Patient Information

Q & A

Questions & Answers

What’s the Right Age for Orthodontic Treatment?

All children should receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. This allows early identification of potential problems. Certain orthodontic conditions are also best treated at this age. Full braces are placed after most of the permanent teeth erupt, generally age ten to twelve. Adults are also prime candidates for orthodontic treatment.

The timing of your treatment is VERY important; a consultation will allow us to better understand your needs. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

How Long Will Treatment Last?

New materials and techniques make treatment more comfortable, often with fewer and shorter visits than ever before. Treatment typically lasts from 6 months to 30 months, depending upon the patient’s age, severity of the problem and the level of patient cooperation.

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 Orthodontist.
  

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.