Patient Information

A. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, the six-year molars and several permanent teeth in most children have erupted allowing the doctors to effectively evaluate most developing orthodontic problems.

A. No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as a child grows. In most people, after the permanent 6-year molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

A. If you think you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office and 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 concerning you and your child.

A. No, there is no cost for the initial examination. We believe that the relationship established during a patient’s first visit is much more important than an “office visit” charge.

A. Upon arriving each patient and parent will be seen by one of our Treatment Coordinators who will acclimate you to our clinic and prepare for the initial exam. Necessary photographs and x-rays will be taken to allow the orthodontist to make a proper diagnosis.

A. There are five important questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?

In addition to these, Dr. Foster will take the time to answer any other questions a patient or parent may have.

A. Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, because today’s technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, the need for removing teeth has been greatly reduced.

A. 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.

A. It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until the doctor has actually examined you or your child. The exact cost and financial options will be discussed at the initial examination. We have many financing options available to meet most needs and we will be happy to review them with you. We file insurance on the patient’s behalf, and also offer a discount for fees paid in full at the beginning of treatment. Proper orthodontic treatment to correct a problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop in later years.

A. Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, appointments will be scheduled accordingly.

A. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss very little school due to their orthodontic treatments. We reference all area school calendars, and try very hard to meet the scheduling needs of our patients.

A. We are very understanding of busy schedules and working parents’ desires to run errands while their child is at our office. On some occasions, the doctors may want to speak with parents when they return, so we request that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

A. Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After some visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol can be used 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!

A. Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

A. No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

A. Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible. Our doctors have never and will never use worn, used or recycled braces.

A. Yes. We can recommend a mouth guard for all sports. Custom made mouth guards are available upon request.

A. Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

A. Yes. Once treatment begins, very complete instructions and a comprehensive list will be provided regarding foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding what foods to avoid.

A. Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after breakfast, lunch (or as soon as they get home from school), supper, and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces on, and will also provide a prescription for a special fluoride gel to help protect teeth.

A. If something happens and your braces are causing pain or if something is broken, you should call our office. In most cases we can address these issues over the telephone. If an emergency appointment is needed, daily time is available for timely attention.

A. Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, 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.

A. Phase One treatment, when needed, is usually initiated on children between the ages of seven and 10. Phase One treatment usually takes about 12 months. There are several primary objectives for Phase One treatment:

• To address significant problems early to prevent them from becoming severe corrections later.
• To develop jaws for crowding concerns and modify jaw growth for an improved jaw relationship.
• Finally, to improve self-esteem and self-image, both very important during their formative years.

A. It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period of time following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed as to any future treatment recommendations.

A. At the completion of the initial examination, the doctor will determine whether a patient will need an expander or not.

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

A. Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth so that the space where the teeth are missing can be properly restored.

A. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is very important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists, like Dr. Foster, have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide all types of orthodontic patients with professional and state of the art treatments.