faq

1. What is Orthodontics?
2. What is an Orthodontist?
3. How do I know my child needs braces?
4. When should I bring my child for his/her first orthodontic visit?
5. Do I need a referral from my dentist before seeing the orthodontist?
6. How much do braces cost?
7. Do braces hurt?
8. Do I have to have teeth extracted?
9. Can adults get braces too?
10. Can I still play sports & musical instruments?
11. Will I see the doctor at every visit?
12. Do I have to wait in the waiting room for long periods at every appointment?
13. Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
14. How do you take care of any emergencies after hours?
15. What type of braces do you use?
16. I had braces once already, but my front teeth have moved slightly. Do I need braces again?
17. How long do I have to wear the retainers?
18. How do you sterilize your instruments?
19. Are there any food restrictions after I get braces?
20. Will I get any stains on my teeth from the braces?
    

Q. What is Orthodontics?
A. Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, which means when your teeth, lips and /or jaws do not line up the way they should. As a result your teeth may be crooked and your jaws may be unbalanced.

To correct the malocclusion, orthodontists (dentists who are specially trained) use braces and other corrective procedures to achieve tooth and jaw alignment in addition to a beautiful smile.

Q. What is an Orthodontist?
A. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists.

An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a three-to five-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist. Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves an orthodontist. Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists is offered only to orthodontists and guarantees you that a specialist is taking care of your smile.

Q. How do I know my child needs braces?
A. Most parents know when their child's teeth do not look right. Your general dentist can also advise you to see an orthodontist. Some problems to look for are:

• Protrusion of front teeth, especially if the child has difficulty closing the lips comfortably.
• Spacing between the teeth
• Crowding and excessive overlapping of the teeth.
• Underbite- upper front tooth/teeth closing behind the lower teeth.
• Crossbite- upper back teeth close inside the lower back teeth; usually seen with a thumbsucking habit.

Q. When should I bring my child for his/her first orthodontic visit?
A. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends the first exam by age 7. Orthodontists can diagnose subtle problems with emerging teeth and developing jaws. Early diagnosis and treatment not only reduces the severity of the developing orthodontic problem but also yields a better end result. Although treatment will not necessarily begin at this early age, an examination is important to insure maximum dental health for your child.

Q. Do I need a referral from my dentist before seeing the orthodontist?
A. No, you do not need a referral from your dentist in order to see the orthodontist. You may call and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Mann yourself.

Q. How much do braces cost?
A. Orthodontic fees depend on the complexity of the case, the age of the patient, the type of appliances used, and the estimated length of treatment. Since every case is different, a visit to our office for a complimentary examination will allow us to give you an exact fee. We offer a variety of flexible, interest-free payment plans. We do not want finances getting in the way of your orthodontic treatment. We will gladly file for your insurance benefits, if any. In addition, we also offer discounts for teachers and multiple members of the same family. When you consider the lifetime benefits of braces, this maybe the best investment you ever make!!

Q. Do braces hurt?
A. It does not hurt to place braces on the teeth. Generally, it takes less than a week to get used to them. Regular orthodontic adjustments may cause the teeth to be sore for a day or two, for which most patients need to only take an Advil or Motrin. New technological advancements in orthodontic appliances used in our office have considerably reduced the discomfort associated with braces.

Q. Do I have to have teeth extracted?
A. Dr. Mann practices a very conservative approach when it comes to extractions. Sometimes, it is necessary to pull teeth in order to achieve a good balance between facial esthetics and straight teeth, but every effort is made to avoid extractions as much as possible.

Q. Can adults get braces too?
A. It is never too late to get a beautiful smile as long as the teeth, gums and bones are healthy. Almost 20% of our practice comprises of adult patients. Thanks to today's smaller, less visible, and comfortable braces, more and more adults are finding orthodontic treatment more appealing.

Q. Can I still play sports & musical instruments?
A. Dr. Mann recommends a mouthguard for any contact sport. We provide free mouthguards to all our patients on request. It is best to get braces before your child starts playing any musical instrument that has a mouthpiece. Nevertheless, a little extra practice will bring the playing level back up to normal.

Q. Will I see the doctor at every visit?
A. Dr. Mann sees every patient at each visit. All patients get the personalized care and attention that they deserve. Parents are also encouraged to ask her any questions or get updates on their child's treatment.

Q. Do I have to wait in the waiting room for long periods at every appointment?
A. Dr. Mann's staff makes sure the schedule runs smoothly and most patients are seen right at their appointment time. We realize how valuable your time is to you, and every effort is made to minimize the wait.

Q. Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
A. Yes, it is very important that you should continue to see your general dentist at least every six months for cleanings and dental checkups.

Q. How do you take care of any emergencies after hours?
A. Dr. Mann and her staff are available 24/7 for any painful mishaps like broken or sharp wires. Our emergency pager/cellphone number is accessible on our office voicemail.
If you or your child needs immediate attention during the day, we will accomodate you in our schedule the very same day.

Q. What type of braces do you use?
A. We use some of the smallest metal braces available, which looks much better compared to the large braces used years ago. If you are needing a more esthetic option, we also use ceramic braces that are barely visible from a distance. In addition, we also use removable appliances to move teeth that are mildly crowded. Ask us which option is right for you.

Q. I had braces once already, but my front teeth have moved slightly. Do I need braces again?
A. Most adults with slight crowding of their front teeth can be fitted with a removable retainer to straighten the teeth again. This option is very inexpensive and results can be seen very quickly.

Q. How long do I have to wear the retainers?
A. In order to keep the teeth straight for a lifetime, Dr. Mann recommends years of retainer wear. Full time wear is recommended the first year after braces are removed, and then night-time for several years. Each patient is monitored free of charge for a full year after treatment is completed.

Q. How do you sterilize your instruments?
A. All our instruments are heat sterilized in a Statim Machine according to CDC guidelines.  We follow strict procedures on infection control.  Our assistant will be happy to give you a tour of our sterilization area.

Q. Are there any food restrictions after I get braces?
A. Yes.  Patients are advised to stay away from all hard crunchy foods and sticky chewy foods that can break or damage the appliances.  Foods like ice, Jolly Ranchers, caramel and carrot sticks are on the top of the list.  We will give you a list of foods to avoid the day you get your braces.

Q. Will I get any stains on my teeth from the braces?
A. With good oral hygiene and frequent dental checkups, the teeth do not get stained. Our office provides every patient with free extra strength Fluoride that prevents cavities and teeth stains.