F.A.Q. ABOUT STARTING TREATMENT
Do I need a referral to go see Dr. Lee?
It’s not required, but often times our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends, and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.
At what age should I schedule an orthodontic screening?
American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.
What is phase 1 treatment?
Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but every patient is different. Dr. Lee will monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.
What will happen at our first appointment?
Before you leave, be sure to have all the necessary information needed to complete our new patient forms, including your insurance information. Then Dr. Lee will complete the examination, which can include X-rays and photographs, to properly diagnose you or your child’s condition.
Do you give shots for treatment?
No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.
F.A.Q. ABOUT BRACES
How much do braces cost?
We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about your Insurance and payment plan options on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.
Will I have to get teeth extracted for braces?
It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.
Can I wear braces if I have a crown or missing teeth?
Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Do braces hurt?
Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Can I return to school/work after braces?
Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
F.A.Q. ABOUT INVISALIGN
How long do I have to wear my Invisalign aligners?
Because each patient is different, treatment time with Invisalign varies. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 24 months – it all depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are wearing your aligners and keeping your scheduled appointments.
Do I have to wear my aligners at night?
Yes. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can remove them when eating and when brushing & flossing. You can also take them out temporarily for those special occasions such as interviews or school photos as long as you put them right back in afterward.
Will the aligners affect my speech?
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
It is very easy to clean your aligners. Just brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinse them off to keep them fresh & clean. To keep them extra fresh, we offer Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to freshen up the trays 1-2 times per week!
How often do I have to see you in the office?
At the beginning of treatment, we may see you every 3-4 weeks. As treatment progresses, we can usually monitor your progress every 8-12 weeks. Each tray could be worn from 18 days in the beginning to 7 days towards the end of treatment, depending on cooperation and progress. Every patient’s needs are different, so that can vary from smile to smile.
Will I wear a retainer after treatment is complete?
Yes. The day you are finished wearing your aligners is when you begin the retention phase of your treatment. This is when you will wear a retainer as directed by us so your teeth do not shift back into their original positions.
Can I eat with the aligners on?
No, eating food is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and can make a big mess. Always remember to remove your aligners prior to eating a meal.