Frequently
Asked Question
Page #2
8. We are moving from the area. Can
you help us find another orthodontist?
Dr. Thompson is a member of the American Association
of Orthodontists. If you need to be referred to another orthodontist,
we have a comprehensive directory of orthodontic specialists that
you can go to to continue your treatment.
9. Do I still need to see my family dentist while braces are
on my teeth?
The monthly visit to the orthodontic office
does not replace your visit to your family dentist. Your family dentist
will instruct you as to how often you should be seen to maintain proper
dental health. Most patients are seen every six months however some
patients need to be seen more often. During orthodontic treatment,
you still need to have regular visits with your family dentist to
have your mouth examined and teeth cleaned.
10. Do you offer a payment plan?
Dr. Thompson offers flexible payment plans to
make orthodontic treatment affordable to everyone. Usually, people
will select the in-house office plan where monthly payments
are made over a two year period without accruing interest. Payments
can be made by credit card, a third party financial company and the
in-house office payment plan. If you pay the fee in full at the beginning
of treatment, we will reduce the your fee due to savings on administrative
costs.
11. Will my teeth hurt and how long will it last?
About every appointment your braces will be
tightened. The old adage, "No pain, no gain" does apply.
Dr. Thompson tries to keep pressures and discomfort as low as possible.
After an adjustment, the teeth usually hurt the next day and for three
to four more days. During this time, you should use a soft diet.
12. Can you start treatment even with baby teeth present?
Yes, sometimes it is important to begin treatment
while baby teeth are present. If there is a growth problem or teeth
that can't erupt, early treatment may be needed. In some cases, there
are some baby teeth that will never be lost. About 1 out of 10 patients
will have congenitally missing permanent teeth that never erupt and
remove a baby tooth.
13. Why do I need retainers?
After braces are removed, Dr. Thompson is half
way done with your treatment. He has to be sure that the bite becomes
stable. Teeth will try to move after braces are taken off.
Retainers hold the teeth in their new position and allow Dr. Thompson
to equalize pressures placed on the teeth that may move them.
14. Tell me about an orthodontist's education?
An orthodontist is a specially trained dentist
that evaluates and corrects facial growth and malocclusions (incorrect
tooth positions). Orthodontic specialists complete a post graduate
training program that lasts two to four years, after fours years of
dental school. Dr. Thompson did his post graduate orthodontic education
at West Virginia University Dental School in Morgantown, WV.
15. Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
The nick name for the 3rd molars is wisdom teeth.
Most patients will develop four wisdom teeth, but some patients have
less or none. 3rd molars try to erupt very late in the development
of your bite and usually there is not enough room for them. Dr. Thompson
will evaluate your 3rd molars and make recommendations. Many times
wisdom teeth have to be removed by an oral surgeon because they will
not erupt, are impacted and can cause problems in the surrounding
area. Most wisdom teeth are removed before the age of 20.
