ORTHODONTIC FAQ

Q: Does my general dentist need to refer me to your practice?

A: No. We are fortunate to work with many skilled general dentists, pediatric dentists, and other specialists that refer their patients to our office, but many of our patients either schedule a consultation with us themselves or they are referred to us by their family and friends.

Q: When should I bring my child to their first orthodontic visit?

A: Orthodontic treatment is available for any age. However, the American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children around age seven undergo a screening. We may not recommend any treatment at this time, but it’s a good idea to get an initial examination since orthodontic issues or skeletal discrepancies usually become apparent around this age.

Q: How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

A: It’s impossible for us to provide an exact cost for treatment until we have performed an assessment, as costs can widely vary depending on the situation. Hillside View Orthodontics offers many financing options to accommodate your budget. Our team will also review your dental insurance and help maximize your benefits and file your claims. Many dental insurance policies include orthodontic benefits to help make it more affordable.

Q: How long will my orthodontic treatment take?

A: Treatment time will vary for each patient and will depend on the severity of each patient’s orthodontic problems and patient compliance. At Hillside View Orthodontics, we are committed to making your treatment as swift and efficient as possible. We also offer advanced technology for accelerated orthodontic treatment—ask us if you are a candidate!

Q: Can I schedule my child’s visits after school?

A: Unfortunately, we are unable to schedule all visits during after-school hours. It is not uncommon for school-age patients to miss some school while undergoing orthodontics. We will, however, do all we can to minimize your child’s time away from the classroom.

Q: Are braces painful?

A: As a general rule, no. But there will be certain appointments where your teeth could be tender for a day or two. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen will ease any soreness.

Q: Can I go to school after my braces are placed?

A: Yes. There is no need to miss class after an orthodontic visit.

Q: Will I have dietary restrictions?

A: Yes. You will be provided a detailed list of instructions. Some foods you will be asked to avoid include sticky foods, ice, chewy candy, hard nuts, thick chips, and pizza crust. Certain crunchy foods like raw fruits and vegetables will need to be cut into bite-sized pieces.

Q: Is it possible to play sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment?

A: Yes you can. However, it is important that patients protect their investment and oral health by wearing a mouthguard when participating in all sporting activities. We can assist you in selecting the correct type of mouthguard for your individual needs.

Q: What about brushing my teeth?

A: You should brush your teeth after every meal. Braces will create small ledges, and hiding spots for food particles, which can lead to cavities and gum problems. It’s also important that you see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Q: I’m an adult. Is it too late to have braces?

A: Not at all! A large portion of our patients are adults. In fact, more than 25% of all orthodontic patients are over the age of 18.

Q: How do I know that my doctor is actually an orthodontist?

A: Only an orthodontist can be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) or be certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Many general dentists have begun displaying credentials from various companies such as Invisalign, American Orthodontic Society, International Association of Orthodontists, and others. If you are ever in doubt, visit http://mylifemysmile.org to verify your doctor’s association with AAO.

Q: While undergoing orthodontic treatment do I still need to visit my general dentist?

A: Absolutely! Routine follow-ups with your general or family dentist are essential while undergoing orthodontic treatment to maintain the health of your teeth and gum tissue.

Q: Are retainers necessary and how long will I have to wear one?

A: Retainers are designed to prevent your teeth from shifting or moving while waiting for the bone and gum tissue around your teeth to stabilize. The longer you wear it, the greater your chances that your teeth will not move back into their original place. Everyone’s retention protocol is different, but as a general rule, we recommend that retainers be worn each night for the rest of your life.