Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is “malocclusion”, which means “bad bite”. The practice of orthodontics requires the professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.
Why choose an orthodontist?
An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized university training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and guiding facial development. A dentist may see only a handful of “malocclusion” cases a year, not nearly enough to develop the knowledge and skill required to properly treat a variety of orthodontic problems. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.
Do I need a referral from the dentist to make an appointment with Dr. Korne?
No. While some of our patients are referred to us by their family dentist, many others are referred by friends and from visiting our website.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate the orthodontic condition.
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Absolutely not! No patient is ever “too old” to wear braces. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is an adult.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail (information@korneortho.com) or stop by our office. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
Is there a fee for the initial exam?
Our initial consultation is complimentary for children under 18 years of age.
What will happen at the initial exam appointment?
Upon arriving, the patient and parent will be greeted by the staff and doctor. After a tour of the office facilities, we will take the necessary photographs and x-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a thorough evaluation.
What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five important questions that we will address during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic problem?
- When is the best time for treatment to start?
- What treatment procedures will be used to correct the problem?
- How long will treatment take to complete?
- How much will treatment cost and what financial arrangements
are available?
Will I need to have permanent teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth, a balanced facial profile and stability of the bite are the goal of orthodontics.
How long will I have to wear braces?
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The average time a person is in braces is about 22 months.
How much will braces cost and are financing options available?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. The cost of braces and the financial options will be discussed during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs and will be happy to review these with you.
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces are seen every 6 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
What happens in case of an emergency?
Numerous appointment blocks are set aside in the schedule every day in case a patient requires immediate attention. Please phone the office to reserve one of these times.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” You may feel some discomfort when the braces are first put on and after certain adjustment appointments. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol can be taken to ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients: “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We will provide you with a custom-made sports guard to wear for all contact sports during your treatment in braces.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will give you thorough instructions on how to care for your teeth and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of these foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (for example, caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will respond to orthodontic forces just as one without. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image. If a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
La désignation Centre d'excellence en système orthodontique Incognito™ est attribuée aux praticiens qui démontrent l'excellence clinique en utilisation du système Incognito™ et qui se donnent pour mission d’être chef de file dans le développement continu de cet appareil unique. Afin de se qualifier pour cette désignation, le praticien doit soigner au minimum 100 patients avec le système Incognito™.
MAC is an active study group comprised of select orthodontists who share clinical and practice administration information to maximize treatment outcomes and optimize patient care.