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What will Treatment Cost ?
The actual cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the severity of the problem. Many orthodontic problems require only limited treatment at relatively inexpensive fees. Your orthodontic specialist will be glad to discuss fees with you before treatment begins.
Convenient financing with an initial down payment and monthly installments can usually be arranged. Watch out for new insurance plans which may include orthodontic reimbursement.
When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, be sure to keep in mind the many benefits of having a lifetime of beautiful and healthy
smiles
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Why Do Dental And Facial Irregularities Occur ?
Most malocclusions are inherited, but some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra or missing teeth, cleft palate and a wide variety of other irregularities of the jaws and face.
Acquired malocclusions can be caused by thumb or finger sucking, tongue thrusting, the airway being restricted by tonsils and adenoids, dental diseases like caries and premature loss of primary or permanent teeth.
Whether inherited or acquired, many of these problems, affect not only alignment of the teeth but facial appearances and oral functions like chewing, speech and mastication, as well as the longevity of dentition.
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How Can you
find an Orthodontic Specialist ?
All active members of Indian Orthodontic Society (IOS) and American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) are Orthodontic Specialists. They have each met the exacting standards of education and experience required by the IOS and AAO for membership.
The education requirement for IOS membership is Master of Dental Surgery (M. D. S.) in Orthodontics for 2 years or more in a recognized a Dental College in an Approved University.
DIPLOMATE position of Indian Board of Orthodontics or American Board further signifies a person who has put in the required number of years in the practice of Quality Orthodontics and passed the stringent requirements of the 'Review Board'.
Degrees like F. R. SH. , M. R. SH. , F. I. CD. , F. A. C. D. , etc. are not Orthodontic Qualifications and does not signify any Orthodontic Proficiency.
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5. |
Can I
go directly to an orthodontist, or does the dentist have to
send me ?
You do not need to go first to a
dentist office. If you think you have a problem related to the
way your teeth look you can go directly to the orthodontist's
office.
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How
do I know if I really need braces ?
There are
three basic reasons for obtaining orthodontic treatment: The
first reason is that your teeth look crooked to you and you
are embarrassed by your smile. The second would be that your
bite is not correct and you have extra pressure on the gums,
the teeth, and the joints. And the third reason is your
dentist needs to perform some type of dental treatment that
requires the teeth to be moved to facilitate restorative
correction.
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What about Adult
Treatment ?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. The biological problems involved in tooth movement are the same in both adults and children. The health of an individual's teeth, gums and supporting bone is what's most important in determining the prospects for improving an adult's smile and dental health.
Because an adult's facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections cannot be accomplished with braces alone. However, very dramatic facial changes are now being achieved with a combined approach of surgery and orthodontics for individuals who need this type of treatments.
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How is Treatment Accomplished ?
Custom-made appliances or braces are prescribed and designed according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded). They may be made of metal, plastic or both. All corrective appliances have one aim-to use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Under this pressure the body builds new tissue to support the improved position of the teeth.
There are a few inconveniences, but most patients adjust to braces quickly and wear their "tin grins" with pride. Certain treats such as Chikki, caramels and bubble gum are off limits; and the teeth may be a little tender after major adjustments. The good news is that the new techniques and the materials used by the orthodontic specialist today have not only greatly decreased the discomfort of wearing braces but have also decreased the frequency of office visits and overall treatment time.
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9. |
What
are clear braces? Are they more expensive ?
The
clear braces that
Dr. Prakash uses are of the
highest quality ceramic material and do not discolor. These
braces are just as effective as metal braces, but they are far
more attractive. The clear braces are more fragile than the
metal braces, but not so fragile that they break easily. There
is an additional charge for these ceramic braces.
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10. |
Will
I have to have my wisdom teeth removed for the
treatment ?
Wisdom teeth do not usually affect
the orthodontic treatment directly, but if they are impacted
it is recommended they be removed to prevent future
crowding.
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Will
I need to have any permanent teeth removed when I get
braces ?
If the teeth are very crowded, and
they are protruding very far, sometimes removing teeth is an
excellent choice for a patient. Typically, most orthodontists
choose to extract two upper back teeth (premolars) and two
lower back teeth (premolars) to accomplish the goals of
treatment. Alternative extraction approaches may be indicated
depending on the nature of the case.
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What
is "T M J" ?
T M J stands for Temporomandibular
Joint, which is the name of the joint associated with chewing.
This occurs independently of braces and is treated by our
doctors in a conservative fashion without surgery. Commonly
physical theraphy is the treatment.
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Is it
harder to take care of your teeth when you are wearing
braces ?
Yes. It is normally more difficult to
take care of the teeth because the braces are more difficult
to clean around. However, it only takes 3 to 4 minutes several
times per day to keep them perfectly clean.
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Does
it hurt when you bond (glue) the braces on or take them
off ?
It does not hurt to place the braces on.
There is a special instrument which will be used to remove the
braces without pain, and the discomfort is minimal.
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Aren't the braces really ugly ?
More and more people are having braces including
physicians, other dentists, lawyers, school teachers, and
children of all ages. They are accepted by the population more
than they ever have been and we don't feel there is the stigma
associated with them that there once was.
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Do
braces harm your teeth or gums ?
Yes and no.
If you follow the instructions for the care and maintenance of
the braces, keep your appointments, and brush your teeth
regularly, you should not have any problems whatsoever. There
should not be any problems with marks underneath the braces
because the braces are cemented with a cement that seals that
area of the tooth.
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17. |
What
is a retainer ?
A retainer is a simple,
removable device that is fitted to your teeth to hold them in
their corrected position after the orthodontist removes the
fixed (bonded) braces that were used to straighten your
crooked teeth. Initially our patients are advised to wear the
retainer full time for a period of 6 months, subsequently
there is a gradual phasing out with reduced wear time.
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18. |
Does
it hurt at the time teeth are removed or in the days that
follow ?
It does not hurt to place the braces
on. There is a special instrument which will be used to remove
the braces without pain, and the discomfort is minimal.
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19. |
Is
it true when braces are removed the teeth get crooked
again ?
There are usually some minor changes
following orthodontic treatment. These changes are normally
insignificant in comparison to the original malocclusion.
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How Important is Co-operation ?
Successful orthodontic treatment requires a co-operative effort between the orthodontist and patient (and the parent when the patient is a child or adolescent).The orthodontists provides the expertise, the treatment plan and the appliances to straighten the teeth. The patient must follow the doctors instructions carefully so that the teeth move properly and on schedule.
Those patients who brush thoroughly; avoid hard sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on time with good results.
Regular visits to the family dentist should continue during orthodontic treatment because good dental care and fluoridation remain important. Proper nutrition is also essential.
Successful orthodontic treatment is a partnership of efforts between all of those involved. Through this co-operative effort the treatment goal is achieved - a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
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