What Questions Should I Ask During My Orthodontic Consultation?

If you are thinking about making the first step to straighten teeth or correct jaw alignment, stop thinking and call Orthodontics South to schedule an orthodontic consultation today. During the consultation Dr. Brandon Boggan will address your questions, concerns, and recommend a treatment plan that would best suit your situation.  It is our desire to take great care of you and for you to feel at ease during your orthodontic treatment so keep the following questions in mind during your consultation. 

• If I do need some adjustments to my teeth, what options will I have besides braces?
• This will help you determine what approaches we use (Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, ceramic braces, traditional braces) and which one is best for you.
• What kind of preparation is needed to get braces?
• Can I expect any pain when getting braces?
• Very little to no discomfort is ever experienced at your orthodontic appointments.
• What determines how long I have to wear braces?
• The length of treatment time will vary from patient to patient and depends on the cooperation of patient with brushing and or wearing of rubber bands.
• Dr. Boggan can evaluate your teeth and jaw alignment during the consultation to determine the correct course and length of treatment.
• How will braces affect my lifestyle? Foods you and and can't eat? Activities I can do?
• To have a successful orthodontic outcome, you may find that little needs to change in your daily routine. We will discuss any changes prior to treatment so you can be prepared.
• Invisalign will affect very little with your lifestyle.
• What will my orthodontic work cost?
• Depending on each patients specific case, one of our experienced treatment coordinators will go over a payment plan with you and find a payment option that works with your budget and financial needs. We have many different payment options in house, including CareCredit. 
• We accept most insurance providers and we will file it for you. We will verify insurance at the day of your consult.
• Each patient is different when it comes to the cost. It depends solely on your case and the cost will be determined on the day of your consultation. 

The initial orthodontic exam is just the first step and going in with the right questions will provide you with a better understanding of the entire process and help prepare you for treatment. The people at Orthodontics South are available to answer any questions you may have so take the first step and give us a call at 205.664.4140 to schedule an orthodontic consultation or you can visit us online at www.BracingTeam.com.

At What Age Should Your Child See an Orthodontist?

Years ago children would not be seen by an orthodontist until they had lost all of their baby teeth, but over time that has been proven to not be the case. We know that an early assessment of your child’s teeth and jaw can make a big difference in the quality of their smile.  The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should be evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7.

Why that age? Isn’t that too early? What can be done at that age? As you might be wondering, not every orthodontic problem can be treated at that young of an age, but most problems can be identified by that age.  By this age, most children have all four of the six-year molars and all four central incisors in place so if there are more or less teeth than this, there may be problems with crowding, missing or extra teeth.  Dr. Boggan can then identify any likely orthodontic problems and advise the parents on when, if any, treatment should begin. 

Early treatment is often referred to as two-phase treatment because most children (more than 90%) who have early treatment need further orthodontic treatment when the remaining permanent teeth are in place. At the age of 7 Dr. Boggan can tell how much space will be available for the teeth and whether or not the child’s teeth will come in correctly. Overcrowded teeth may force later-developing teeth to come out on top of or below the gum line. Protrusive front teeth, underbites, posterior crossbites and anterior crossbites can also be determined at the age of 7. 

Early treatment does not ensure that the child will not need braces later on, but addressing problems like this at an early age can ensure that there will be adequate room for remaining permanent teeth to grow in correctly. Although some may be able to wait until all the permanent teeth are in, interceptive treatment can make the final results faster, better, and give your children an additional three to four years of having a great smile at an age when their self-image is developing. Dr. Boggan recommends screening all young patients at the age of 7. If you child is at least 7 or older and have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, give us a call at Orthodontics South to set up a consultation appointment or visit us online at www.BracingTeam.com.