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Frequently Asked Questions

Initial Visit
Do you need a dentist referral for an initial consultation?
No.  A dentist referral is always appreciated and can help aid in the initial diagnosis of a malocclusion, but it is not required to schedule a consultation.  After the consultation is complete, we will send your dentist a follow-up report with our findings and treatment recommendations.

Is there a charge for the initial consultation?
No, There is no charge for the initial consultation.  We believe a consultation appointment is an important opportunity for assessment and education whether treatment is indicated or not.  We want you to feel comfortable and make the best choice for yourself/your child.  We believe it is important to be presented with all available treatment options, any associated costs, and approximate treatment duration.

Who should accompany a minor patient to the initial consultation?
A parent or legal guardian should be present for the initial consultation to complete any necessary paperwork and informed consent.  If a parent is unable to attend the consultation in person, please call our office to make arrangements or schedule a voice call during the exam so any questions can be answered.

What age should a child have their first consultation?
The American Association of Orthodontists generally recommend that a child be evaluated between the ages of 7 and 8.  However, this age can vary based upon individual eruption of the permanent dentition, certain skeletal discrepancies, and other oral habits.  Please contact out office if you ever have any questions and we are happy to provide appropriate guidance!

Why do we evaluate patients so young?
The purpose of an initial early evaluation is to inform, observe, and, if necessary, start treatment.  Although orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if diagnosed an early age prior to the completion of jaw growth.  Early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) can be very helpful to intercept certain orthodontic conditions and may reduce the probability of extractions, surgery, or other jaw-related complications that can occur if treatment is deferred.    

How long will the first visit take?
The first visit typically lasts between 45-60 minutes depending on the patient and the complexity of the case.  During this first visit we will take some initial records (panograph and photos), complete a full orthodontic exam, present our treatment findings and recommendations, and review cost if treatment is recommended.

Do we accept transfer cases from out of town?
Yes, we understand that patients may move to our community from another town or state while undergoing active orthodontic treatment.  We will correspond with the patient's previous orthodontist to gather any information necessary regarding the progress of treatment.  We will review treatment progress during the initial consultation and our plan for continued care.

Do you treat adult Patients?
Absolutely!  Our practice consists of approximately 30% adults looking to improve their smile after previous orthodontic treatment as a child or exploring their orthodontic options for the first time.  Our office is family friendly and we treat patients of ALL ages.  We have private treatment rooms in both of our offices and treat our adult patients with clear aligners or traditional braces.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a general dentist that elected to pursue additional education to specialize in orthodontics through a nationally accredited education program.  These programs are typically two to three years beyond dental school and can include a Masters research thesis.  Dental specialists such as Orthodontists limit their practice only to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.

Dr. Dzingle attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate education earning a Bachelors in Science in Cell and Molecular Biology.  He attended the University of Michigan as well for Dental School, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class.  Following dental school, He attend the University of Connecticut Health Center where he earned a Masters in Dental Science and Certificate in Orthodontics during a three year residency program.


Financial
Do you have payment plans?
Yes, our practice offers a variety of payment options including 0% interest in-house financing.  We can help structure a financial contract that will work for you and allow you to make payments throughout the course of treatment whether you have dental insurance or not.  We can help to set up monthly recurring payments directly from a checking account, FSA/HSA card, or major credit card.  We also work with third party financing through CareCredit.

Do you accept my insurance?
Some dental insurances offer partial benefits and orthodontic coverage to help defray the cost of treatment.  These benefits are typically a defined amount between one and three thousand dollars.  However, these amounts can vary significantly by insurance company and policy, but our expert staff will help facilitate and file your claim.  You will receive reimbursement directly from your insurance carrier.

Who is a financially responsible party?
A financially responsible party is typically a parent or guardian who agrees to assume ultimate responsibility for the patient's financial agreement.  There is only one financially responsible party, but other individuals or family members can help contribute by making one-time payments or monthly recurring payments on the financial contract.  In the case of separation or divorce, only one parent can be listed as the financially responsible party.  We can provide a letter of need to the friend of the court in order to help in these situations where treatment cost may be shared between separated parents.

