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The Original Origami Orthodontist |
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- Do I need a referral to see you?
- No! Although we see many patients referred by dentists, a great majority of patients we see came to the office themselves. Many were referred to us by friends and family. We may ask you who referred you to us so that we could thank them!
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- Will my insurance cover the cost of braces?
- Each insurance plan has different benefits. Our staff is specifically trained to help you determine exactly what your insurance will cover. We have many ways of assisting you with the cost of orthodontic treatment.See our financial section.
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- Why do people need braces?
- There are many reasons why a person may need braces: crowded teeth, missing teeth, extra teeth, jaws not growing right, bad overbite, open bite and the list goes on! Not everyone needs braces if they go early enough to the orthodontist and have their teeth checked out.
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- What is the best age for braces?
- There is NO best age for braces and BOTH adults and children can be treated. However, the best time to be seen by an orthodontist is around 7 years of age. Most people seen at this time do not actually get braces, but are observed on further check-ups. Most people get braces around 9 to 14 years of age.
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- Do braces hurt to put on or take off?
- No. The teeth are first cleaned and then braces are put on the teeth using a special glue. However, a day or two after, the teeth may become a little bit sore once they start to move. Braces are removed using a special tool so it doesn't hurt to take them off.
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- How do I know if my teeth can be fixed?
- Almost all cases can be treated with today's technologies. We've treated cases for nearly every type of malocclusion. Come our results, or see a few of our before and after examples of treatment.
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- What are braces made of?
- The metal braces are made of stain-less steel and they never rust! The clear braces are made of ceramic. There are also SPEED brace and Invisible Braces that go behind the teeth so no one knows that you are having orthodontic treatment!
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- How do braces work?
- Braces work by putting light forces on teeth through special wires. Orthodontists also use special rubber-bands to bring teeth into the right position. Treatment takes long because teeth move very slowly (less than 1mm a month!) into the correct position.
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- Will I talk funny with braces?
- Just like anything new, it takes about a week to get used to the feeling of braces in your mouth. Most people adjust very well and have no problems!
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- How long does it take to put on braces?
- It could take from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on how many braces are being placed and the complexity of treatment.
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- Can I still kiss with braces?
- It matters what kind of braces you get. With old fashioned clunky braces, it is sometimes uncomfortable to kiss. Most orthodontic manufacturers now make smaller braces which make kissing more comfortable.
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- Can braces set-off alarms in stores and airports?
- No, the braces are made of stain-less steel or ceramic and don't set off alarms.
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- What are rubber bands and why do people need them?
- Rubber bands bring the teeth together to make them fit perfectly. Most people need them at the end of treatment for a couple of months.
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- What are retainers and who needs them?
- After treatment is finished, retainers are given to hold the teeth in position until they become used to their "new home". If only minor correction is needed, sometimes a simple retainer is all a person may need instead of full braces.
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- Can I play sports with braces?
- Yes, but with much care. You may need a mouth-guard to prevent injury and damage to the braces, you teeth and gums.
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- Can I eat everything with braces?
- No, there are some restrictions. You should not eat sticky or hard foods (example: caramel, sticky gum, candy, popcorn...). You can chew sugarless gum! A little care can go a long way!
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- Why does it take a long time for treatment?
- Teeth move very slowly, so treatment may take up to 18 months.
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- What exactly is phase I treatment?
- It means that if a problem exists (such as a bad overbite, or lots of crowding teeth, etc.), treatment can or will be started as early as 7 or 8 years of age to correct the problem. Majority of time, Phase I treatment can save the patient from extraction of good permanent teeth, headgear or major jaw surgery.
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- What exactly is phase II treatment?
- Phase II is treatment with braces. Patients who have had Phase I treatment to take care of major problem may need some type of braces to detail their bite. However, not everyone needs phase II treatment. Someone who does not have phase I treatment but does braces goes directly to phase II (that is treatment with full braces).
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- What is an orthodontist?
- An orthodontist is a dentist who specialized in straightening teeth and making sure that jaws grow normally. Some orthodontists (such as Dr. Tahir) also treat joint and headache problems.
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- Where do orthodontists work?
- Most orthodontists work in their own offices or work with other dentists and staff to treat patients. Some orthodontists may also work in a hospital setting.
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- How much schooling does it take to become an orthodontist?
- After 2 years of junior high, 4 years of high school, 4 years of college, 4 years of dental school and finally 3 years of orthodontic specialty training, you become an orthodontist! Sounds like a lot, but just remember: If you have the desire to do something, anything can be achieved!
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