed, and an observation schedule is arranged.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We may do a visual exam and explanation of findings only, or in some cases we may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics for a more in-depth look.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Yes, we handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to assess their current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started. Unlike most practices, we do not ask for a large down payment and instead charge a monthly fee to complete the treatment in progress.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely! An ever-growing percentage of our patients are adults. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient. We offer clear aligners such as Invisalign for the least noticeable approach or, alternatively, also have clear ceramic braces that blend in much more than traditional metal braces.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has had 2-3 extra years of full-time training in orthodontics, resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits his or her practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?
In order to have late appointments available for the majority of patients, some of the longer procedures, such as putting braces on, need to be accomplished earlier in the day. While most appointments can be completed after school, we will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs for any of the longer appointment requirements.
Do you see patients for emergencies?
Yes, all emergency calls over the weekend are forwarded to the doctors’ cellphone where they will either talk you through an easy, DIY solution at home or meet you at the office on a case-by-case basis if needed.
Financial
How do make payments?
Whether or not you have orthodontic coverage as part of your dental insurance, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for necessary services over the course of your treatment. We accept cash, check, and most major credit cards.
How do you handle insurance?
After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee.
Do you take American Express, Master Card and/or Visa?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, or payments by phone call to our front desk staff.
Do you charge interest?
No, we never charge interest on our treatment fees.
Do you give family discounts?
Yes, we have special programs and reduced fees for multiple patients from the same immediate family.
Types of Treatment
What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is performed before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to begin correction of harmful situations that may be more difficult or, in some cases, even impossible to correct later. Phase 1 treatment is not guaranteed to eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics during adolescence, however. Examples of Phase 1 treatment include correction of individual teeth which have erupted in a dangerous position, crossbite of the jaws, and severe underbites or overbites where function, esthetics, or psychological concerns are identified.
What is phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12 year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts around 2 years but varies on a case-by-case basis.
How do I know if Phase 1, 2 or both type of treatments are necessary?
An early visit as the adult teeth are erupting is recommended so that we can screen for issues requiring early attention. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from Phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care.
Should everyone have Phase 1 treatment just to be safe?
No. Phase 1 treatment is only recommended in very particular cases where specific issues are present and cannot be corrected later, or could cause harm if we wait for an older age. At Bradford Orthodontics, our philosophy is to only use Phase 1 treatment when absolutely necessary.
Moving of teeth (Mechanics)
I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
Yes. It is important to follow all guidelines from your prescribing doctor when attending both general dentist and orthodontist appointments.
How long do braces take?
Length of treatment can vary dramatically based on the complexity of each individual case. Typically treatment times range from 1 year to as long as 3 years for rarer but more complicated situations. The average length of treatment is usually around 2 years.
How do braces work?
Quite simply, crooked teeth are gradually moved into desired positions by taking shaped wires and attaching them to brackets on the teeth.
Do you use recycled braces?
No, we will never use any recycled appliances.
Retainers
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Yes, all patients get a set of retainers at the end of treatment and are instructed to wear them nightly unless otherwise specified.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Unless held by a retainer, teeth will continue to move throughout life whether you have previously had braces or not. This is part of the natural aging process and is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely following treatment to maintain your orthodontic results over a lifetime.
Wisdom teeth (Third Molars)
Do wisdom teeth cause teeth to get crooked?
In some cases, wisdom teeth have been shown to potentially play a role in crowding of teeth later in life, but not always. At Bradford Orthodontics, we offer free wisdom teeth screening even after we finish your orthodontic treatment and are happy to refer to an oral surgeon as needed if it ever looks like wisdom tooth extraction is indicated.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Most people do not have room for all of their wisdom teeth to erupt normally into their mouth. Because of this, they can often get stuck under the surface and cause issues to the gums, bone of the jaws, or even the healthy teeth in front of them. Removal is easier between the ages of 16 to 25 and it is often recommended to remove them as soon as a problem is noticed, rather than waiting for a more severe problem to occur later on.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ)
Can braces or orthodontic treatment treat or cause TMJ problems?
Scientific research has documented that there is not a direct link between orthodontic treatment and TMJ disorders. If temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is partially caused by the malpositioning of the teeth or jaws, many times orthodontic treatment can help improve symptoms. Every patient is different, however, and frustratingly sometimes orthodontic treatment has no effect on improving symptoms.
Health Impact
What are the health benefits of straightening teeth?
Orthodontics helps to improve the comfort of the bite, makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth for good dental health, and helps to balance the facial musculature. Besides dental health, the positive self-esteem benefits can be immeasurable.
How do enlarged adenoids and allergies affect braces?
Mouth breathing, as a result of enlarged adenoids, tonsils, or allergies, may cause your upper and lower jaws to grow apart and elongate facial form during growth. This can result in crowding, narrow arches of the teeth, and narrow jaws. It can also increase the risk of cavities and gum disease as the dry mouth associated with mouth breathing can cause a proliferation of bad bacteria.
How does a tongue thrust or low tongue posture affect braces?
Constant pressure from the tongue can cause the front teeth to separate, resulting in a bite without an overlap of the upper and lower teeth. Instead of pressing against the front teeth, the tongue should rest gently against the roof of the mouth when not in use for talking or swallowing.