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F.A.Qs
1- Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
2- At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
3- Do braces hurt?
4- Will my teeth straighten out or correct their own position as they grow?
5- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
6- How long will it take to complete treatment?
7- How much will braces cost?Are financing options available?How does my insurance       work?
8- How often will I have appointments?
9- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
10- Are braces or orthodontic treatment painful?
11- Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
12- Do you give shots?
13- Can I still play sports?
14- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
15- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
16- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
17- What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
18- Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
19- What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
20- Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
21- Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
22- Do you accept credit cards?
23- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

2- At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
• The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first appointment to be by age 7 because that is when the first adult molars are typically present.
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3- Do braces hurt?
• This may be the most common question patients have regarding orthodontic treatment. Adjustments can cause mild soreness, but we at Bergen Orthodontics do not believe in pain during treatment.
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4- Will my teeth straighten out or correct their own position as they grow?
• Teeth rarely self-correct or align as people mature.
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5- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
• Very few people require extractions of adult teeth during their orthodontic care, but when it is necessary – we exercise caution in deciding to do so and take the time to outline the reason for extracting to patients and parents.
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6- How long will it take to complete treatment?
• It depends on the type and complexity of the treatment. Typical orthodontic treatment lasts 18-24 months. It is not unusual to see treatment end as early as one year and extend to three years, as needed.
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7- How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
• The cost of treatment will depend on the complexity of the case and our collective goals and desired outcome.
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8- How often will I have appointments?
• Usually every 4-6 weeks unless circumstance requires otherwise.
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9- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
• Yes. We may need you to sign a release in order to do so.
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10- Are braces or orthodontic treatment painful?
• They are not painful but the feeling of having your teeth moved may require some adjustment.
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11- Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
• Yes. This is a very personal choice
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12- Do you give shots?
• Orthodontic treatment does not involve pain, so we do not need to use needles or anesthesia. Discomfort is rare but possible and never requires a needle or injection for relief.
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13- Can I still play sports?
• Yes. We have patients that are professional and semi-professional athletes and all are advised to wear mouth guards to protect their mouth. For all patients in treatment, mouth guards are provided.
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14- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
• Regular or more frequent dental check-ups and cleanings are advisable during orthodontic treatment. We always prefer being safe to being sorry! We will coordinate with your dentist during treatment to ensure that proper health and hygiene are maintained and supervised throughout.
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15- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
• We generally recommend avoiding hard and sticky foods. Chewing gum, pretzels, pizza crust, nuts, hard candies, and such foods are not ideal choices for a patient undergoing orthodontic care.
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16- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
• After eating, brushing is essential. We generally recommend brushing at least three times per day, with or without braces.
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17- What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
• Emergencies are rare for patients undergoing orthodontic care, but we have recommendations in our “Have an Emergency?” section to help walk you through simple, quick, home remedies for most annoyances until an office visit is possible.
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18- Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
• Orthodontic treatment can and often does occur in the presence of some primary (also known as baby) teeth. Often the space held by these baby teeth can be used to uncrown adult teeth without the need for extractions.
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19- What is Phase One (early) Treatment?
• Early treatment or two-phased treatment is occasionally needed when the earlier correction of one problem or issue can speed the later or second phase of treatment.
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20- Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
• More likely than not, Phase I treatment will be followed by a Phase II. Occasionally, early treatment can preclude the need for additional care. In either case, we are advocates of the shortest, most comfortable course of treatment for every patient. If two phased treatment is the means to that end – then that is the best indication for its use.
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21- Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
• It is an awful misconception that a person can be too old for straight teeth and a beautiful smile. It is never too late to correct crowding and mal-alignment of your teeth! The only factor dictating whether orthodontic care is possible is your willingness and the health of your teeth and gums!!
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22- Do you accept credit cards?
• Visa • Mastercard • American Express • Discover
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23- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
• Yes! We have special bonding systems designed to attach braces to crowns and bridgework. We will work with your dentist to make sure that the restorative work that has been and will be performed fits the best bite you will have after orthodontic care!
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