Answers to Common Questions About Orthodontics
Selecting an orthodontist in Frisco, TX who can help you achieve your smile dreams is important. Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities.
They receive an additional two to three years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Only those with this formal education may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
Dr. Wilson from Wilson Orthodontics has achieved this specialization and is an active member in AAO.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth that have erupted, letting us evaluate their orthodontic needs.
By this age, Dr. Wilson can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. That’s important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early. Most orthodontic patients begin active braces treatment between ages 9 and 14.
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every four orthodontic patients today is over age 18.
Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible and more comfortable orthodontic appliances, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign, adults find treatment appealing.
Patients who need orthodontic treatment generally have one to three years of active treatment.
This can be determined through a free consultation at our Wilson Orthodontics office.
The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, how complex the problem is, and how long treatment lasts.
Dr. Wilson will be glad to discuss the cost of treatment and your financing options with you before treatment begins.
The good news is that braces are more affordable today than ever. Our staff also works with insurance companies and offers payment plans that meet your family’s budget.
Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems.
Other oral problems are caused by thumb- or finger-sucking, dental disease, accidents, the early or late loss of baby teeth, or other causes.
Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain. A bad bite can also cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing and/or speaking, and excess stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.
Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional dental care later in life.
Orthodontic treatment is a partnership of the doctor and patient. Dr. Wilson provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions.
Your job is to follow Dr. Wilson instructions, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments and maintaining excellent oral hygiene to get the best results.
You will also need to see your general dentist as recommended to continue your general dental care.
If you notice an unwanted change in your smile or bite, contact Wilson Orthodontics at 972-377-0500 for information. An orthodontic “tune up” may be necessary to regain proper alignment.
Not necessarily. Research suggests that wisdom teeth don’t always cause teeth to shift.
In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic health. Your family dentist or Dr. Wilson can help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Dr. Wilson will recommend how long to continue wearing your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth). Wearing your retainers as prescribed is the best way to keep your teeth from moving after your orthodontic treatment.
There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment. Teeth are not set in concrete, they are in bone. Because bone around your teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed.
By wearing your retainers, your teeth are more likely to remain where Dr. Wilson has placed them through braces treatment.
Yes, you should absolutely continue your regular dental cleanings. Orthodontic treatment does not mean you should abandon your normal dental checkups with your dentist. Dr. Wilson advises that you have a dental cleaning once every three months throughout the duration you are wearing the braces.
Most appointments are booked 8 to 10 weeks ahead of time, so to get the best available appointment times for yourself, make sure you book during your current visit. We will not promise that your desired appointment hours will be available, but we will try our best to accommodate your preferences. Please note that if you need an emergency appointment, it may be impossible to get your preferred time.
This is very easy. Just call our Frisco orthodontics office at 972.377.0500 or click here to use our online form, and a staff member will be glad to assist you. Kindly have your dental insurance information ready when you call for an appointment booking, as this helps us to ensure your treatment is properly covered by insurance. If you are a new patient, your first appointment will be free, but having this insurance information will help us to provide you a correct estimate for any potential future treatment.
Not at all! Although some patients get their referrals through their family doctors, many book their appointments by calling us directly.