1. Do I need a referral from my family dentist before scheduling an appointment?
No you do not. Many patients are referred by their family dentist, but others take it upon themselves to schedule an orthodontic exam.

2. At what age should I schedule an exam for my child?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic screening by age seven. At this age some permanent front teeth and four permanent molars have erupted, allowing us to evaluate your child for possible interceptive orthodontic treatment. We offer a complimentary exam to all prospective patients.

3. What happens at the initial exam?
During your first visit to our office a comprehensive exam is completed and you are given ample opportunity to ask questions. You will leave your exam appointment feeling comfortable about the recommendations that were made and more educated in the whole process of orthodontic treatment.

4. How do I go about scheduling an exam?
That's easy! Just call either our Brighton or South Lyon office. One of our friendly receptionists will be happy to schedule an appointment that works in conjunction with your busy life.

5. Can I still play sports during orthodontic treatment?
Yes you can. We do recommend that you wear a mouth guard for all sports to protect your teeth from injury.

6. Should I still see my family dentist while wearing braces?
Yes, regular checkups with you dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while in orthodontic treatment.

7. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. At the time orthodontic appliances are placed we will review with you the foods that should be avoided during treatment. Emergency appointments can be kept to a minimum with good cooperation concerning dietary restrictions.

8. What is an emergency appointment, and how are they handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain, such as a wire that is poking or a part that has broken off, you should call our office as soon as possible. In some cases we can get you make you comfortable just by giving some simple instructions over the phone. Or, if necessary we will have you come in to the office to take care of the problem.

9. What is Phase I (interceptive) treatment?
Phase I treatment occurs while there is a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth, and usually takes place between the ages of 7 and 10. The primary objective or Phase I is to address any significant problems, and to prevent them from become more severe as more teeth erupt.

10. Will my child need Phase II if they had Phase I treatment?
After Phase I treatment has been completed, your child will enter into a "resting period" while the remaining permanent teeth erupt. During this time growth and development are closely monitored and you will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations. It is best to assume that your child will need Phase II treatment, as many bite conditions cannot be addressed until all the permanent teeth have erupted.

11. I am an adult. Is it too late for me to get braces.
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are important to adults of all ages. No patient is "too old" for orthodontic treatment.

12. Do braces hurt?
In general braces do not hurt. However, after some visits teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain relievers will ease the discomfort.

13. How long will it take to complete treatment?
The average length of a Phase I treatment is 9-12 months. The average length of treatment for an adolescent or adult is 16-20 months. Of course, treatment time can vary due to the difficulty of treatment, and can also be influenced by the level of patient cooperation.

14. How often will I have appointments?
This can vary depending upon what stage of treatment you are in and what mechanics are being used, but on the average patients are seen once every 5-6 weeks. .

15. Can all appointments be schedule during after school hours?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments after school. However, we do our very best to accommodate your needs. Most appointments that are 30 minutes or less can easily be scheduled after school as long as you schedule your appointments well in advance. Some longer appointments are done only during our quieter daytime hours.

16. Can my child return to school the day I get my braces on?
Yes, there really is no reason to curtail normal activities due to orthodontic treatment. If the teeth are sore, over-the-counter pain relievers can be a great help.

17. Can I drop off my child for appointments?
Yes, in most cases you can. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and may have some errands to run while your child is being seen in our office. You should check-in with the office staff when you return to pick up your child, so that we can give you a brief rundown of that day's appointment and schedule their next appointment.

18. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Orthodontic patients should brush their teeth at least 4 times per day-after each meal and before going to bed. We show each patient how to brush and floss around the braces. Hygiene is of the utmost importance during orthodontic treatment.

19. Can I wear braces if I have crowns or missing teeth.
Yes you can. A tooth with a crown moves just like any other tooth. When teeth are missing orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

20. Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training beyond their dental degree. Straightening teeth is not the only goal of orthodontic treatment. In many cases growth and development of the jaw and facial structures are also affected during treatment. Therefore, you should trust only an Orthodontic Specialist with the care of either yourself or your child.