Do you give family Discounts?
Yes, we have special programs available for families with multiple children being treated concurrently or sequentially.


Types of Treatment

What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 Treatment is early orthodontic treatment that typically occurs early between the ages of 7-10, before all of the adult teeth have erupted.  The purpose of this intervention is to intercept a particular harmful malocclusion, oral habit, or growth pattern that may be challenging to address or correct during adolescence.  Phase 1 treatment does preclude the need for further orthodontic treatment during adolescence when all of the adult teeth have erupted (Phase 2), but can have a significant and beneficial impact on treatment trajectory and outcome.  It can often simplify, shorten, and lead to improved esthetic outcomes during Phase 2 treatment.

Common reasons for Phase 1 treatment can include the follow:  Anterior or posterior crossbite causing a traumatic occlusion, Significant skeletal overbite or underbite, significant crowding affecting the eruption of adult teeth, ectopic eruption of permanent teeth, and cranio-facial anomalies such a cleft lip and palate.

For patients that undergo Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, our goal is to intercept and correct a particular orthodontic challenge in a timely and efficient manner.  Our aim to direct treatment and treatment decisions so Phase 1 is not prolonged and typically last about 12 months.

What is Phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is the second stage of orthodontic treatment that occurs once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.  Patients the undergo a Phase 1 orthodontic treatment will typically have 3-5 years of passive growth monitoring before a Phase 2 consultation is recommended.  Phase 2 treatment typically lasts around 18-36 months and begins around age 12.

What is Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
Comprehensive Orthodontic treatment is a one-phase orthodontic treatment that typically begins around age 12 once all of the permanent teeth have erupted.  Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is recommended in patients who did not require a phase one treatment to correct a particular bite or skeletal anomaly.

Which leads to better outcomes; a two or one-phase orthodontic treatment?
Interceptive Orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) is a valuable tool that can assist with correcting harmful malocclusions during a critical phase of development when the dentition is malleable to accepting change.  The elimination of crossbites through expansion and management of severe dental crowding by guided eruption during Phase 1 treatment can have a significant impact on the ultimate esthetic outcome of a patient's smile.  Early expansion can result in a reduction of crowding and lead to a lower probability of needing extractions of permanent teeth in the adult dentition. 

However, not every patients needs or could benefit from a Phase 1 treatment.  About one quarter of our younger patients would benefit from Phase 1 treatment while the remaining can be monitored annually and undergo one-step comprehensive orthodontic treatment at the appropriate age.


Questions about Treatment Itself
How long does treatment take?
The average treatment can very significantly between individuals and depends on the severity of crowding and bite discrepancy.  The average orthodontic can lasts between 20-24 months, but can last longer if there are significant skeletal discrepancies, impacted teeth, or a need for surgical interventions (orthognathic surgery).  A consultation and candid conversation is often the best way to get a better idea of how long treatment may last.  Treatment length can also be highly dependent on patient oral hygiene, performance with elastics, number of broken brackets during treatment.  Dr. Dzingle will emphasize that orthodontic treatment is truly a team sport and requires motivation and cooperation to achieve the desired result in the desired timeline.

Which is better; braces or clear aligners?
Both are great tools to achieving an amazing smile!  We offer a variety of options at our practice including: metal braces, clear (ceramic) braces, clear aligner therapy, bite splint therapy, and in-house aligner fabrication.  Each treatment modality has its own particular strengths and weaknesses in regard to its efficiency and overall effectiveness.  We would be happy to discuss each option at your complimentary consultation so you can make an informed treatment decision based upon your individual goals and expectations. 

Will I have to wear rubber bands?
Intraoral Elastics, or  "rubber bands," are typically worn with braces or aligners to help resolve anterior-posterior discrepancies (overbite/underbite) and to assist with seating of the bite during orthodontic treatment.  The need for elastics is highly variable from patient to patient, but they can be a very valuable tool to help with achieving a better smile.  Elastic wear may be a critical component to your treatment success and, if prescribed, Dr. Dzingle will recommend that you wear your elastics for AT LEAST 22 hours per day to achieve the desired result.  Inadequate elastic wear can lead to prolonged treatment duration or a less than ideal result.  If you ever run out of elastics between your visits, we have a patient mailbox as each of our practice locations so you can pick up additional rubber bands when the office is closed.  We are also happy to mail elastics if you run out. Just give our office a call or send a text!

