Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to questions we often address. Click on a question to quickly jump down the page to read the answer. If you don't find your question in the list below, or if you would like more information on a particular topic, please contact us.

Questions:

• What is Orthodontics?
  
  
• Is there a maximum age for orthodontics?
  
  
• What is an Orthodontist?
  
  
• Can any dentist call him or herself an orthodontist or specialist in orthodontics?
  
  
• Why should an orthodontic evaluation be sought?
  
  
• Why is it so important to see an orthodontist for orthodontic care especially for children?
  
  
• What if my general dentist isn't aware of whether a bad bite exists or if there is a growth problem?
  
  
• Does the American Dental Association offer testing criteria to establish the ability of general dentists to perform orthodontics?
  
  
• Are there any benefits to early diagnosis and treatment?
  
  
• Why should crooked teeth be straightened?
  
  
• Can materials other than metals be used for braces?
  
  
• Do removable appliances take the place of braces?
  
  
• What is a crossbite?
  
  
• What causes crooked teeth?
  
  
• Can anything be done about crowding?
  
  
• Will additional jaw growth allow self-correction of crowded teeth visible in an 8 year old?
  
  
• Why is it important to maintain baby teeth in their normal position?
  
  
• Is spacing between baby teeth a problem?
  
  
• What are impacted teeth?
  
  
• What is a frenectomy?
  
  
• Are strong and weak lower jaws inherited?
  
  
• What do rubber bands do?
  
  
• Can I get colors on my braces?
  
  
• Will braces correct TMJ or jaw joint problems?
  
  
• Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?
  
  
• How long do I have to wear braces?
  
  
• Will I have any teeth pulled?
  
  
• Is orthodontic care expensive?
  
  
• When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation?
  
  
• Retainers -- What types and which are best?
  
  
• Does my general dentist have to refer me to an orthodontist?
  
  

Answers:

• What is Orthodontics?
  Orthodontics is a dental specialty. You might say it relates to general dentistry as heart surgery does to general medicine. The specialty concerns itself not only with the proper alignment of teeth, but with the total facial structure focused in the area of the jaws and mouth. - top-
  
  
• Is there a maximum age for orthodontics?
  In general, tooth positions can be improved at practically any age. While most people tend to associate orthodontic treatment with children and adolescents, age is not a limiting factor because the tissues involved in the movement of teeth are the same in both children and adults. Today, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. - top-
  
  
• What is an Orthodontist?
  An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed the American Dental Association's required number of years of specialty training. Only after the satisfactory completion of this specialty training can dentists call themselves orthodontists or specialists in orthodontics. - top-
  
  
• Can any dentist call him or herself an orthodontist or specialist in orthodontics?
  No. Only a dentist who has completed the required, minimum two years of postdoctoral training in orthodontics. - top-
  
  
• Why should an orthodontic evaluation be sought?
  The opinion of an orthodontist should be sought when you have a concern, question, or doubt about a tooth eruption pattern or about jaw/facial growth and development. - top-
  
  
• Why is it so important to see an orthodontist for orthodontic care especially for children?
  Some problems must be properly corrected the first time they appear. Orthodontic treatment will permanently change your child's teeth and possibly even his or her face. So you will want a well-qualified professional to treat your child. Orthodontic specialists limit their practices to orthodontic treatment only. By completing the extensive advance training program after dental school, they have learned the special skills required to manage tooth movement and to guide facial development. A specialist will treat your child using the most advanced techniques available. When you choose a specialist, you'll know your child is receiving quality care. - top-
  
  
• What if my general dentist isn't aware of whether a bad bite exists or if there is a growth problem?
  If you feel that your general dentist is not aware of, or cannot handle, a growth problem that may exist, you should not hesitate to request the advice of an orthodontist. The caring, sophisticated general dentist will understand your needs and be more than willing to assist you in making the first appointment with an orthodontist. However, if you do not receive the desired assistance, you should feel free to contact an orthodontist on your own for he will welcome the opportunity to assist you and give you an orthodontic evaluation. - top-
  
  
• Does the American Dental Association offer testing criteria to establish the ability of general dentists to perform orthodontics?
  No. The American Dental Association establishes the requirements which are necessary to be an orthodontist, but there are no standards established to govern, qualify, or test general dentists' orthodontic abilities. - top-
  
