Grant Bowbeer DDS MS

 What is an orthodontist?    When should my child see an orthodontist?    How does orthodontic treatment work?   Am I too old for braces?    What is the difference between Phase I & Phase II treatment?    How much will it cost?  How often will I have appointments?    Do braces hurt?    Do you give shots?     Can I play sports/instruments?     Can I chew gum with braces?    Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?    How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?    Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces on?     What can I eat?      Should I bring my appliance(s) to each appointment?  What is invisalign and is it right for me?

What is an orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. They help establish a proper relationship of teeth and jaws so that they work correctly, and leave the patient with correct positioning of the teeth for an attractive face and profile.

When should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. By this age, orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or acrylic. They may be removable or may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a controlled direction, teeth are move to a corrected position.   

Invisalign is another method of straightening teeth, done with a series of aligners, usually changed every two weeks.  Click here for our invisalign page

Am I too old for braces? 

You are never too old for braces. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age!

What is the difference between Phase I & Phase II treatment? 

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, can help prevent a problem from developing, intercept a developing problem, and guide the growth of the jaw bones that support the teeth. Children who may need additional space for teeth to come in (crowding), correct a crossbite, underbite, or harmful oral habits would be some examples of Phase I orthopaedic treatment. If a child has early moderate to severe crowding due to narrow dental arches, early expansion to correct the arch width protects the front teeth, prevents the impaction of cuspids, and allows most children to be treated without the removal of permanent teeth (except third molars). Phase I is done before all the permanent teeth have erupted. Average time for 1st Phase is between 14-16 months active treatment. 

Phase II treatment, or Comprehensive treatment, is done when the permanent dentition is in. This phase of treatment moves the permanent teeth into their final position. This may involve additional expansion, full braces,  biteplanes, etc. Clear retainers are placed at the end of treatment to keep teeth in place. Average time for 2nd Phase treatment is between 24-30 months active treatment.

How much will it cost?

Since each case is different, it is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment. Fees depend upon the length of time and the degree of severity of each patient's treatment. A financial consultation will be given at the time the treatment plan is presented. Our office bills insurance companies for orthodontic treatment and we are happy to provide repayment options for you.

How often will I have appointments?

This depends on the type of appointment needed. Once treatment has started appointments generally are every 4-6 weeks. We try to accomodate late afternoon appointments for children in school.

Do braces hurt?

Not usually. Most patients do not feel any discomfort at all. However, occassionally teeth can be sore for a few days after certain appointments. We recommend that you use Tylenol or Motrin to alleviate any discomfort.  

Do you give shots?

No.

Can I play sports/instruments?

Yes. For patients playing sports, a suitable mouthguard will be suggested upon request. In most cases the playing of a musical instrument will not be affected by orthodontic treatment, but a short period of adjustment may be necessary for a wind instrument. We suggest you take out removable appliances while playing, and use the wax provided if uncomfortable.   

Can I chew gum with braces?

Yes, but only sugar free non-stick gum, such as Trident, Extra, Spry, etc.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Yes. Your dentist is invaluable in helping to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Poor oral hygiene habits or improper brushing technique can result in decayed teeth and irriation and/or infection of the gums.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Your teeth, bands, and brackets should be brushed after every meal and you should use the Prevident 5000 before bedtime, using any other fluoride toothpaste the rest of the day. Daily use of Prevident 5000 can help to reduce the possiblities of cavities and decalcification during treatment. Appliances must be brushed as well. Poor oral hygiene habits or improper brushing technique can result in decayed teeth and irriation and/or infection of the gums. Don't forget to FLOSS!

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces on?

Yes! Please avoid all hard or sticky candy and foods high in sugar content. DO NOT EAT large nuts, popcorn, ice, caramels, jaw breakers, licorice, tootsie rools, suckers, taffy, corn chips, pizza crust, gummy bears,  and hard breads. Corn on the cob should be removed from the cob before eating. These foods can break the cement seal of the bands and distort the delicate orthodontic archwires. Also, biting your fingernails, chewing on pencil ends can loosen or break appliances and braces.

Invisalign has an advantage because the aligners are removed for all meals. However, the teeth must be brushed and the aligner re-inserted immediately after eating to be effective in moving the teeth. (SEE PHOTO AT END OF COLUMN)

What can I eat?

Lots of things!  Softer is better. Soups, stews, pasta, enchiladas, and rice dishes are good choices. Chicken fish and meatloaf are easy to chew too. Make it bite sized.  Cut chewy foods such as pizza and submarine sandwiches into pieces. Cut meat off the bone. Cut fresh vegetables and fruits into small slices and chew with the back teeth.

Should I bring my appliance(s) to each appointment?

Absolutely, night-time appliances too. In some instances your appointment may have to be rescheduled if your appliance is not present, or an additional appointment may be needed to check the appliance.

What is invisalign and is it right for me?

 Click here for link within our website.

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Don't forget to use the Prevident 5000 at night. Remember, you don't have to brush all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep!

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