La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Do you have questions about orthodontics and orthodontic treatment? Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics, a Chino Hills/La Habra orthodontist answers some frequently asked orthodontic questions here.
What is the orthodontics specialty?
Orthodontics is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of abnormalities of the teeth, jaws, and face. You may also sometimes hear the term dentofacial orthopedics used in conjunction with orthodontics.
Aren’t orthodontists just dentists?
Every orthodontist is a dentist but not every dentist is an orthodontist. After dental school, a general dentist is free to begin practicing. An orthodontist, however, will then go on to an additional two or three year residency program where he or she will learn the intricacies of orthodontics and gain the knowledge and experience necessary to properly move teeth. Only about five percent of dentists will go on to become orthodontists. Only one in three will be board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Gire is the only board certified orthodontist in La Habra and only one of three in Chino Hills, CA. Learn more about the differences between the orthodontists and the dentists here.
How do I know if I, or my child, needs orthodontic treatment?
An evaluation by a certified orthodontist will determine whether one is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. You may think your teeth are straight, but there may be subtle problems in your bite or jaw growth that could result in issues down the road. Not every orthodontic issue is easy to find and some problems in younger children that seem like they could result in needing complex treatment may actually resolve by themselves on their own. The best thing to do is to begin a relationship with an orthodontist by the age of seven. This will allow the orthodontist to monitor the teeth and growth of the jaw to determine precisely when treatment may need to begin.
Can you be too old for orthodontic treatment?
No – you are never too old for braces or Invisalign! In fact, currently 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. If you’ve lived with a less than perfect smile your entire life, it’s not too late to get the smile of your dreams.
Isn’t orthodontics just about cosmetics? I don’t care if my smile is perfectly straight so why should I worry about orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is partially about cosmetics, yes. But it’s more about the overall health and function of your smile and bite. A mouth that has crooked, crowded, or teeth with spaces may not be healthy. Crowded and crooked teeth may be hard to properly clean which may lead to dental decay. A bite that isn’t aligned properly can put unequal forces on teeth that can lead to teeth breaking, chipping, and cracking. So while part of orthodontics is about getting that pretty smile, it’s also about ensuring that the smile is healthy a functioning properly.
Are braces uncomfortable?
Today’s braces are sleeker and more comfortable than ever before. There may be some minor soreness in the first few days of having your braces placed, but an over-the-counter pain reliever can as needed. With advances in technology, braces today are smaller and less noticeable, they move the teeth faster and more efficiently, and are more comfortable compared to the braces systems of yesterday.
How long will treatment last?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cut and dry answer for this question. Even after an evaluation, we can only give you an estimate of how long treatment will take. One of the main reasons is because we don’t know how your teeth will respond to treatment. Some people may only need braces for six months, while others may need them for up to two years or longer. It’s difficult to compare treatment to someone else because every mouth is different and they may respond in a different way to treatment.
Is orthodontic treatment expensive?
Beginning treatment at the right time can often be less expensive than waiting until a problem to become more complex. Many times, dental (orthodontic) insurance will cover at least a portion of braces or Invisalign. At Gire Orthodontics we have various payment plans to satisfy any budget. Whether you’re looking for a low down payment or low monthly payment, our financial coordinators can make it work. All of our financing plans are interest free as well. We would never turn anyone away due to the cost of treatment. Consult this page for more information about our financing plans.
If you have additional questions, or are ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation, call Dr. Gire today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra office) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills office).