Do braces or clear aligners hurt?
The answer is no. Neither braces or clear aligners should cause sharp, poignant, or intolerable discomfort.  Some patients may experience some mild soreness during the first day or two after braces are placed, similar to muscle soreness that may be felt the day after a challenging gym workout.  Dr. Dzingle recommends tylenol or motrin (appropriate dosing according to your age, weight, and drug allergies) during the first couple of days after braces are placed.  Most patients do not find orthodontic-related soreness to impede their daily routines.  If you ever have any questions regarding tooth-related soreness, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office for further guidance. 


Life After Active Orthodontic Treatment is Complete
Do I have to wear my retainers!!?
Absolutely!  We understand that orthodontic treatment is a significant and worthwhile investment.  The best way to protect that investment is to wear your retainers at least 12hrs each day to prevent any unwanted movement.  At the end of orthodontic treatment, we will provide specific guidance and instruction on retainer wear and care.


What should I do if I lose, break, or stop wearing my retainer?
Call our office RIGHT away to determine the appropriate method of replacement!  Teeth can shift quickly and lack of retainer wear is the number one reason why adults undergo orthodontic treatment!  We will take a digital scan of your teeth prior to removing braces and this scan can be used to 3D print and re-fabricate retainers in the event they are lost or broken.

All things wisdom teeth
One of the biggest questions that we receive after orthodontic treatment is complete is whether or not wisdom teeth should be removed and does the presence of wisdom teeth impact anterior crowding.  First, wisdom tooth development will be assessed at several times during orthodontic treatment, including the day that braces are removed and final records are taken. Dr. Dzingle will review your final x-ray and advise whether wisdom teeth should be extracted imminently or continued to be monitored by your general dentist.  Occasionally, wisdom teeth need to be extracted before or during orthodontic treatment if their position is impairing the eruption of the 12 year old molars.  Our current literature do not show a definitive relationship between lower anterior crowding and presence or absence of wisdom teeth.  Orthodontic relapse of lower incisors is more likely to occur due to lack of retainer wear and loss of inter-canine width.  So, please wear your retainers every single night!

Some Things TMJ
The Temporal Mandibular Joint is a complex, highly vascular, highly innervated joint in our body that helps assist with opening and closing during daily function.  In some cases, there may be displacement or derangement within the joint that can cause temporary or chronic discomfort.  Temporal Mandibular Joint discomfort can by caused by a myriad of conditions with equally diverse possible solutions.  Luckily, the majority of people who suffer from TMJ discomfort have transient symptoms that tend to self-resolve with appropriate homecare.  Current orthodontic studies DO NOT show a correlations between orthodontic treatment, and the presence, alleviation, or exacerbation of TMJ symptoms.  However, there are some strategies that you can follow if you are having TMJ discomfort.  We can fabricate, in coordination with your referring dentist, a passive, flat plane splint that can reduce night-time grinding and muscle soreness.  Please, don't hesitate to reach out to Dr. Dzingle if you have any questions or your are have TMJ symptoms.


What about Fixed Retainers?
Fixed retainers are one form of retention to maintain the alignment of teeth following orthodontic treatment that involves a contoured wire that attaches to  some or all of the teeth for which the wire spans.  These fixed retainers can help alleviate some of the anxiety associated with remembering to wear your lower retainer each night, but can also present some problems and challenges if they are not cared for properly.  Fixed retainers can become loose resulting in an undesired shift of the dentition following orthodontic treatment.  Fixed retainers can be challenging to floss and clean leading to an elevated risk of developing cavities and bone loss in certain patient populations.  Dr. Dzingle can discuss the pros and cons of each retention strategy prior to having braces removed.






 

Contact

If you have any other questions regarding orthodontic treatment, please don't hesitate to reach out! We are always here to help!

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