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 Q: Does my child need to see an orthodontist?
A: The following are indications that an orthodontic problem may be present:
- Unusual facial profile
- Thumb and finger sucking
- Overlapping and crowded teeth
- Missing teeth
- Underbite
- Protrusion of upper front teeth
- Mouth breathing
These are just a few of the early indications that orthodontic problems may exist
Q: What causes crooked teeth?
A: Just as we inherit eye color form our parents, mouth and jaw features are also inherited. For example, we might get mom's jaw and dad's teeth- together they just don't line up properly.
Q: When should my child see an orthodontist?
A: Every person is different. However, it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that about age six is the appropriate time for a child's first evaluation by an orthodontic specialist. I you or your family dentist suspects an orthodontic problem before age six, an orthodontic specialist should be contacted for an earlier evaluation.
Q: Isn't six years of age too early?
A: Not really. Early diagnosis and treatment by an orthodontist can help guide tooth eruption and facial growth preventing more serious problems. Also by managing early problems, later orthodontic treatment may be reduced, made easier and in some cases more economical.
Q: How will my child benefit from straight teeth?
A: Properly positioned teeth are much easier to care for and clean. Correction of the bite not only helps with improved chewing and speech, but also plays and important role in reducing future wear of the teeth and stress on the supporting bone and the jaw joints. Orthodontic care may also improve an individuals self-image.
Q: How does orthodontic care improves self-image?
A: Scientific research has repeatedly shown the mouth and face to be focal points of communication and social interaction. Appearance has been related to interpersonal popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style, and self-image. There can be little doubt that an attractive facial appearance and smile can improve the quality of life in many dimensions. All factors of facial and dental esthetics are considered by the orthodontist in planning individual treatment strategies.
 Q: I see quite a few adults with braces. Is this a growing trend?
A: Over 20 % of our patients are adults. Age is not a factor in orthodontic care. This trend is expected to continue, as adults become increasingly aware of the benefits of modern orthodontic therapy. Invisalign is another benefit with adult patients.
See NEW TECHNOLOGY for more information
Q: Why do people choose to have braces during adulthood?
A: Many of our adult patients are being treated for orthodontic problems that were not corrected when they were children. These individuals realize that the health of their mouth and the attractiveness of their smile and facial appearance often results in changes for the better in their personal, social and professional lives.
Q: Will orthodontics change my lifestyle?
A: You'll have to give up extremely hard and sticky foods. These foods can get caught on 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. You will still be able to play an instruments, sing, play sports with a mouth guard, and kiss.
Q: Why see a specialist?
A: Many orthodontic problems are quite complex, involving the growth patterns of facial bones and soft tissue facial profiles as well as misaligned teeth. Treatment of such problems often requires that care of an orthodontist with lengthy specialty training. See the DOCTOR page for more information about Dr. Peter Wendell.
 Q: Do you need a referral from your family dentist to see an orthodontist?
A: You don't need a referral from your family dentist unless you are in a managed care plan with a "gatekeeper" primary care dentist. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of existing patients is often the primary way orthodontists meet new patients. We welcome new patients at our office and are excited to work with you.
Q: What will happen at my first visit to your office?
A: At your first appointment, a thorough and complete orthodontic examination will be performed. This will include an analysis of facial and skeletal type, assessment of facial growth, and examination of the bite, alignment of the teeth, health of the soft tissues, function of the jaw and adjacent supporting structures. If treatment is necessary, Dr. Wendell will give you his orthodontic treatment plan. Financial breakdown will take place and if you have any questions you can feel free to ask them. A complete set of diagnostic records will be recommended.
Q: What are orthodontic records?
A: Orthodontic records usually include x-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. These diagnostic records enable us to develop the appropriate treatment plan to correct the individual orthodontic problem. You will also have a consultation, you will receive information about your home care during treatment and how to take care of your appliances. In most cases you will need spacers or separators.
Q: What are spacers or separators?
A: The purpose of spacers or separators is to create space between adjacent teeth so that orthodontic bands may be fitted to the molar teeth.
Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
A: Orthodontic care often eliminates the need for other dental and medical treatment, thus reducing future health care costs. Considering that the dental and psychological benefits of orthodontic care can last a lifetime, the cost is quite modest.
Q: Do I have to pay for orthodontic care all at once?
A: We are sensitive to your financial circumstances and try to provide a flexible payment plan that is within the comfort level of your budget.
Q: What if I have orthodontic insurance?
A: Our office will prepare necessary forms to assist you in collecting the maximum benefit from your plan. Please remember most plans only pay a portion of your fees. All services are charged directly to the responsible party for payment. Your insurance will pay you back directly.
Q: How long does orthodontic treatment takes?
A: Most treatment times average from 18 to 24 months. The length of treatment will vary depending upon treatment goals, degree of complexity, patient cooperation, and a number of other factors.
Q: Should I continue to see my family dentist while in braces?
A: Definitely! It is very important to continue your regular dental checkups to prevent or detect dental decay and to monitor the health of the supporting structures. Periodic professional cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist will maintain overall dental health and prevent dental disease.
Q: When will my appointments be scheduled?
A: We share your concern about missing school or work and we schedule appointments so that each patient receives a fair proportion of convenient appointments. We try to minimize the number of appointments that are necessary in the morning and excuses are provided when needed.