  
• Are there any benefits to early diagnosis and treatment?
  Orthodontists can improve smiles at any age, but there is usually an optimum age for treatment to begin. An early examination allows the orthodontic specialist to determine how and when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least time of treatment. Early orthopedic and orthodontic correction of certain growth problems can eliminate later orthognathic jaw surgery and/or the extraction of teeth. - top-
  
  
• Why should crooked teeth be straightened?
  Straight teeth will certainly give you a nicer smile and greater self-esteem-but, just as important, evenly arranged teeth make it easier for you to properly chew all kinds of food. Crooked teeth are also harder to clean because they allow food, saliva, and bacteria (better known as plaque) to build up in hidden areas. Since studies have shown plaque to be the main cause of dental decay and gum disease, it is imperative that teeth be straight for easier cleaning. - top-
  
  
• Can materials other than metals be used for braces?
  Clear braces can be used to reduce the amount of metal on the front teeth and enhance the appearance of the patient while he or she is wearing orthodontic appliances. The decision to use metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, etc. is a decision to be made by the patient in consultation with the orthodontist, and is discussed at the time of treatment. - top-
  
  
• Do removable appliances take the place of braces?
  No. Removable appliances are used primarily as functional appliances or retention appliances. The reason is simple: with removable appliances you can only push or pull a tooth; therefore you can only tip a tooth. Only braces can make bodily movements of the teeth. - top-
  
  
• What is a crossbite?
  A crossbite occurs when you have improper occlusion of the upper and lower teeth. In other words, the upper teeth normally overlap the lower teeth. With a crossbite, the lower teeth are outside the upper teeth. - top-
  
  
• What causes crooked teeth?
  Just as we inherit eye color from our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. Local factors such as finger sucking, high cavity rate, gum disease, trauma and premature loss of baby teeth can also contribute to a bad bite. - top-
  
  
• Can anything be done about crowding?
  If the upper or lower arches are too small, they can be expanded to allow more room. In some situations, tooth extraction may be necessary to eliminate crowding. In some cases, the patient may wear a special appliance such as a headgear to move teeth back in the arches to create more space. - top-
  
  
• Will additional jaw growth allow self-correction of crowded teeth visible in an 8 year old?
  No. The space available for the front teeth does not increase after the permanent 6 year molars erupt. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with increasing age. That is one of the reasons it is important to wear retainers after braces. - top-
  
  
• Why is it important to maintain baby teeth in their normal position?
  Baby teeth maintain the normal arch form and arch length. If the baby teeth are lost early due to decay or extraction's, you should check with your general dentist or orthodontist about a space maintainer. - top-
  
  
• Is spacing between baby teeth a problem?
  As a general rule, spacing between baby teeth is not a problem since the permanent teeth that replace them are much larger than the original baby teeth. However, if there isn't space, this will usually indicate a crowding situation exists in the permanent dentition that will be erupting. - top-
  
  
• What are impacted teeth?
  Impacted teeth are teeth that have not erupted into the mouth for one of three reasons: first, because of severe crowding; secondly, because of a bony or hard tissue impaction or thirdly, because of a soft tissue impaction. Sometimes it is necessary to surgically uncover and actively pull the tooth into place. If this is necessary, the tooth is uncovered and a small button is cemented to the tooth; then the orthodontist guides the tooth to its proper position. - top-
  
  
• What is a frenectomy?
  Frenum attachments are the ligamentous attachment of a muscle that surrounds the mouth. Sometimes the ligaments or tendons are large and go in between the upper front teeth. This large frenum attachment does not allow the upper front teeth to close together. Depending on the age and development of the patient, a frenectomy may need to be performed. A frenectomy is accomplished when the ligamentous attachment is removed after the orthodontist has closed the space. - top-
  
  
• Are strong and weak lower jaws inherited?
  The growth pattern of a child's jaw is definitely related to the genetic make-up of the parents. If either parent has a strong or weak lower jaw, the child should be observed by an orthodontist for growth guidance to redirect the growth pattern as much into a normal pattern as possible. However, if the patient is seen later in life, orthognathic surgical corrections may need to be considered to correct the supporting bone discrepancy - top-
  
