How can I judge the skill level of the doctor?
Not all orthodontic treatment is the same and not all dentists have the same amount of training in orthodontics. In fact, any general dentist can practice orthodontics; it's perfectly legal. To become an orthodontic specialist, the American Dental Association requires two continuous years of full-time study in orthodontics after completion of dental school.
Is orthodontic treatment needed?
A lot of children should see an orthodontist long before they need braces. Bites which appear to be quite acceptable may actually cause problems in later life. Even if crowded teeth or overbites are not obvious, every child should have an orthodontic checkup at age seven. If you have questions, ask your dentist or call us directly. No referral is needed.
How do I know if my doctor is a specialist?
Call the American Association of Orthodontists (1-314-993-1700).
Membership in the AAO requires that advanced specialty training has been completed.
What if we wait for treatment?
Some bite problems will improve with time while others will become more complex. We are happy to advise you on potential treatment timelines. Even if treatment is delayed, we can almost always save a family money by identifying problems a little bit "too early" than a little bit "too late."
Can braces be placed on a child too early?
Early treatment can be more than just extracting teeth and waiting for later bracework. By using functional appliances, we can reduce or sometimes even eliminate future brace treatment. Early treatment also gives a child a boost in confidence before those critical teen years.
What is the cost?
Cost varies by treatment needed. There is NO COST for a consultation to examine and determine options and we accept all insurance options.
