Back to Basics

I'm rolling out this entry again...the very first I wrote...because it's great, basic, easy to understand information and I don't think tons of people read it the first time around so without further adieu...my very first blog entry:

Does your kid need braces? The short answer to this question is, "Yes.".  Now, I am not an Orthodontist, however, I have seen enough mouths in my 10 years of managing an orthodontic practice to know that there's very few people on Earth who would not benefit from orthodontic treatment.

The more important question here is: Why does my kid need braces?

Let's do this. Let's think about teeth on a spectrum. The spectrum goes between cosmetics and function. One end of the spectrum (the cosmetic side) would be a perfect bite and very crooked teeth. The other end (the function end) would be a poorly formed bite (over or under) with straight or crooked teeth. Which is worse, you ask? The end effecting function is actually worse. Bad bites or malocclusions as we call them in the biz are more harmful in the long run. You can have beautiful, straight teeth but if the bite is off you risk problems such as early tooth loss, jaw problems, damage to the tooth surfaces, uneven wear etc. On the other hand, if the bite is perfect and the teeth are crooked, while less attractive, is actually more of a hygiene problem. Brushing is more difficult for these folks but if diligent, the job can get done. Poor hygiene for anyone is a whole different topic and bad all the way around. That will come in a later entry. Anyway, back to the bite situation. Many factors can contribute to a bad bite. These include: overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, thumb sucking habit, tongue thrust, jaw size discrepancies and the list goes on.

Another very important question to consider: How do I chose an orthodontist?

Now, believe me, I know times are tough and braces are expensive. However, I implore you, do NOT shop for price. Nothing good can come of this. The old adage, "You get what you pay for.", certainly applies in this situation.  Different practices have different fees. This is a given. You must consider the following: Board Certified Orthodontic Specialists is paramount. AND, you have to make sure that the orthodontists are actually the ones doing the work. Huge! Another big consideration should be the friendliness of the staff. A great office and clinical staff means that the office is run well. Bad staff=Bad office in my humble opinion. Third consideration, flexible payment schedules and insurance billing. You should be able to work this treatment into your family budget and not have to take out a 2nd mortgage to do it.

The most important thing of all is that you and your child feel comfortable and cared for at the office. Your child should understand their treatment and feel free to ask questions. The more they understand and take responsibility for, the better patient they will be and a happier parent you will be. Then, it's all good.