Frequently Asked Questions

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances normally used to correct these problems.

What is a “malocclusion”?

“Malocclusion” literally means “bad bite.”

What are the benefits of braces?

First, having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function. Your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively, sometimes reducing inappropriate wear.

Second, having straight teeth often makes it easier for you and your dental team to keep them clean.

Third, should you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, your dentist can usually do better restoration if the teeth are aligned properly.

And fourth, the appearance of teeth and face is improved. Having a pleasing smile improves self-esteem, confidence and a feeling of acceptance in our daily activities.

How do braces work?

Braces include brackets, which are bonded directly to the tooth or sometimes attached to a band placed on a molar tooth, and archwires that connect all the brackets. Unlike what most people think, it is the archwire that does all the work -- the brackets merely serve as handles! The wires use a steady, gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Much like moving a stick through sand, as the tooth moves, bone is gives way on one side and fills in on the other side. It is truly amazing. Rubber bands are sometimes worn to help the wires do their job and align the upper teeth with the lower teeth.

How much does a consultation cost?

Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson offer a free consultation to determine your treatment needs and give you an estimate of the cost. If orthodontic treatment is recommended then diagnostic records (dental molds, head and jaw x-rays, and photographs) will be completed. With this information, Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson can formulate an exact treatment plan which is tailored to your specific needs.

How much do braces cost?

Our fees are based upon treatment time and the severity of the case. Because there is such a range, we cannot quote a fee without first examining a patient. Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson believe that a financial need should not stand in the way if that person needs orthodontic care. We provide several payment options that are sufficiently flexible to accommodate most financial situations.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of braces?

Some dental insurance plans will assist with a portion of the fee. If you would like to call our office with your insurance information, Jami, our insurance coordinator, will be happy to call your company and let you know what your policy covers.

Can I go directly to an orthodontist, or does the dentist have to refer me?

If you think you have an orthodontic problem, you may contact us directly. We do require that patients have a current dental cleaning before beginning orthodontic treatment.

How do I know if I really need braces?

Patients generally require orthodontic treatment for three different reasons.

1) They do not like the way their smile looks.

2) Their bite is incorrect and is putting extra pressure on the gums, teeth, and joints.

3) Their dentist needs to perform some restorative work and needs the teeth to be moved orthodontically beforehand.

Why should I see an orthodontic specialist?

Orthodontists have two years of highly specialized training above and beyond that of a general dentist in correcting jaw and bite irregularities. An orthodontic specialist does only orthodontics. Other types of dentists can legally offer braces to their patients, but lack the intensive training and specialized experience of an orthodontist. A pediatric dentist has specialized knowledge of how to do fillings and crowns for children. A general dentist lacks specialized training in bite correction and jaw irregularities. Just as we seek the opinions of medical specialists, such as cardiologists and dermatologists, for specific medical problems, it is important to choose the proper dental specialists for bite corrections.

How do I choose an orthodontist?

There are many factors you should consider when deciding on an orthodontic specialist. Since you will be visiting their office at regular intervals throughout treatment for an extended period of time, make sure that you choose an office where you feel comfortable.

You should know what is involved with each aspect of your treatment before you start and should feel comfortable asking questions. Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson truly care about each and every patient and will make every effort to insure their comfort throughout treatment.

Am I too old for braces?

We like to say, "It's never too late to go straight!" Teeth can be moved at any age. More than 25% of our patients are adults. The oldest patient we have treated thus far was in her seventies.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

The length of treatment varies from 3 months to 3 years depending on complexity. Before you start treatment, we will let you know the length of time your treatment should take.

What are "lingual" braces?

Lingual braces are braces placed on the inside of the teeth so they are not visible. Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson feel that lingual braces are not as effective as conventional braces and they are very hard on the tongue. For these reasons, we do not offer them. We do offer clear brackets, which are almost "invisible."

What are clear braces? Are they more expensive?

Our clear braces are constructed from man-made sapphires. They do not discolor during treatment. They do cost more, as our suppliers charge more for them than they do for our metal braces.

Will I need to have any permanent teeth removed when I get braces?

Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson definitely prefer to treat patients without removing any permanent teeth if at all possible. However, if the teeth are excessively crowded and are protruding, removing teeth is an option. Typically, if extractions are needed, most orthodontists choose to extract two upper back teeth (bicuspids) and two lower back teeth (bicuspids) to relieve crowding and enhance the profile.

Do I need to have surgery on my jaw bones?

Surgery is necessary only when we find a very severe bite problem in a patient who is no longer growing. If either jaw is too large, too small, or too narrow, surgery is indicated.

What is TMJ?

