What if a sore develops?

Placing a small amount of wax or silicone over the offending bracket is very helpful to cushion the irritation until the cheek tissues have roughened. Rinsing with salt water is effective in relieving sore lips and cheeks.

What do I do if I have a pokey wire?

Call the office. Orthodontic wax will help relieve discomfort until you can see Dr. Brad. Cover the pokey wire with wax, or tuck it under the archwire using a blunt object like the eraser tip on the end of a pencil. Always look in a mirror and think before acting. Poking with a finger without looking almost never helps and sometimes makes things worse.

What kind of braces do you use?

We use state of the art clear aligners, tooth colored brackets, and metal brackets. Choices will be recommended to you based on your individual needs and preferences.

What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age 7. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Can you be too old for braces?

No, age is not a factor, only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!

What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?

Phase I or Interceptive Treatment usually starts while the child has most of their baby teeth and a few of their permanent front incisors. This stage in development is usually about the age of 7. The goal of Phase I treatment is to intercept a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce or eliminate it. These problems include skeletal dysplasia, crossbites and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better long term results and treatment options. Most Phase I patients require a Phase II treatment in order to achieve an ideal bite.

Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?

Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.

Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?

This is not recommended. If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long-term stability may be compromised. In addition, it may lead to extractions, oral surgery and increased costs.