  
• What do rubber bands do?
  Rubber bands or elastics contribute a lot to straighter teeth. They are marvels of physics. Attached to your braces, elastics exert the force that creates the right amount of pressure to move teeth in directions that the braces alone can't. It's important to wear your elastics as prescribed and change them every day so that the force is constant which the teeth like. A lack of consistency in wearing rubber bands can bring treatment to a standstill and who wants to do that to themselves. As for bouncing an elastic off someone across the room, it will happen (don't worry your aim will improve.) - top-
  
  
• Can I get colors on my braces?
  Colors have gone over very big with countless braces-wearers. With colors, patients decide to become involved in their treatment and usually take better care of their braces. Patients won't take time to choose special colors unless they intend to use them and speed their treatment. There are soft pastels that coordinate with your wardrobe to bright hues for celebrating holidays or expressing team spirit. These colors can be changed when the wires are changed to add constant variety. - top-
  
  
• Will braces correct TMJ or jaw joint problems?
  Braces may or may not improve jaw joint problems. More conservative approaches should be tried first. You would need to consult with Dr. Wilkinson about particular symptoms to find the best way to address your specific needs. - top-
  
  
• Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?
  You'll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods including gum. These foods can get caught in the braces and pull the braces off. Soft foods are much better. You'll have to spend a few extra minutes cleaning your braces after meals. But, for the most part, you'll find braces don't cramp your style. You'll still have fun. You'll still be able to sing, play your musical instrument, smile, play sports and of course, kiss. You can even make a fashion statement by having Dr. Wilkinson add color to your braces. - top-
  
  
• How long do I have to wear braces?
  That depends a lot on you and how bad your bite is to begin with. The better you are about wearing and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve. Dr. Wilkinson will let you know approximately how long braces will be needed during your first consultation. - top-
  
  
• Will I have any teeth pulled?
  Only if there's not enough room for all your teeth. Don't worry, if you have teeth pulled, the spaces will be closed and no one will even notice. Dr. Wilkinson always tries to treat cases without removing permanent teeth. He only extracts teeth in the most severely crowded cases, or cases where he is "camouflaging" a mismatch in jaw sizes. - top-
  
  
• Is orthodontic care expensive?
  Actually the cost for orthodontic treatment has held steady for many years. Compared to times in the past, nowadays you get a great deal of orthodontic value for your dollar. Dr. Wilkinson bases his treatment fees on how long you'll need braces. A free initial consultation is the only real way of knowing how long you'll need braces. Not all cases require two years for treatment. Many patients that come to see Dr. Wilkinson for a second opinion are pleasantly surprised that their treatment will cost much less than what they have been quoted elsewhere. There are also various financing plans that are available at Dr. Wilkinson's office. He also gives discounts for those who choose to pay for treatment at the beginning. Dr. Wilkinson accepts most all insurances and you'll leave his office on the very first visit with a written estimate for treatment cost. Remember, there is no fee for your first visit. Well timed orthodontic treatment to correct a problem is often less costly that the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. - top-
  
  
• When is the best time to schedule an initial consultation?
  Every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. We start seeing patients at age 7. By then, the 6 year molars have grown in behind the baby teeth, and the front teeth are erupting into place. An early consultation will allow Dr. Wilkinson to determine the optimum time for treatment to begin. Many parents and some family dentists assume that they must wait until a child has all of his or her permanent teeth, only to find out that treatment would have even much easier if started earlier. Early treatment can eliminate the need for more drastic measures. In some cases, satisfactory results are unattainable without surgery once the face and jaws have finished growing. With proper timing, children may not have to endure years of embarrassment. - top-
  
  
• Retainers -- What types and which are best?
  Orthodontists use many different variations of retainers. Whether made with acrylic and wire, plastic, or wire only, each type, when carefully chosen, will hold or retain teeth in their new position if worn as instructed. Each orthodontist selects appropriate retainers for their patients based upon the orthodontist's education and experience; patient stability, esthetic or functional need, and habits; and newly developed products. - top-
  
  
• Does my general dentist have to refer me to an orthodontist?
  No. Your orthodontist is very aware of how often a patient desires to have an orthodontic opinion for a problem that may have been noticed by the patient. Therefore, referrals from our patients are becoming more and more common. The orthodontist is your specialist in growth and development as well as tooth positioning, and any time you have a question or a friend has a question, feel free to contact us for an evaluation by this caring specialist. - top-