Orthodontic FAQs
Is a referral from my family dentist required to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic consultation?
No it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, but most are referred by family and friends.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?
Simply contact us or call (281) 313-2424.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
More and more adults today are seeking the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important at any age. It’s never too late!
What will I learn from the initial consultation?
There are four essential questions that the doctor will answer during the consultation:
- Is there an orthodontic concern, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
Will I need to have permanent teeth extracted for braces?
We use the latest orthodontic technology which greatly reduces the need for extraction of permanent teeth.
How long will my treatment take to complete?
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs. A minor correction could take 4-6 months, whereas a more involved correction could take 20-26 months.
Do braces hurt?
In general, braces don’t cause discomfort, but they may feel unfamiliar initially and require approximately a week to adjust to. Dr. Harmon employs state-of-the-art orthodontic technology that may cause teeth soreness for a few days after certain appointments. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can be used to alleviate any discomfort.
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
The cost of orthodontic treatment is contingent upon the level of correction required. During the initial consultation, we will discuss the precise fees and financial alternatives available to you. We provide a range of financing choices to cater to your specific requirements and will discuss each of these with you in detail. Additionally, we will evaluate your insurance details, assist you in maximizing your benefits, and take care of filing your claims.
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Dr. Harmon utilizes the latest orthodontic technology to allow your appointments to be spaced farther apart. Most patients are seen every 6 to 10 weeks.
Do I continue to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! We recommend seeing your family dentist at least every 6 months for a thorough cleaning and examination while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
The good news is you do not have to stick to a completely soft diet for the next two years. There are plenty of good foods you can still have while you have your braces on. Awareness of “good” and “bad” food is very important so you are able to take care of your braces throughout treatment and have the best results. Crunchy and sticky foods such as nuts and bubble gum, hard candies like lollipops and candy canes can loosen brackets and wires which may cause delays in treatment. We will give you a list of foods to avoid when you have braces.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Maintaining exceptional oral hygiene is imperative when wearing braces. It is recommended that patients brush their teeth thoroughly at least 3-4 times per day, following each meal and before going to bed. Upon commencement of your treatment, we will give you instructions on the use of specialized toothbrushes, flossing tools, toothpaste, and mouth rinses to help you as you go through treatment.
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists take the extra education to become an orthodontist. Admission to an orthodontic postgraduate program is extremely competitive and selective.
It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a four-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic student learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves orthodontists.
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