FAQ
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?- How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
- What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
- What will I learn from the initial examination?
- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
- How long will it take to complete treatment?
- How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
- Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
- What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
- Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
- What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
- Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
- Will my child need an expander?
- Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
- Do braces hurt?
- Do you give shots?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
- What are the secrets of a successful orthodontic result?
1. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
2. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form 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.
3. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be greeted by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to 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.
To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit Page.
4. What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential 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?
5. Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
A very significant factor in this decision is the effect on facial esthetics. Dr. Livreri did extensive research in graduate school on the subject of “The Perception of Facial Beauty” and will always apply that knowledge to the decision of removing permanent teeth. Although all other means of treatment will be considered, removing permanent teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result for orthodontic treatment. This should not be confused with removal of baby teeth which are retained (“overstaying their welcome”) too long and are delaying treatment progress.
6. How long will it take to complete treatment?
In addition to a patient’s own physiology and genetics, treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 16 months to 24 months. Please remember that the treatment time estimate you are given during your consultation is just that – an estimate. It can be longer or shorter depending on the factors stated above as well as cooperation with the prescribed treatment.
7. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
8. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every six to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
9. 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.
10. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
12. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
13. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
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.
14. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
15. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports because, although it will not lessen the chance of an injury, it can decrease the severity of an injury.
16. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled six to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
17. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
18. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment. You do want to show off your cool new braces, don’t you!?!?!
19. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
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.
20. What is Phase One (early) treatment?
Phase One (early) treatment is the term used to describe treatment initiated sooner than normal for a specific reason. Dr. Livreri feels that all children should be screened by age 7, but that the overwhelming majority will not need treatment at that time. He also feels that initiating treatment at that time is a major decision, not to be taken lightly, and should be supported by evidence in the orthodontic literature. Examples include, but are not limited to, correcting crossbites of the front and/or back teeth, restraining/stimulating growth of the facial skeleton to diminish severe growth disturbances, prevention of dental trauma from protruding incisors (“bucky teeth”), and improvement of self-esteem. It is important to remember that each orthodontist looks at every patient differently based on training and experience and differences in opinion do not mean another orthodontist is wrong.
If indicated, treatment usually lasts between 12-18 months.
21. Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period 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 of future treatment recommendations.
22. Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
23. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
24. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
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.
25. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, Tylenol will ease the discomfort. If the pain is not relieved with Tylenol (acetaminophen), over-the-counter Advil (Motrin, ibuprofen) taken with food will help.
26. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
27. 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.
28. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
29. What are the secrets of a successful orthodontic result?
Showing up for each appointment on time, complying with the prescribed treatment (ie, wearing your rubber bands), keeping your teeth clean, and choosing the right office for you. We would be honored if you chose us.