Question 1

What do I do if I break or loosen my appliance?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, we will advise you what to do until you can come into the office during normal business hours. In most cases cutting a wire with fingernail clippers that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol will do the trick until we can see you. Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you will likely feel some pain, soreness, or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.

Question 2

What is Orthodontics?

Accepted Answer

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 professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

Question 3

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

Accepted Answer

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25% of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

Question 4

What age can people have orthodontic treatment?

Accepted Answer

An orthodontic evaluation at any age is advisable if a parent, family dentist or the patient’s physician has noted a problem.

Question 5

How do braces feel?

Accepted Answer

Most people have some discomfort after their braces are first put on or when adjusted during treatment. After the braces are on, teeth may become sore and may be tender to biting pressures for three to five days. Patients can usually manage this discomfort well with whatever pain medication they might commonly take for a headache. The orthodontist will advise patients or their parents what, if any, pain relievers to take. The lips, cheeks and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become accustomed to the surface of the braces. Overall, orthodontic discomfort is short-lived and easily managed.

Question 6

Do teeth with braces need special care?

Accepted Answer

Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Patients who do not keep their teeth clean may require more frequent visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning.

Question 7

What is interceptive orthodontic treatment and is it necessary?

Accepted Answer

The objective of interceptive orthodontic treatment is to make room in your child’s mouth for your child’s permanent teeth. Your orthodontist may expand your child’s palate, and try to start to correct overbites and underbites. As noted above, orthodontic problems arise because human teeth do not grow at the same rate as human mouths. Your children’s mouth will be growing a lot between ages 8 and 12. It is important to make sure that there is room for your children’s permanent teeth.

Question 8

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

Accepted Answer

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail, or request an appointment online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

Question 9

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Accepted Answer

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will familiarize you with our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and x-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.

Question 10

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Accepted Answer

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

Question 11

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Accepted Answer

If your braces are causing extreme pain, or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Question 12

Can I still play sports?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Question 13

How much does treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

The actual cost of treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your problem and the treatment approach selected.

Question 14

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept the assignment of most insurance. For specific information please contact our main office at 214-528-6116.

Question 15

Do you accept credit cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to schedule your new patient appointment

2 Convenient
Locations

Highland Park

Forney

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I break or loosen my appliance?

What is Orthodontics?

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

What age can people have orthodontic treatment?

How do braces feel?

Do teeth with braces need special care?

What is interceptive orthodontic treatment and is it necessary?

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

How long will it take to complete treatment?

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Can I still play sports?

How much does treatment cost?

Do you accept insurance?

Do you accept credit cards?

Click here to schedule your new patient appointment

2 ConvenientLocations

Highland Park

Forney

2 Convenient
Locations