WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A SPECIALIST?
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment be done properly.

Orthodontic specialists limit their practice to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics unless they also have qualified in another American Dental Association( ADA) recognized specialty. By completing an advanced education program following dental school, they have learned the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

Specialists use the most advanced techniques available today, and because of their extensive training and knowledge, they can select cost effective methods and materials for correcting individual problems.

HOW CAN YOU FIND AN ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST?
All active members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) are orthodontic specialists. Each has met the exacting standards of education and experience required by the AAO for membership. These educational requirements conform to those established by the American Dental Association. Upon request, the AAO will furnish you with a list of members in your area. Your family dentist also can refer you to an AAO member.

WHEN SHOULD TREATMENT BEGIN?
There is no one answer to this question because each orthodontic problem determines its own best starting time. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7—or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.

This may surprise you because orthodontic treatment is usually associated with adolescence. An early examination, however, allows the orthodontic specialist to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least time and expense. In many patients, early treatment achieves results that are unattainable once the face and jaws have finished growing. Another plus is that early intervention frequently makes the completion of treatment at a later age easier and less time-consuming.

HOW IS TREATMENT ACCOMPLISHED?
Custom-made appliances, or braces, are prescribed and designed according to the problem being treated. They may be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded). They may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. All corrective appliances have one aim—to use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions. Because of this pressure, the body builds new tissue to support the improved position of the teeth. There are a few inconveniences, but most patients adjust to braces quickly. Certain treats such as peanut brittle, caramels and bubble gum are off limits; and the teeth may be a little tender after major adjustments. The good news is that the new techniques and the materials used by the orthodontic specialist today not only have greatly decreased the discomfort of wearing braces but also have decreased the frequency of office visits and overall treatment time.

HOW LONG DOES TREATMENT TAKE?
In general, active treatment time with orthodontic appliances ranges from one to three years. The actual time depends on the growth of the patient's mouth and face, the cooperation of the patient, and the severity of the problem. Mild problems may require less time, and some individuals respond faster to treatment than others.

After the braces are removed, a patient may have to wear a retainer for some time to keep the teeth in their new positions. The need for a retainer and the length of time it will be worn is determined by the orthodontist. Most patients remain under the supervision of the orthodontist following active treatment to ensure that the teeth remain in satisfactory alignment.

HOW IMPORTANT IS COOPERATION?
Successful orthodontic treatment requires a cooperative effort between the orthodontist and patient (and the parent when the patient is a child or adolescent). The orthodontist provides the expertise, the treatment plan and the appliances to straighten teeth. The patient must follow the doctor's instructions carefully so that the teeth move in the appropriate manner according to the prescribed schedule.

Patients who brush thoroughly; avoid hard, sticky foods; wear their rubber bands and/or headgear 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. Proper nutrition also is essential. Successful orthodontic treatment is a partner-ship of effort among the orthodontist, family dentist and patient. Through this cooperative effort the treatment goal is achieved—a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.

WHAT WILL TREATMENT COST?
The actual cost of orthodontic treatment varies widely depending on the severity of the problem. Your orthodontic specialist will be glad to discuss fees with you before treatment begins. Convenient financing with an initial down payment and monthly installments usually can be arranged. Many employer-provided benefit plans now include orthodontics for just a few extra dollars a month. This has helped many people offset the cost of treatment. When you consider the cost of orthodontic treatment, be sure to keep in mind the many benefits of having a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles. *Advanced education programs in orthodontics must be a minimum of two or more academic years of full-time formal training in a program sponsored by an institution properly chartered and licensed to operate and offer instruction leading to degrees, diplomas or certificates with recognized educational validity (From: Commission on Dental Accreditation, American Dental Association, July 1992.)