Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child needs orthodontic treatment?
It is often difficult for a parent to determine if treatment is indicated. There may be serious orthodontic problems even though the front teeth look straight. Some problems that look intimidating and complex are easily treated. Asking your general dentist is a good place to start, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. The initial examination only takes a few minutes and is complimentary.
What are some early signs of orthodontic problems?
The following suggestions may be helpful.
Look at your child’s teeth. If you see crooked teeth, gaps between the teeth or overlapped teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.
Ask your child to bite all the way down, keeping their lips open. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? If you see any of these conditions an orthodontist should evaluate your child.
Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any mal-alignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem.
Other common signs include:
- Early or late loss of primary teeth
- Difficulty in chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking habits beyond age 5
- Speech difficulty
- Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that don’t seem to meet in a normal matter, or don’t meet at all
These are only some of the more obvious signs. Other signs may be much more subtle and require a trained professional to detect.
When should an orthodontist see my child?
All children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven, or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child’s physician. An early evaluation allows us to determine when a child’s particular problem should be treated. In many patients, early treatment provides results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing.
Will growth allow "self correction" of crowded teeth or bite problems?
Generally not, the jaws grow in the back to allow for eruption of the 12-year molars and wisdom teeth, but not in the front. In most children the amount of available space DECREASES as the permanent teeth erupt.
Either in children or adults, untreated orthodontic problems usually become worse. Orthodontic treatment is often less expensive than the additional dental care needed to treat serious problems that often develop later in life.
Can you be too old for braces?
No. Age is not a factor, any adult in good general health with a healthy gums and supporting bone is a good candidate for orthodontic treatment. About 20% of our orthodontic patients are adults and that number is still growing!
Will it hurt?
Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a day or 2 after they are placed or adjusted, but it is not "painful". Today's braces are smaller and more comfortable. High tech wires move the teeth more efficiently and with less discomfort.
Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?
Yes. When teeth are missing adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This often causes functional, esthetic or periodontal problems. Orthodontic treatment can close the space or provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.
What are the benefits of braces?
- Having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function. Your teeth and jaw joints can work more efficiently.
- Straight teeth are easier to clean.
- Should you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, you dentist can usually do a better job if the teeth are properly aligned.
- The appearance of the smile and face are improved. Having a pleasing smile can improve self-esteem, confidence, and a feeling of acceptance in daily life.
What is a "malocclusion"?
Malocclusion literally means "bad bite"
What is Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) and Phase II treatment?
Phase I (Interceptive Treatment) is indicated for some orthodontic problems. It usually begins when the permanent first molars and permanent incisors are erupted (age 6 or 7). The goal of Phase I treatment is to "intercept" an orthodontic problem before it becomes more severe and/or more difficult to treat. Problems commonly treated in Phase 1 include severe skeletal imbalances, crossbites and severe crowding. Interceptive treatment can make difficult orthodontic problems more manageable. In addition, early correction of some problems produces the most stable results. Most Phase I patients will require a second phase of treatment (Phase II) for optimal results.
Phase II treatment usually occurs a number of years later when most or all of the permanent teeth have erupted. (Generally age 10-12). The goal of Phase II treatment is to achieve optimal alignment and bite of all permanent teeth.
What is Full or Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
This is another name for orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition at any age. It is more commonly used when a Phase I treatment was not performed.
Does everyone need a Phase I treatment?
Absolutely not! Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most or all or the permanent teeth are erupted.
Can I wait on Phase I/Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment until my child is older?
Failure to provide appropriate Phase I treatment at the correct time can limit later treatment options, compromise stability of the result, and necessitate extractions or surgery.
How long will treatment last?
Treatment typically lasts from 6 months to 30 months depending on the age of the patient, severity of the problem, and the level of patient cooperation.
What is extraction and non-extraction therapy?
Selected permanent teeth are removed in extraction therapy to make room for crowded teeth, to correct bite relationships, or to change the facial profile.
Non-extraction therapy does not require the removal of permanent teeth.
The doctors will discuss the "pro’s and con’s" of different treatment options at your New Patient Examination, and again at the Consultation Appointment.
What different types of braces are available?
Metal braces are the most popular with kids and teenagers. They love using different colors of ligature ties. These braces are much smaller than ever before.
- "Gold" braces are a new addition to our line of brackets. They are stainless steel braces coated with gold colored plating. They have the strength of metal, but blend in with the color of the teeth much better. That is because most teeth have a natural yellow tint. Quite often, we will put ceramic braces on the top teeth and gold braces on the bottom.
- Translucent ceramic braces are the most popular with adults. You have to be very close to someone to be able to see them. Yet, because they are a ceramic material, they are more fragile. Treatment time is often slightly longer with ceramic braces.
- Lingual braces are placed on the back of the teeth. Lingual braces are considerably more expensive than conventional braces, and treatment often takes longer with lingual braces.
- Invisalign™ is a new system that uses a series of clear polymer overlays to straighten teeth. However, not all patients are candidates for Invisalign treatment. Please schedule an appointment with our office for a complimentary evaluation. Dr. Pearcy and Dr. Raksanaves are Southern Arizona’s first Invisalign Certified Orthodontists.
Different types of braces work better in certain situations. Please schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to discuss the best option for you.
Click here for pictures of various types of braces.
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are placed behind a patient's teeth. Lingual braces are significantly more expensive than standard braces, and treatment often takes longer that with conventional braces. Not all people are good candidates for lingual treatment.
Do I have to pay extra for clear or gold braces or colored ligatures?
Clear and gold graces are slightly more expensive than silver ones, but the additional cost is a small fraction of the cost of orthodontic treatment. "Colored braces" don’t cost extra.
Is orthodontic care expensive?
When you consider the benefits can last a lifetime, the cost of orthodontic treatment is really quite reasonable. Orthodontics is widely regarded as dentistry's best value.
Financing is usually available and our office offers payment programs that will likely meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.
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