Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an orthodontist different from a general dentist?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who limit their practice to treating patients with problems of dental and skeletal alignment (crowding, spacing, overbite, crossbites, etc). After graduating from the University of Florida College of Dentistry with High Honors Dr. Freeman completed a three year orthodontic specialty training program at The Ohio State University. During his residency Dr. Freeman provided orthodontic treatment to children and adults of all ages with varying needs including cleft lip and palate rehabilitation, surgical orthodontic treatment (jaw or orthognathic surgery) as well as patients requiring interdisciplinary treatment with a team of dentists including a restorative dentist, a periodontist and a prosthetic dentist.
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When should my child have his/her first exam with an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child has a check-up with an orthodontic specialist by the age of seven. Often parents assume that they should wait until all of the permanent teeth have erupted when, in fact, this is incorrect.
Common problems seen in patients six, seven and eight year olds include harmful habits (thumb or finger sucking), anterior crossbites (a reversed relationship of the upper and lower permanent front teeth) and posterior crossbites (a reversed "widthwise" relationship of the upper and lower permanent molars).
If treatment is indicated, on your six, seven or eight year old expect treatment to last approximately six months. If treatment is not indicated Dr. Freeman will continue to monitor your child’s development by placing your child on a growth and development recall schedule. Periodic exams will ensure your child’s dental development is properly monitored and that treatment will begin at the most advantageous time. Most children do not require this early phase of treatment.
And if your child is older than seven, it is certainly not too late for a complimentary initial examination!
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When do most children begin treatment?
Since dental development is quite variable it is difficult to say there is a certain age that is best suited to begin comprehensive treatment. In general, it is preferable to have as many permanent teeth erupted as possible while not waiting so long that the pubertal growth spurt is missed. We typically begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment on children between the ages of eleven and twelve. However, we strongly suggest that females are evaluated no later than age ten and males by age eleven to ensure that treatment begins at the most advantageous time.
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Am I too old to get braces?
Dr. Freeman treats patients of all ages. As long as you are in good medical health and have healthy teeth and gums you are not too old for orthodontic treatment.
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What are some commonly treated orthodontic problems?
Crowding: Poor tooth alignment due to insufficient space to accommodate all the teeth in their proper position. Signs of crowding include overlapping front teeth, severely rotated or displaced teeth or even teeth trapped within in the bone (impacted).
Excessive Overjet (Buck teeth): The upper front teeth protrude far beyond the lower front teeth. Excessive overjet may result from poorly angled teeth as well as poorly positioned jaws.
Underbite: Lower front teeth positioned forward of the upper front teeth. An underbite may also result from poorly angled teeth as well as poorly positioned jaws.
Anterior Open Bite: Only the back teeth touch when the jaws are closed. Prolonged thumb sucking is one cause of an anterior open bite.
Deep Bite: Excessive overlap of the front teeth. In the most severe instances the lower front teeth will contact the roof of the mouth.
Anterior Crossbite: A reversed relationship of the upper and lower permanent front teeth with lower front teeth protrude beyond the upper front teeth.
Posterior Crossbite: A reversed "widthwise" relationship of the upper and lower permanent first molars due to an upper jaw that is too narrow. This is sometimes termed a skeletal crossbite.
Spacing: Gaps between teeth resulting from proclined, missing or small teeth.
Impacted tooth: A tooth that fails to erupt into the mouth. Impaction can result as a side-effect of severe crowding. Upper canine teeth are often impacted and require orthodontic treatment to guide the tooth into the appropriate position.
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Does Dr. Freeman use clear braces?
Yes. We offer highly esthetic ceramic (clear) brackets as well as traditional metal (silver) brackets.
Does Dr. Freeman use Invisalign®?
Yes. During the complimentary initial examination Dr. Freeman will briefly discuss your treatment options. If you are a candidate for treatment with Invisalign®, OrthoClear® or Red, White and Blue® clear aligners he will be glad to discuss it as an option.
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I am interested in pursuing orthodontic treatment where do I begin?
With a complimentary initial examination. Please feel free to Contact Us directly at 941.953.7500 and schedule your appointment. Click here for an overview of the new patient process.
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How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
When the time is appropriate to begin treatment Dr. Freeman will discuss available treatment options, the treatment fee and the estimated length of treatment. (Please note that both the treatment fee and estimated length of treatment is dependent upon your individual orthodontic needs).
It is important to note that Dr. Freeman quotes an all inclusive treatment fee which includes all aspects of care within the office. This fee includes any pre-treatment visits, pre-treatment records (x-rays, photographs, study models, etc.), placement of the orthodontic appliances (braces), all adjustment appointments, any additional x-rays taken during treatment, removal of the braces, retainers and two years of retainer adjustment visits. The treatment fee does not include lost or broken retainers or any needed services provided by other dental professional outside our office.
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What payment options are offered?
Orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in the overall dental and psychological well being of children and adults. We believe financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining this important health service. Understanding that people have different needs in fulfilling obligations we provide two payment options:
- The in-office interest fee payment plan. The interest free plan requires an initial down payment of 25% with the balance equally divided over monthly payments. Payment methods include cash, check and Visa/MasterCard.
- The extended repayment plan provided by CapitalOne®’s Healthcare Financesm. CapitalOne® Healthcare Financesm does not require a down payment and provides financing options up to 60 months. For additional information click here.
When is payment due?
In general payment is due when the active treatment begins (when braces are placed.)
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What about dental insurance?
If you have dental insurance and would like our office to verify orthodontic benefits please be prepared to provide the following information: the name and phone number of the insurance company, the subscriber’s (policy holder’s) name, subscriber’s date of birth and the subscriber’s social security number and the patient’s name and date of birth. We will be happy to review your benefits with you during the initial examination.
Please be aware that orthodontic insurance generally provides a lifetime maximum vs. a reoccurring annual maximum. The lifetime maximum is generally paid out over the duration of treatment rather than one payment. Depending on your insurance plan you can have benefits released directly to you or to our office.
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What are separators/spacers?
Separators or spacers are usually little blue elastic rings that are placed on either side of the first molars to create a slight space. The space is needed to allow for molar band cementation. For more about molar bands read below!
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What will it be like when I get my braces on?
If separators/spacers were previously placed they will be removed and you will be asked to brush your teeth. Dr. Freeman will fit and cement molar bands on the four first molars. A band is a thin metal ring with a bracket welded on the side. Dr. Freeman will ask for your help while positioning the bands. Patients participate by slowly biting on an instrument called a bite stick. Once the proper size bands are selected, the bands are removed and cemented in place. Cemented bands are very strong and can tolerate high biting forces that would break off a bonded (glued-on) bracket.
Next, a device called a cheek retractor is placed in your mouth and the teeth are cleaned and dried. Each bracket (brace) is individually placed, positioned and bonded (glued on) by Dr. Freeman. Although brackets look relatively similar each bracket is specifically designed for the particular tooth. Once all of the brackets are placed the cheek retractor is removed. Brackets have a slot into which an archwire is inserted. Once the archwire is inserted it is held in place with small clear or colored plastic elastic o-rings (ties). You may select up to two colors of o-rings at each appointment. After all the technical work is finished we will demonstrate proper oral hygiene techniques so you will know how to take care of your braces. It takes approximately ninety minutes to place upper and lower braces and provide oral hygiene instructions.
Teeth often feel sore for the first three days of treatment. It will take up to two weeks for your cheeks to get used to the brackets. Your lips may also feel dry so be sure to use lip balm. Any discomfort you may experience can be alleviated by taking over-the-counter pain medication. We typically suggest ibuprofen (Advil®) if the patient has taken it previously without incident. Refer to package labeling for appropriate dosing information.
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What about the rest of treatment?
The rest of your treatment will consist of adjustment appointments typically scheduled every four to six weeks. During an adjustment appointment Dr. Freeman will assess your treatment progress and do what is necessary to advance your treatment (change archwires, ask you to wear rubber band elastics, etc.) and, of course, replace your ties with new colors. Any discomfort you may experience after an adjustment can be alleviated by taking over the counter pain medication. We typically suggest ibuprofen (Advil®) if the patient has taken it previously without incident. Refer to package labeling for appropriate dosing information.
Upon the completion of your treatment your braces will be removed and you will be given a set of retainers. Retainer wear is a lifetime commitment. If you do not wear your retainers as instructed your teeth will shift. Retainer adjustment visits help ensure your retainers fit their best.
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How important is patient cooperation during treatment?
Your cooperation is essential to the success of your treatment. Here is how you make a difference:
- Maintain regular dental examinations/cleanings (at least every six months) during orthodontic treatment. Dental offices often request that the archwires be removed to improve access during your cleaning appointments. We will be happy to coordinate the removal and replacement of your archwires for cleaning appointments.
- Good oral hygiene is a must! Remember to pay special attention to the tooth surfaces closest to your gums and clean especially well around the posts sticking out from the brackets on the canine (fang) teeth.
- Improper brushing technique may result in cavity formation and gum inflammation. Cavities begin as white spots around the periphery of the brackets. White spots are permanent markings (enamel scars) that cannot be removed once they have formed. Unfortunately polishing and bleaching will not remove these markings. Brushing teeth properly may require the assistance of an adult.
- Keep your scheduled appointments and take care of your appliances. Broken appointments and broken brackets (often a result of chewing on pencils, hard candy and ice) may extend your treatment time.
- Wear your elastics as instructed. Not wearing elastics as prescribed will result in no progress!
- Wear your mouth guard when playing sports.
- Inform us of any changes to your medical health.
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Want further information?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a six page article titled Straight Talk on Braces in the January – February 2005 FDA Consumer magazine. You can view this article by clicking on the following link: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/105_braces.html
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THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT. |