Q: What happens if I have a problem with my braces after hours or on a weekend?
A: Orthodontic emergencies do not occur often, but if you have a problem, we respond quickly. Emergency care is provided at all times. For your peace of mind, Dr. Wendell or one of his experienced staff members will be on call. Call the office and our answering service will give you numbers that you may reach one of us.
Q: What can we expect from your practice?
A: We focus personal attention and meticulous, state of the art care in orthodontics. Our mission is to provide the highest level of orthodontic therapy possible. We intend to treat you so well personally and technically that you will feel comfortable n recommending us to your friends and family. Dr. Wendell is noted for being "Dr. Fun". Our staff is dedicated to the practice as well and we all promise to give you the best personal care you can get.
Q: What about sterilization procedures?
A: We conform to the highest level of sterilization procedures recommended by OSHA, and have the most up to date sterilization equipment available.
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Other Forms of Treatment
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RPE (Rapid Palatal Expander)
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There are certain types of orthodontic problems that require the use of a rapid palatal expander, or RPE. When the upper arch is more narrow than the lower (crossbite) or when there is a need for more room to accommodate the upper teeth, an RPE is often prescribed. Metal rings, or bands, are fitted to your molars & an impression is taken to make a model of your teeth. The bands & mode are then sent to a lab & the PRE is made. We cement the device to your molars at another appointment. Activating the RPE won't hurt, but your teeth may be uncomfortable for one or two days. Take Tylenol or Advil if necessary, with adult supervision. The RPE is activated y the use of a small wrench. You or your parents must turn the RPE each day-usually once in the morning & once a night.
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Lip Bumper
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To help create space for crowded teeth and allow room for permanent teeth to come in, molar bands will be cemented and a lip bumper will be custom-fitted for your mouth. When inserting a lip bumper into the tubes as instructed, make sure the "bumps" are pointing downward. The only time the lip bumper should be out is when you are brushing your teeth. Always keep your lip bumper clean, by just simply taking a wet cloth and wipe the lip bumper. Some mild discomfort will be expected, if any. Tyenol or Advil can be taken with adult supervision.
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Headgear
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When the upper teeth or jaw are too far forward, headgear treatment is often used. The headgear helps control the forward growth of the upper jaw. It is also used to retract teeth to establish an ideal occlusion or bite relationship. The length of time that a headgear is necessary during treatment depends upon; type of growth pattern, the severity of the discrepancy, the rate of growth of the patient, and most importantly, the consistency of wear and the amount of the worn per day. You must wear your headgear at least 12 hours a night. Some discomfort during the first week, which may affect the ability to fall asleep at night. Take Tyenol or Advil, 2 hours prior to bedtime, will help during the adjustment period. The back teeth may become slightly loose with consistently good wear. We will give a daily chart to fill out so you can keep up with the hours worn. Always bring your headgear and chart to every appointment. Never wear the headgear during rough play or sports, injury could occur.
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Rubber Bands
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We may provide you with small elastics or rubber bands to help individual tooth movement or to align one arch to the other. Teeth always move when elastics are worn exactly as instructed. If your wear them one day & not the next, the desired result can't occur. Why? Because the teeth requires constant force and the back and forth motion of "on & off" wear creates a resistance that prevents normal movement. To achieve quicker and more comfortable results, wear them exactly as you are told. Change your elastics 4 times a day. Take them off before every meal and put new ones in. Put a new set in before bed. Any discomfort you may experience usually fades after a few days. But remember if you take them out to give your teeth a break you are doing the wrong thing. Stick with it, they are bringing you closer to the day you get your braces off!!
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Retainers
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Essix retainers: After your braces are taken off we will take an impression so the retainers can be made. The retainers are made in just a few days so your teeth will not shift. It is so important that you pick up your retainers on the day of your appointment. The retainers are clear. They very easy to wear, they need to be worn 12 hours a night. It is so important to wear your retainers, you do not want your teeth to move back to the original positions. To clean the retainers you simply use warm mild soap and a toothbrush. Always keep your retainer from pets, they love to chew on them. The retainers will be uncomfortable for the one or two days, similar to when your braces were adjusted. Speech my be affected for a short period of time while you adapt to wearing your retainers.
Spring retainers: Spring retainers are use for any mild shifting of teeth. An impression is taken and a model of your teeth is sent to a lab so the retainer can be made. When the retainer is placed you will have some discomfort, so some Tyenol or Advil with adult supervision can be taken. The retainers are made so the teeth that are shifted will move back in place. The retainers are worn at all times until the teeth move back. Dr. Wendell will then tell you how often you should wear your retainer
Permanent Retainer: A permanent retainer has been attached to the backs of your teeth to keep them in proper position.
Care of your permanent retainer: Your retainer has been attached to your teeth with a strong and durable adhesive. However, eating hard or chewy foods may break your retainer away from your teeth. To avoid breakage, take precaution while eating, as you did when you wore your braces. You have been instructed as to how to floss your teeth with the permanent retainer. Using floss made for braces will make flossing easier. (Superfloss by Oral-B)
If you notice your teeth are shifting, your permanent retainer may be loose. Call the office promptly so we may schedule an appointment to repair it.
Any questions? Call Dr. Wendell & Team anytime! 253-1200
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