FAQs

It is important to select a practitioner who has a proper educational background and experience to render appropriate care. An Orthodontist is a dentist who has attended advance dental specialty training for a period of three years following dental school. If the orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), you can be sure that they have appropriate training.

Orthodontic treatment serves to correct malocclusions (improper bites) and the wide variety of problems malocclusions can cause. Malocclusions occur as the result of tooth or jaw misalignment. They may affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, and even how you feel about your smile. More importantly, an improper bite may lead to periodontal (gum and bone) problems or tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment can improve and eliminate the need for more extensive dental work later in life.

Almost 35% of the patients cared for by Young Orthodontics are adults. Many patients think that orthodontics is only for children and that teeth cannot be moved in adult patients. With healthy bone support, teeth can be successfully moved at any point in life.

The fee for orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the problem(s) and length and complexity of treatment. Many payment options are available to accommodate individual needs.

Our practice has an understanding that health insurance is a contract between the patient and the insurance company, not the insurance company and the doctor. We will, however, do everything possible to help our patients receive the benefits from their insurance carrier.

In recent years, orthodontic treatment has become more comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing. Typically, the patient is not uncomfortable during appointments but may experience some discomfort for two to three days following the adjustment. Over the counter pain medication is usually sufficient for relief, provided there are no known allergies to these medications. The patients are encouraged to consult with their physician before purchasing any medication.

The AAO recommends that all patients be seen for an orthodontic examination by age 7. Early evaluation determines the appropriate time to begin treatment. Many severe problems can be improved or prevented by the use of growth modification therapy. This involves prescribed appliances that guide the proper growth of the bone and teeth. In this way, early treatment may eliminate problems that could necessitate surgical orthodontics after growth cessation.

Yes, regular visits with your family dentist are important while orthodontic treatment. Your dentist will determine how often visits are necessary.

Many factors can affect the length of treatment such as a severity of the original problem(s), a patient’s individual response to treatment, and cooperation by the patient. Patients may be surprised to hear that age is not a major factor in determining treatment time. Although minor tooth movement may be resolved in a year or less, complex cases may need two or more years for completion.

At Young Orthodontics, all instruments are fully sterilized between patients. Dr. Young and certified orthodontic assistants (COA) protect our patients from disease transmission by using universal precautions such as barrier protection (mask, gloves and eye protections). Continuing education of our team and modernization of techniques to assure your health and safety. We exceed all health and safety standards recommended by the Center of Disease Control, American Dental Association and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

PHASE I RETAINER WEAR & CARE

Now that you’ve completed your Phase I treatment, follow these easy instructions for wear and care of your retainer(s)

• Wear your retainer(s) as directed by Dr. Young. For the first 3 months, you will wear your retainer(s) FULL TIME except when eating or brushing your teeth. Try not to become discouraged in the first few days, even speaking will improve each day.
• Eventually, your retainer(s) will not fit due to primary teeth falling out and permanent teeth coming in. This is okay since you will soon begin Phase II and complete your orthodontic treatment.
• Please bring your retainer(s) with you to each appointment to be adjusted if necessary. A retainer cannot be checked if you don’t bring it. If a retainer stops fitting prior to your normally scheduled appointment, call and have it checked.
• When you brush your teeth after each meal, also brush your retainer(s) with your toothbrush. If this is not possible, rinse your mouth and retainer(s) with water. If a retainer happens to get build-up on it, you can also use a denture soak from the store. Soak in water, refrain from using hot or boiling water.
• When a retainer is out of the mouth, put it in a retainer case. Do not leave it in the car because it may get warped. It should be kept away from pets and not be lying around the house. DOGS ARE ESPECIALLY FOND OF CHEWING RETAINERS!
• Take care of your retainer(s). If a retainer is lost or broken, there is a replacement charge.
• If a retainer causes prolonged irritation of the gums, lips, cheeks or tongue, make no attempt to adjust it yourself, but call our office to have Dr. Young adjust it.

PHASE II RETAINER WEAR & CARE

Now that you’ve completed your Phase II treatment, follow these easy instructions for wear and care of your retainer:

• A retainer must be worn as directed. Failure to wear your retainer, even for a short time, may cause A RAPID relapse. Initially, the appliance must be worn FULL-TIME except when eating or brushing your teeth.
• Generally, retainers are worn full-time for 3 months and then for 8 hours (during sleep) a day for life, or for as long as you want to maintain teeth position. Try not to become discouraged in the first few days, even speaking will improve thereafter. In certain situations, Dr. Young may prescribe full time wear for additional time.
• Please bring your retainer with you to each appointment. A retainer cannot be checked if you do not bring it with you.
• When you brush your teeth after every meal, also brush your retainer with a soft toothbrush using lukewarm water and antimicrobial soap. If this isn’t possible, rinse your mouth and retainer with water. If the retainer develops build up on it, you can also use a denture soak from the store. Do not use toothpaste on your retainer. Do not soak in mouthwash.
• When your retainer is not in your mouth, place it in the retainer case. Don’t leave it in the car, it will become warped. It should be kept away from pets and should not be lying around the house. DOGS ARE ESPECIALLY FOND OF RETAINERS!
• Take care of your retainer. To make a new one requires considerable time and money. If the retainer is lost or broken, there is a replacement charge.