Why an orthodontist? An orthodontist
is a dentist that has completed a 2-year course of study in addition to
dental school to acquire a certificate in orthodontics. Many schools
require a Master's Degree in the Dental College (M.S.D.) or the Graduate College
(M.S.) simultaneously. Dr. Wadleigh is an orthodontist with a Master's
Degree from the University of Iowa Graduate College. An orthodontist is a specialist that provides only
orthodontic services and is best qualified to manage this aspect of your dental
care. The State of Wisconsin does not require specialty licensure which
means that a general dentist may offer any dental service he/she feels competent to
deliver including orthodontics. The way to know the difference is that
only orthodontists can use the descriptions "orthodontic specialist",
"orthodontics exclusively", or "practice limited to orthodontics" according to the
laws of WI
Dental Examining Board.
When is the best time to be seen by an orthodontist?
It is not necessary to be concerned about the positions of the "baby"
teeth. The permanent teeth begin erupting at 6-7 years of age but most
problems do not become apparent until the incisors erupt at 7-9 years of age.
Your family dentist may refer your child at an early age which does not mean a
treatment is imminent. Most careful family dentists want to be sure that a
potential problem is under observation and that optimal treatment
timing will not be passed by.
What happens at the first visit?
The initial examination appointment is a very brief review of basic tooth and
jaw relation parameters and takes only about 10 minutes for the exam and
discussion. Then either diagnostic records (to start treatment) or a
recall interval (for a future re-examination) are recommended. In the case
of adult examinations, alternative treatment methods such as "capping"
teeth or surgical therapies will be presented as well if they are reasonable
options to consider.
How much does it cost to be seen?
We do not charge a fee for either the examination or recall examinations
(although there may be a fee for an x-ray if one is absolutely necessary -and-
only after your approval). When it is time to start a correction, the fee
estimate is given in writing.
What kind of braces are available?
In our office we suggest the use of the small stainless steel brackets for
best comfort and control. The main wires ("archwires") are secured
to the brackets with elastic ties.
The patient has the choice of colors for the ties at each visit. Clear brackets are available
but have some disadvantages over stainless steel. Because they are either
plastic (polycarbonate) or ceramic (essentially glass) they have to be bulkier
in order to manage the forces of chewing in the mouth and they are less
comfortable as a result. The other disadvantage is the misconception
surrounding them; they are not really greatly less noticeable. The simple
truth is that friends and acquaintances will notice clear and stainless brackets
in about the same frequency and may or may not make conversation about
them. Within two weeks almost everyone will look past them regardless of
their shape or color. We will be happy to supply them to you but feel you
would be more physically comfortable with the stainless brackets. The
psychological aspects are another matter and are entirely at your discretion.
Why does
my child's friend have braces at age 9 and he
doesn't? Every patient has a different set of
problems to be solved and timeframes for creating the correction. We do
not treat patients early in our office unless it is a very significant problem
that will require more than one effort to gain the result we desire.
Is
there an age limit to having orthodontics? Age is not a limiting factor, as
much as good healthy supporting structures of the teeth, but may influence the
decision to have treatment.
TM
