frequently asked questions

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is officially known as Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. The purpose of orthodontics is to treat any type of malocclusion, or "bad bite".

When you have a malocclusion, the teeth, lips, and/or jaws do not line up as they should. As a result, the teeth may be crooked, your bite may not function correctly, and your jaws may be unbalanced.

To fix bad bites, specially-trained dentists called orthodontists use braces or other special "appliances" to achieve teeth and jaw alignment.

An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Admission to orthodontic programs is extremely competitive and selective. It takes years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a 3-4 year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association. After dental school, at least 2-3 years of advanced specialty education at an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to become an orthodontist. The advanced training includes education in biomedical, behavioral, and basic sciences. Many orthodontic programs now require students to complete a Master's degree in Science or Master's in Dental Science. Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs can call themselves orthodontists. And only orthodontists can be affiliated with the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics, the only nationally-recognized orthodontic specialty groups.

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems include crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth, and some jaw growth problems. Other malocclusions develop over time. They can be caused by finger or thumb sucking, mouth breathing, dental disease, abnormal swallowing, early or late loss of baby teeth, or permanent teeth, accidents and some medical problems. No matter the cause, we are usually able to treat most conditions successfully.

Crooked and crowded teeth can be hard to clean. Such problems can lead to decay, gum disease and tooth loss. An abnormal bite can also cause excessive wear of tooth surfaces, difficulty in chewing, and possible jaw joint problems.

Then there is the emotional side of an unattractive smile. Your self-esteem can suffer when you are not confident in the way that you look. When left untreated, a person can go through life hiding their smile and feeling self-conscious.

When most people think of orthodontics, they think of teenagers, but most orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14. However, by age 7, most children have a good mix of adult and baby teeth. Orthodontists can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth during this transitional time. This is important because some orthodontic problems are easier to correct when they are found early.

It is for this reason, that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. While your child's teeth may appear to be straight, there may be problems that only an orthodontist can detect. Of course, this check-up may reveal that your child's bite is fine.

Even if a problem is detected, we may not recommend immediate treatment. Chances are we will take the "wait and see" approach, periodically monitoring your child's jaw growth and dental development. Dr. Lynskey will determine the right time for treatment to begin in order to achieve the best results.

In some cases, Dr. Lynskey may find a problem that can benefit from early treatment. Early treatment (also known as Phase I or interceptive treatment) may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. Treatment typically involves braces, or appliances that may be removable, to guide the growth of young bones and create the optimum environment for the emerging permanent teeth. In most Early Treatment cases, Dr. Lynskey will be able to achieve results that wouldn't be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age. In fact 45% of Dr. Lynskey's patients are over the age of 18. Today's braces are smaller, less visible, and more comfortable. The only limitation to adult orthodontics is the health of the gums and supporting bone. Healthy teeth, gums and bone respond well to orthodontic treatment at any age.

Although every case is different, generally patients wear braces from 1 to 3 years. Treatment times vary with the severity of the problem and whether the patient follows our instructions. Patients who brush and floss thoroughly and regularly; avoid hard and sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear as instructed; and keep their appointments usually finish treatment on-time and with good results.

After the braces are removed, most patients wear a retainer for some time to keep, or "retain" the teeth in their new positions. Dr. Lynskey will determine the proper wear schedule for your retainer and will monitor you for at least 18 months after your braces have been removed. This will ensure that your teeth stay properly aligned.

The cost of orthodontic treatment will depend on many factors, including the severity of the problem, it's complexity and the length of treatment. Financial information will be discussed at your initial orthodontic consultation so that you will be aware of the cost prior to starting treatment.

Patients and their families are finding that braces are more affordable than ever. We offer a variety of payment plans and payment options. We also offer a plan for families with multiple children requiring orthodontic care at the same time. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits.

Dollar for dollar, braces are an investment in your future. They offer the lifetime benefit of a beautiful smile making them a great value.