Common Questions & Answers
It’s normal to have a lot of questions about orthodontics. We try to answer many of them here, but you can always call our office and we’ll be happy to speak with you.
Your First Visit
Do you charge for the first visit?
No. Your consultation with our office is FREE. We’ll always help figure out if orthodontic treatment is right for you without charging a fee.
We’ll also take digital photographs and X-rays to help explain your possible treatment.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
We like to start seeing patients at age seven.
By this point, your child’s six-year molars and first permanent teeth should have grown in.
Why do you evaluate patients so young?
We want to observe your child’s tooth eruption sequence to make sure the adult teeth are coming in properly and on time.
We also want to observe your child’s growth so we can tell what kind of treatment they may need in the future based on their habits and growth patterns. It also allows us to start treatment at the best time. Some children may need early treatment.
How long will the first visit take?
Between 45 minutes to an hour.
Dr. David Ross will do a visual exam of you or your child’s teeth. We will take digital photographs and we may need to take X-rays to do a complete diagnostic treatment plan.
Do you take patients who transfer from out of town?
Yes. We treat transfers just like a new patient.
We’ll gather your diagnostic records to figure out what needs to be done to complete your treatment.
We’ll work out a monthly fee to complete your treatment.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely. More and more adults are getting treatment from us.
We have several discrete options that make adult orthodontic treatment more comfortable and convenient.
What's the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
Orthodontists start out as dentists but go on to have at least two to three years of full-time training to get a specialty certificate in orthodontics.
Can I make appointments after school and late in the day?
Yes. We try to see a majority of our patients early or late in the day, but some procedures may need to be done between during school time.
We will do our best to work with your schedule.
Do you see patients for emergencies?
Yes. Call our offices at 717-637-4131 or 443-901-3100 for any emergency issues.
Finances
Can we make payments?
Yes. We’ll work out a convenient, no-interest, payment plan that works for your budget.
We’ll apply your insurance benefits to help reduce your out of pocket costs.
How do you handle insurance?
After verifying your coverage, we’ll bill and collect from your insurance carrier.
However, if your insurance coverage changes or ends, you’ll still be responsible for the cost of the remaining treatment.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes. We can accept direct debit and charge card posting.
Do you charge interest?
No.
Do you give family discounts?
Yes.
Types of Treatment
What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment takes place before all permanent teeth have come in.
The goal of early treatment is to start correcting bad bites (malocclusions) that could be more difficult or impossible to fix when your child is older.
Phase 1 treatment can correct individual tooth or jaw crossbite and underbites and overbites that are bad enough to affect the function, appearance, or psychological development of your child’s mouth.
What's Phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It usually starts while your child’s last baby teeth are falling out and continues until their 12-year molars have been evaluated or straightened.
This treatment usually lasts two or three years. Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment.
It usually starts while your child’s last baby teeth are falling out and continues until their 12-year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts two or three years.
How which phase of treatment my child needs?
We’ll be able to tell when you bring your child in for an early visit.
Dr. David Ross will review your child’s records and findings and will guide and direct you toward what treatment he feels your child needs.
Moving Teeth
I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
Yes. Dr. Ross will let you know which procedures you need to be premedicated for.
How long do braces take?
On average, treatment with braces takes about two years.
Sometimes it will be split up into two treatments with 6-18 months in between.
How do braces work?
Crooked teeth move gradually into place when brackets are attached and shaped wires apply pressure to your teeth.
Do you use recycled braces?
No.
Retainers
Do you need to wear retainers after wearing braces?
Yes. You will need to wear retainers full-time for one month after taking your braces off.
After that, you will need to wear them at night.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Your teeth will naturally move over time whether you have braces or not.
By wearing a retainer, you can keep your teeth from move out of place as you age.
What about retainers glued to the backs of teeth?
Some patients need extra help to keep their teeth in place. If you need a permanent retainer, we’ll attach it to the backs of your lower teeth.
You’ll have to work with your dentist to make sure the area stays clean and healthy.
Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars)
Will wisdom teeth make my teeth crooked?
No.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
While wisdom teeth don’t make your teeth crooked, they can cause gum problems, swelling, and trap food and lead to infection.
It’s better to plan on removing them instead of having to remove them in an emergency.
When is a good time to have wisdom teeth removed?
When two-thirds of the root is formed, which is usually after age 16 or 18 on average.
Temporomandibular Disorders (TMJ)
Can braces or orthodontic treatment treat or cause TMJ problems?
No. There is no direct link between TMJ and orthodontic problems or treatment.
Health Impact
What are the health benefits of wearing braces?
Orthodontics help make your bite more comfortable, make it easier to brush and floss your teeth, and help balance the muscles in your face.
The self-esteem benefits are priceless.
How do enlarged adenoids and allergies affect braces?
Mouth breathing, a side-effect of allergies or enlarged adenoids, can cause several different bite problems that need to be fixed with braces.
How does a tongue thrust or low tongue posture affect braces?
These habits can cause bite problems, as well as causing problems with spacing and protrusion.
