About Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry, which deals with the re-alignment of jaws and teeth to achieve an optimum bite (occlusion), smile and facial balance. Dentists who specialize in orthodontics must have a two to three year residency at an accredited university following dental school. They must limit their practice to orthodontics alone to be certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Drs. Osborne and Bernard are Board Certified and all three doctors have Masters Degrees in Orthodontics.

Exam

In our practice, patients are referred by the family dentist or other family members and friends for an exam. At the exam appointment, the patient may have a panoramic x-ray and digital photos taken to help the doctor with diagnosis. There is no charge for the exam, x-ray or photographs taken during this initial visit. The treatment coordinator will give the family a short office tour and then help the doctor with a comprehensive assessment of the teeth, oral structures, bite, smile and face. If treatment is needed, further x-rays and plaster models (records) may be indicated. If treatment is needed in the future, the patient will be scheduled every 6 months in our pre-orthodontic guidance program. There is no charge for any pre-orthodontic guidance visit unless an x-ray is needed.

Records & Consultation

For those needing treatment, records are processed to aid with diagnosis and treatment planning. Sometimes this can be done at the first (exam) appointment but sometimes it requires a second or consultation visit where the treatment coordinator and doctor use models and computer graphics to explain the problem and solution. The exact fee for treatment will always be given at the first (exam) appointment and various financial options for payment will be presented at that time as well.

Treatment

The treatment period requires appliances (braces) for 18-30 months for full, active treatment but sometimes as little as 6 to 12 months for minor or limited treatment. All children should be examined by age 7 because some problems require early intervention and careful growth and eruption monitoring. A few problems require two phases of treatment; an early phase to correct a severe growth problem and a later phase to straighten the teeth. Children seen earlier are often able to be treated without extraction of teeth since the orthodontist can start treatment at the perfect time.

Retention

The patient will be followed for one year in Retention. Retainers must be worn to keep the teeth straight. During this time the doctor will advise on amount of retainer wear necessary at each visit. There is no charge for this one-year period.