Orthodontics Valley Pediatric Dentistry
now has an Orthodontist on staff... and
is available by appointment at the
Winchester Office only. We
participate with VA Medicaid. FIRST
VISIT Your initial visit is an important
opportunity for us to understand one another. It affords the chance to
answer us any question you might have regarding orthodontic treatment. It
also offers to us the ability to learn about you and how to make your
future visits fun and fruitful.
Our main goal is to ensure that you
understand the need for orthodontic treatment; we will take time to
explain to you all our necessary treatment procedures each step of the way
so that you may have a clear and better understanding of orthodontic
treatment.
At this visit, we will give a detailed consultation in a
fun and relaxed manner. We will then make a recommendation based on your
specific needs. If treatment is indicated, diagnostic records which
includes 1. Photographs, 2. Orthodontic X-rays, 3. Study models and 4.
Intra-oral examination can be taken.
At the end of your visit, we will give you an
information packet that describes your proposed treatment plans and also
lets you know more about orthodontic treatment. It is our policy that the
more you know about your care, the better decision you will
make. FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
- At what age should I have an orthodontic
screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7 years.
- How long will the treatments last?
Treatment
time depends on the severity of the orthodontic problem. In general it
takes between 12 to 30 months with an average time of 22
months.
- How much will it cost for my braces?
It is hard
to give an exact cost for treatment until consultation and examination
are done. This will be discussed during your first visit. We will
discuss all the options available to you like Insurance coverage, no
down payment with credit approval and down payment with monthly
installment.
- How often will I have appointments?
This is done
according to each patient’s needs. Most patients will be seen every 4-8
weeks. If your treatment requires frequent monitoring, we will schedule
accordingly.
- Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt”.
But teeth may become sore after certain visits. In these cases pain
medication like Tylenol and Advil will ease the discomfort.
- Are there foods I cannot eat while on
braces?
Yes. Once in treatment we will explain and give
detailed information on the list of foods to avoid. Some of which
include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetable and sticky foods (i.e. caramel
and taffy). Emergencies due to broken or damaged braces can be avoided
by following our instructions.
- How should I brush my teeth while on
braces?
You
should brush at least 4 times daily. Brush at any opportunity- after
each meal and before going to bed. We will show you how to floss your
teeth with braces on and may prescribe fluoride rinse if
necessary.
- What is an orthodontic emergency?
Any situation
that causes you serious discomfort is considered an emergency. However,
most of these can be addressed over the phone. If you require to come
into the office we advise that you call our office so we can set aside
time for your visit.
- Is it late if I am an adult to get
braces?
Heck no, if you want to improve
your health, happiness and self-esteem, orthodontic treatment might
help. No patient is “too old” to get braces. ORAL
HYGIENE
- Tooth brushing: At least 4 times in a
day, after every meal and before bedtime. Also an interdental brush can
be used to clean around the braces.
- Flossing: At least once a
day.
- Rinse: Use water or antiseptic mouth
rinses.
- Retainers: Brush each time you brush
your teeth. Soak it in a glass of room temperature tap water with
denture cleaning tablet like Polident or Efferdent once daily. DO NOT
use hot water or bleach.
- Food to avoid: Hard foods
such as ice, pizza crust, sticky foods like licorice and caramel.
Minimize high sugar foods like ice cream and
cookies.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
There are very few true orthodontic emergencies. Most problems can be
resolved at home. However, if you have a situation that you cannot resolve
on your own, call us as soon as possible (540)-667-5437) to get an
appointment.
For sore teeth: Take
Tylenol or other non-aspirin pain relievers. A warm washcloth, heating pad
or warm salt rinses may help reduce the discomfort.
For wire
irritation: Use cotton swab, eraser or
comfort wax to hold the wire away from the cheek.
For loose
brackets: Call our office immediately to
schedule a repair appointment.
For lost separators: Call our
office immediately for further information.
COMMON ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS
When the
teeth or jaws do not fit properly, orthodontic treatment may be required
to straighten teeth and improve on the bite. These problems called
malocclusion or bad bite can cause speech problem, wear of teeth, increase
injury to teeth and jaws and inability to chew and swallow well leading to
malnutrition.
1. Underbite
The lower jaws extends out
causing the lower teeth to sit in front of the upper teeth.
2. Spacing
May be caused by missing or
malformed teeth.
3. Protrusion
Upper teeth extend too far
forward or lower teeth are too far back.
4. Crowding
Occurs when there are not
enough spaces for all the teeth.
5.
Crossbite
The upper teeth sit inside
the lower teeth.
6.
Overbite:
The upper teeth cover
the lower teeth. Sometimes the lower teeth bite on the roof of the
mouth
7.
Openbite:
The upper teeth do not touch
the lower teeth.
8. Midline shift
When the jaws or teeth have
shifted.
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