[accordion-item title="At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?"]
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your child.
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[accordion-item title="What will happen at the initial exam?"]
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic issue, and if so what is it?
- What is the recommended treatment to correct the issue?
- What is the estimated length of treatment?
- Will any teeth need to be removed?
- How much will the treatment cost?
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[accordion-item title="Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?"]
Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile is Dr Kieffer’s primary goal. New technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures and removing teeth is not always necessary for treatment. However, extractions are occasionally required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Dr. Kieffer takes a conservative approach with regards to extractions.
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[accordion-item title="How long will it take to complete treatment?"]
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs. In general, the length of treatment ranges from 12 to 24 months.
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[accordion-item title="How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?"]
We will provide you with the cost of treatment and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will also review your insurance and flex plan policies to help maximize your benefits.
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[accordion-item title="How often will I have appointments?"]
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four to six weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule accordingly.
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[accordion-item title="Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?"]
We will make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs. Most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic appointments. It is fair to expect to miss some school for the longer appointments where the braces are being put on and removed. We recommend making your future appointments as you leave our office in order to schedule an after school time.
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[accordion-item title="Are braces uncomfortable?"]
Generally, braces are not painful. However, the teeth may be sore for a few days after certain visits and it may take your gums time to get used to your new braces. In these situations, Ibuprofen, homeopathic medicines, or chewing a piece of sugarless gum will help ease the discomfort. Wax can be placed over brackets or wires causing irritation to the gums.
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[accordion-item title="Can I still play sports?"]
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for most sports and have them available at our office.
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[accordion-item title="Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?"]
Yes. Regular checkups with your family dentist are very important while in treatment. Your dentist will determine the recommended intervals between cleaning appointments.
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[accordion-item title="Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?"]
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will review the complete instructions with you and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid.
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[accordion-item title="What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?"]
If your braces are causing unusual discomfort or if something breaks, you should contact our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the phone. If you require an emergency visit, we will appoint you accordingly.
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[accordion-item title="What if my wire or brace is causing an irritation?"]
If a bracket or wire is causing an irritation, try covering the irritation with a small amount of wax. If the wire is poking you, you can cut it with clean nail cutters. If necessary, contact our office to schedule an emergency appointment to have the wire trimmed. Warm salt water rinses a few times a day will help heal the irritation.
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[accordion-item title="What if a bracket or wire becomes loose?"]
If the wire or bracket becomes loose, first contact our office to see if the bracket needs to be replaced. If you have a situation where you must cut the wire or slide a bracket off the wire, you may use clean nail clippers. Please contact our office to schedule a repair appointment.
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[accordion-item title="Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?"]
Yes. Some orthodontic issues are significant enough to require early intervention. Phase One treatment allows us to work with the growth and correct early problems. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
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[accordion-item title="What is Phase One (Early) Treatment?"]
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually performed between the ages of seven to ten. The primary objectives for Phase One treatment are to create enough space for the permanent teeth to erupt and to address any habits that may negatively impact the development of the permanent teeth. Phase One treatment allows us to work with the growth and is usually short in duration.
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[accordion-item title="Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?"]
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. After Phase One is completed, your child will be placed on a recall status during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, you will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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[accordion-item title="Can I have orthodontic treatment as an adult?"]
A large percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 40% of Dr. Kieffer’s clientele are adults. There are many different treatment options available to our adult patients to fit their individual needs, including metal, ceramic and self-ligating brackets, aligner therapy and Invisalign. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults.
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[accordion-item title="Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?"]
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a normal tooth. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
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[accordion-item title="Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?"]
Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatment. It is important that orthodontic treatment be appropriate and properly completed by an orthodontic specialist.
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[accordion-item title="Do I need x-rays?"]
Orthodontic x-rays are a helpful diagnostic tool and are required to begin treatment. For your convenience, Kieffer Orthodontics has an in-house, state-of-the-art digital x-ray laboratory, which allows us to minimize your exposure to radiation and reduce our environmental footprint. Our x-ray unit reduces radiation exposure by 70% compared to standard x-ray units.
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[accordion-item title="Does Dr. Kieffer treat TMJ symptoms?"]
Yes. Dr. Kieffer has several years of experience in treating TMJ, often combining TMJ therapy with braces or Invisalign. Dr. Kieffer works with a team of colleagues and believes that a team approach yields the most successful results in TMJ therapy.
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