What will I learn from the initial examination?
You will learn if treatment is indicated or not, if
indicated, we will discuss treatment plan options,
treatment duration, and finacial arrangements.
How often will I have appointments?
Most patients are usually seen every 6-7 weeks. .
If there are specific situations that require more
frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments
accordingly.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
We try to accomodate all patients, unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. Long appointment are scheduled early in the morning, with after school hours reserved mainly for adjustments. But due to the fact that patients are seen every 6-7 weeks, they will miss minimal school time during the year.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for
an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists
recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By
this age, several permanent teeth in most children
have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate
your orthodontic condition.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial
exam?
You can schedule your first appointment by calling
our office at (815) 636-2992. You can always leave
your name and contact number and our treatment
coordinator will call you back as soon as possible.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in
braces?
Yes, you will need to continue with your regualr
check ups with your dentist, and we usually
communicate with your dentist regarding your
progress.
Will my child need an expander or a headgear?
After the initial exam, we will determine if the
use of these appliances is indicated.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not hurt, but after certain
adjustements visits, teeth might feel sore. Pain
medications such as Tylenol or Motrin will ease the
discomfort. However, after most visits patients do
not feel anything.
What is Phase I treatment?
Please visit our services page to get a detailed
description of Phase I.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Can I have braces if I'm an adult?
Yes, you can. No patient is too old to have braces. At our office we treat a large percentage of adult patients. Please visit our services page for more information.
