Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are children treated before all their permanent teeth erupt?
A: In most cases where early orthodontic treatment is recommended, the immediate objective will be one or more of the following: 1) to correct jaw disproportions before aligning teeth; 2) to prevent injury to protruded front teeth; 3) to manage crowding; 4) to eliminate damaging habits. With these problems, timely treatment may provide advantages that are not available later.
Q: After (PHASE I), will additional treatment (PHASE II) be necessary?
A: In most cases, yes. After the permanent teeth have erupted, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase. The objective of continued treatment is to place the permanent teeth in position of optimal comfort, function, esthetics and long-term stability.
Q: What does malocclusion mean?
A: Malocclusion means crooked teeth. A malocclusion is teeth that are growing in a poor relationship with each other.
Q: What is a crossbite?
A: Nature intended that all teeth fit in an orderly manner, as when the upper teeth fit slightly on the outside of the lower teeth. When a lower tooth slips to the outside of an upper tooth, this is a crossbite.
Q: What is an archwire?
A: An archwire is the main wire that fits into the brackets (braces).The archwire is then fastened to the braces by ligature ties, available in an assortment of colors. The archwire provides a track along which teeth move.
Q: What X-rays do I need to get started in treatment for Orthodontics?
A: There are two X-rays that are required as part of the orthodontic records prior to starting treatment. A panoramic X-ray and a cephalometric X-ray. These X-rays allow us to measure the growth of your face and show a full view of the wisdom teeth, roots of teeth and temporomandibular joint.
Q: What is the function of a HERBST Appliance?
A: A HERBST Appliance will help to correct large overjet due to a poorly growing lower jaw. The Herbst Appliance will bring your chin forward and improve your bite better than any other appliance we could use. By holding your lower jaw forward, three things will happen... 1)You will immediately look better. 2) Inasmuch as your face is still growing, this position will help speed the growth of your lower jaw. 3) Your total treatment time will usually be shortened. This can help avoid jaw surgery and create the most favorable profile possible in a growing child.
Q: Do you take HMO insurance?
A: We are not an HMO provider. Please check your insurance referral list for the orthodontist that is on your list of providers.
Q: How do I get help if I have an emergency on the weekend with my braces?
A: Dr. Kupiec has 24-hour voicemail that is checked daily. Also for a true orthodontic emergency (a situation where a patient is unable to eat or sleep), Dr. Kupiec or a staff member can be reached at a pager number that is available on the voicemail answering when the office is closed.
Q: Do I have to go to a lab to get my orthodontic X-rays taken?
A: No! We have all the equipment necessary in our office for X-rays and all orthodontic records necessary prior to treatment.
Q: Is it safe to have X-rays taken with braces on?
A: Yes, it is safe to have X-rays taken while braces are on. Cavity detecting X-rays called "bitewings" would not be helpful during orthodontic treatment if the braces/bands go all the way around the teeth. If a patient has all bonded braces vs. bands, then X-rays at the general dentist would still be useful.
Q: What is the goal of Phase I orthodontic care?
A: Phase I Orthodontic treatment is designed to develop both the upper and the lower jaws sufficiently to accommodate all of the permanent teeth.
