Patterson & Schardt Orthodontics MS Orthodontist Monroe, WI and Freeport, IL - clear orthodontics, adult braces, invisible braces

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is orthodontics important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image are just two of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairment, tooth loss and dental injuries.

Will braces hurt?
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort during the first week after their braces are put on, and for several days after the braces are tightened each month. You can use Aspirin (for adults) or a non-aspirin pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil to ease the discomfort.

At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?
Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. However, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if they are detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.

How long will orthodontic treatment last?
The time needed to complete orthodontic treatment will vary for each patient, and always depends on how much your jaws need to change and how far your teeth must move. We are committed to making your treatment as fast and effective as possible.

Will I still be able to play sports?
Yes. However, we recommend that patients protect their smiles by wearing mouthguards when they are participating in any sporting activity. We provide special orthodontic mouthguards for our patients which are comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and designs.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
However, there is usually an initial period of adjustment. We can provide you with brace covers and orthodontic wax to ease the adjustment period.

Are retainers necessary and how long will I have to wear them?
A retainer is a device which you will wear full time after your braces have been removed. Retainers are designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. After one year, you will only need to wear your retainers at night. The longer you wear your retainers, the better your chances that your teeth will stay straight. Retainers insure that your teeth will stay in good alignment while your jaws continue to grow or change.

Am I too old for orthodontics?
About 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults, ranging in age into the 70s. Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children. As long as your supporting bone and gums are reasonably healthy, you can now experience the satisfaction of a better smile.

What is TMJ dysfunction?
TMJ Dysfunction (TMD) is a condition in which one or both of the jaw joints are sprained, misaligned or malfunctioning. TMD can seriously affect how your mouth works and often includes side effects such as popping or pain in the joints, limited movement, neck pain, headaches and difficulty chewing.

What is malocclusion?
"Malocclusion" is the technical term for a ‘‘bad bite.’’ Malocclusions can be inherited. However, it is also possible to acquire a bad bite from habits such as mouth breathing and thumb sucking. Premature loss of baby teeth or extraction of adult teeth can cause a malocclusion. Inherited malocclusions are usually caused by an imbalance between the sizes of the jaws and/or the sizes of the teeth. Whether inherited or acquired, malocclusions can affect not only the alignment of the teeth, but also the appearance of the face.

Who should straighten my teeth?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed two to four years of advanced education beyond the eight years required for the doctoral degree. This training qualifies him as a specialist in orthodontics, the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to the development and positions of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic assistants may have one year of education, or they may be trained at the office. You may wish to carefully compare two or more orthodontic offices to determine how much of the treatment will be done by the orthodontist, and how much will be done by the assistants.

How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on the length and complexity of treatment. They can range from $1,900 to $7,300, but are usually between $5,681 and $6,308 for full braces. Partial correction of orthodontic problems is sometimes available at a reduced fee. Please feel free to ask about limited treatment options. Today, many dental insurance policies include some orthodontic benefits. Flexible spending accounts, installment payment plans and tax deductions can also make orthodontic fees more affordable than ever before.

What kinds of braces are available?
We offer miniature braces made of the finest surgical grade stainless steel. Braces plated with 24-carat gold are also popular, and are available at no additional cost to you. If you prefer a more natural look, real sapphire clear braces are a beautiful option which are available for a $120 premium for the six upper front teeth. Since clear plastic braces can stain and discolor, we’ve chosen pure sapphire braces for our patients.

How does patient cooperation affect the final results?
Children are special patients, and we take special care with them. Our highest priority is to make your child's orthodontic experience as pleasant and successful as we can. For all patients, cooperation is essential! Orthodontic treatment requires a commitment by the patient. Usually the difference between a poor result and a great result is the degree of cooperation that we receive, and not the severity of the original problem.

Treatment time can be lengthened and results worsened by poor brushing, inadequate wearing time for rubber bands, headgear and retainers, broken braces and missed appointments.

If you have other questions, feel free to call our office or click on the following link for all of your questions about dental health and orthodontics. Of course, we would be happy to answer your questions personally.

www.ada.org/public/topics/alpha.asp