Life with Braces

Upon arriving, we will take a set of digital photos, once they are complete, the new patient consultant will acclimate you to our office and discuss the benefits of orthodontics.

Our Pasadena orthodontist, Dr. Karen Guinn will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam and talk over the treatment plan. Finally, if you are ready to begin treatment, we will take the necessary X-rays and confirm the proper diagnosis. In some cases, we can even put your braces on or take the Invisalign scan on the same day!

The five essential questions that we will cover are:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?

• What must be done to correct the problem?

• I this the proper time to begin treatment?

• How long will the treatment take to complete?

• How much will the treatment cost?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, friends, family and colleagues, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

Yes! Regular checkups with your dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments and dental exams while you are in braces.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition. It doesn’t mean a patient will need braces, but it’s a good time to start to get acquainted.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

"It does not have to hurt to work!” Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil will ease the discomfort and shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Yes. We also recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not nearly as common as it used to be.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. There are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, but most patients in braces using The Damon System will be seen every 10 to 12 weeks and Invisalign patients every 8 to 10 weeks on average.

No patient is “too old” to have orthodontic treatment, in fact, a surprising percentage of our patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults too.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, the “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you, but we will cover the cost and financial options available to accommodate your needs, during the initial exam. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit, as well as file your claims.

Patients should brush their teeth at 2-4 times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces or Invisalign.

If your braces are causing pain or something breaks, please call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone, but if you need an appointment, we will gladly see you.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow a patient’s growth until the time is right to begin.

Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 11. It usually lasts about 12 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe, it can also improve self-esteem.

It is possible that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are monitored. You will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.