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is an adult too old for braces? A. Recently, the number of adult orthodontic patients has been on the rise. For those who can benefit from orthodontics, age is not a factor. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old. Increasing numbers of adults are taking advantage of the lifelong benefits of orthodontics. These are people who have made the choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile and the confidence that it brings. The latest technology offers many benefits to adult patients. For example, we have clear braces that are hardly noticeable. When they are taken care of they work just as well as the metal braces. We are also an Invisalign® Certified provider. Orthodontic care is a fun, positive experience for everyone! If you would like to see what type of benefits orthodontic care can provide adults with, please call Dr. Reuland’s office to set up a complimentary consultation. Q. How much do braces cost? Is this something that I will be able to afford? A. There is not one basic fee charged for orthodontic treatment. Everyone has a different mouth and the charge is based on the severity of the case. In order to give a patient a more definite answer it is necessary to schedule a consultation where an exam can be performed. At the consultation, Dr. Reuland will formulate a treatment plan for the patient and a fee for the therapy will be quoted. Our financial coordinator can offer many different payment plans to work with your budget. Many patients can take advantage of their orthodontic insurance benefits and flex spending plans through their employer. You will go home with all of the information you need to make a decision on your orthodontic care! Q. What is the difference between an orthodontist and a regular dentist? A. An orthodontist has spent an extra 2½ years of training in the science of orthodontics. The orthodontist has chosen to limit his/her practice to orthodontics only. There is a more specialized form of treatment that takes place in the orthodontic office compared to the dental office; however, it is very important to have regular visits with your dentist while you are in braces. They help to ensure that your teeth stay extra clean while you are in orthodontic treatment. I recommend that my patients see the dentist at least 2 times a year and even more if the dentist recommends it. Both offices work together for the patient to receive top quality care! Q. Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist? A. Teeth, and sometimes faces, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment so it’s important that it be done correctly. A licensed orthodontic specialist knows all the proper techniques to ensure that the teeth are moving correctly and that the jaw is developing as it should throughout treatment. Afterward, the orthodontist is the expert who makes sure that your teeth stay in their new, correct position. Q. How long will I have to wear braces? A. The amount of time a patient will be in orthodontic treatment depends upon the complexity of the individual case. The average treatment duration for a comprehensive treatment plan is anywhere from 18-24 months. The average treatment duration for an early treatment plan is anywhere from 12-16 months. Every case is different and treatment times can vary depending upon how the patient responds. New technology such as the space age wires, are decreasing the amount of time a patient will be in braces. The warm temperature in the mouth activates these wires. This ensures that a patient’s treatment time will be even more effective. Q. When I get braces will it hurt? A. The new technology in the orthodontic world has improved, and wearing braces is much easier than it has been in the past. There are many types of braces and cool appliances in orthodontic offices today. Having treatment is really a positive experience! Our office has clear and metal braces for our patients. We also tie the wires in with special colored elastic rubber bands. Every time you come in for an appointment you can change your colors. Our adult patients who choose clear braces can also use clear elastic rubber bands. There are many different options provided to the patient in the world of orthodontic care. If you would like to see all of these options call Dr. Reuland today for a complimentary consultation! Q. What health benefits result from orthodontic treatment? A. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and healthy. When teeth are tipped, rotated, or crowded it is harder for your toothbrush and floss to reach all the areas exposed to decay. Straight teeth are easier to care for, more comfortable and have better function. Braces can ensure good dental hygiene. These are the benefits that can result from having orthodontic care. The major benefit is that your teeth will be easier to take care of over the years. Q. How do braces straighten crooked teeth? A. Braces don’t look like they do much more than sit there on the teeth, but the fact is that they apply gentle, steady pressure over time to move teeth into the correct positions. During every moment we’re working with you, your braces are doing a specific job. The brackets we place on the teeth and the main arch wire that connects them are the two main things that straighten your teeth. The bracket is a piece of specially shaped metal or ceramic that is attached to each tooth. Then we bend an arch wire that is threaded through the brackets. The wire is shaped to be the ideal bite, and as the wire tries to return to its current shape, it applies pressure that actually moves the teeth. With pressure from the wire, your teeth move in the jawbone and new bone grows into the place made by the pressure. It’s definitely an engineering feat going on quietly inside your mouth to build that beautiful smile! Q. Can braces be less noticeable? Can I get them in colors? A. With the advances in technology available today, the answer to both questions is, yes! Some people feel comfortable when only small attention is drawn to their braces so clear braces or Invisalign® treatment may be the answer. For other patients, the idea of colors, bright or pastel, seems like a more fun approach to their treatment. We find that those patients who choose colors often take better care of their braces because they add constant variety and they are able to participate in the choice. Once the braces are removed, even retainers come in color choices so the fun continues as well. Q. How often do I have to see the orthodontist once treatment starts? A. Generally, your appliances will need adjustments every four to eight weeks. Q. Everyone in my family has similar problems with their teeth. Is this the result of heredity? A. Orthodontic problems often run in families. Siblings many times have the exact orthodontic complications. Heredity plays a major role in how your permanent teeth position themselves as they erupt. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can often minimize expensive corrections later on. In the interest of preventive dentistry, we encourage you to schedule consultations for all the members of your family. We’re happy to see your family together and examine each child and adult individually. Everyone in your family can functionally benefit from having their teeth straightened. Please call us at 903-535-7886 to schedule your consultation today. Top  |