TMJ stands for Temperomandibular Joint, which is the name of the jaw joint associated with chewing. Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson may use splints and braces to relieve problems associated with the jaw joints.

Will braces correct TMJ or jaw joint problems?

Because there are so many factors that may be contributing to a jaw joint problem, braces may or may not improve the situation. When a significant problem exists, other conservative modalities are tried first to stabilize the situation and determine the actual problem or diagnosis. Braces are only sometimes used in TMJ treatment.

Is it harder to clean your teeth if you are wearing braces?

Yes. It is normally more difficult to take care of your teeth because the braces are harder to clean around. We are committed to helping you take care of your teeth and will show you exactly how to clean around your braces at the appointment when we bond your braces. With proper technique, cleaning takes only a few minutes several times each day.

Will I be able to floss my teeth after the braces are put on?

Yes, one of our team members will teach you how to floss your teeth properly with braces.

What can I eat with braces?

Real hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided. Your orthodontist will give you a list of foods to be careful with; otherwise, most foods can be enjoyed just as before you received your braces. The key to giving up certain treats is to find substitutes you like just as much!

If two people with braces kiss each other, could they lock braces?

This question is often asked in a joking manner, and to the best of our knowledge it has never happened. Kissing is not something that has to be given up to have a healthy bite and a nice smile.

Do braces hurt?

During the first few days after you get your braces and after major adjustments, some discomfort can be expected, especially when chewing. The good news is that new techniques and materials used by orthodontists today have decreased the discomfort of wearing braces and have also decreased the frequency of visits and overall treatment time.

Does it hurt when you put the braces on or take them off?

It does not hurt to have the braces placed. We use a method called indirect bonding that maximizes patient comfort and minimizes chair time for the procedure. We use a special instrument to gently remove the braces and most patients report minimal discomfort with removal.

Aren't people with braces teased a lot?

In this day and age, more and more people than ever before are wearing braces. Our patients include many adults with professional careers and children of all ages. They are generally very well accepted and we don't feel that there is the stigma associated with them as there once was. In many classrooms today, as many children have braces as do not.

What is a retainer?

A retainer is a removable appliance that is fitted to your teeth to hold them in their new, corrected position after your braces are removed. Dr. Housley and Dr. Dobson use retainers made of a clear plastic that are virtually invisible as well as colorful designer retainers that may be customized to the patients desires. They generally have patients wear retainers full time for six months after braces are removed, then every night for an additional six to twelve months. After that time, they will be instructed to wear the retainer 2 or 3 nights a week for as long as they want their teeth to remain as perfect as they were when their braces were removed.

What are impressions?

Impressions of the teeth are taken to enable us to make a mold of the teeth, either for diagnosis or to construct an orthodontic appliance. Impressions are taken by filling a well-fitted metal tray with a pink substance called alginate that looks like frosting and is about the consistency of peanut butter. We offer a variety of flavorings for the alginate. The tray is then placed in the mouth for about a minute until the alginate starts to set like Jello. When the tray is removed, you can see dents or "impressions" of all your teeth. Later, in our lab we fill this tray with a special substance to make an exact model of your teeth.

Why are so many young children in braces today?

Our office generally initiates early, or interceptive, treatment in children who do not yet have all of their permanent teeth when doing so will enable us to utilize their growth to achieve a better long-term result. Not all children need interceptive treatment.

Some common goals of early treatment include creating enough space for all of the permanent teeth to erupt, and correcting an imbalance in growth between the upper and lower jaws.

Children who have had early treatment generally will need to wear braces again when all of their permanent teeth are in. This second phase of treatment with full braces is generally shorter and far easier than treatment would have been if the patient had not had the benefit of early intervention. More importantly, we are able to achieve the best end result for these children.

Can I wear colors on my braces?

The colors you see on braces are elastic ties used to attach the brackets to the archwire. They are usually changed at each visit. We offer a kaleidoscope of colors and allow our patients to select as many different colors as they would like. We have gray or clear ties for those desiring a more discreet look.

What is the proper age for a first visit?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic screening by the age of seven. Even if treatment is not indicated at that age, this appointment will serve as a baseline from which we can monitor future growth and development.

How important is cooperation?

Extremely important

In order to achieve the very best orthodontic result, a real team effort on the part of the orthodontist, the family dentist and the patient is essential.

Proper oral hygiene is one of the patient's main responsibilities and is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will provide you with techniques on tooth brushing and how to care for your teeth and braces. Patients who take care of the their braces by keeping their teeth clean; avoid hard, sticky foods; wear their rubber bands or other appliances as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on time with good results.

Regular visits to the family dentist must continue during orthodontic treatment because good dental care and proper fluoride remain important.