Question / Answer
General Questions from the patient
Questions about Appointments
Questions about the Treatment Process and Methods
Questions about Braces
Questions about Retainers
Questions regarding Finances
General Questions from the patient
Q: Do I still have to visit my general dentist when my braces are on?
A: Yes, visiting your dentist for regular hygiene appointments is still very important.
Q: What are the office hours?
A: From September 1st until June 1st our hours are:
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30 - 4:30
Wednesday 9:30 - 5:30
Friday 7:30 - 1:00 with the front desk remaining open until 3:30
June, July and August hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 - 3:30
Tuesday: 7:50 - 3:30
Friday 7:30 - 1:00: with the front desk remaining open until 3:30
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Questions about Appointments
Q: Can I always have after school appointments?
A: No, we schedule certain appointments at certain times of the day to be able to accommodate most families.
Q: Do I have to have a referral to be able to make an appointment in your office?
A: No, referrals are not necessary to schedule the appointment, however, if someone referred you please let us know. We track this information to help us serve you better.
Q: How long will my appointment take?
A: It depends on what procedure you are scheduled for. The assistant should be able to tell you how long your appointment will be each time.
Q: How long will the first visit take?
A: We allow about an hour. At this appointment, the treatment coordinator will take digital images, the Dr. will examine you, and the treatment coordinator will then go over treatment that is needed and financial arrangements when needed.
Q: Will my teeth be sore after my appointment?
A: Possibly for a couple of days. If so, take 1 Advil and 1 Tylenol for discomfort.
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Questions about the Treatment Process and Methods
Q: Will the same clinical assistant work on my child or myself at every appointment?
A: It may be different assistant each appointment so we can get better acquainted with all patients. If you prefer an assistant you can let us know.
Q: Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose?
A: Yes, it is a normal part of tooth movement.
Q: Is it normal for my back teeth to be sore when I wear my headgear?
A: Yes, but if you wear it consistently, the pain should stop after a week. Taking 1 Advil and 1 Tylenol will also help.
Q: Is it normal to have a space between my front teeth from my expander?
A: Yes, we are making your upper jaw wider. We will close the space later.
Q: When do I get my braces off?
A: At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Gorman estimated your treatment time. This is an estimate; it could take more or less time depending on how your teeth move and how you cooperate.
Q: How many baby teeth does my child have to lose before I bring them in?
A: The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children start being seen by an orthodontist by the age of seven or before if you have concerns.
Q: What are the white spots on some people's teeth when they get their braces off?
A: These spots are decalcification. This is usually caused from poor oral hygiene. The spots form after plaque builds up on the teeth. Plaque contains an acid, which will soften the enamel. It is permanent damage. We give fluoride to use to help renourish the areas to prevent decay. Sometimes the dentist can bleach the teeth so the white areas will blend in. In severe cases the areas are drilled out and replaced with fillings.
Q: I hate that pink stuff! Do we really need it?
A: Yes, we have to have a model of your teeth to make some of your appliances.
Q: Are the lights that are used to set up the glue ultra violet?
A: No, they are really intense bright lights.
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Questions about Braces
Q: Why are the bands on my back teeth so tight?
A: They fit tight because the contact between your teeth is tight.
Q: Do the clear brackets discolor?
A: No they are made of a ceramic material that does not discolor. Sometimes the clear elastic around the bracket will discolor. You can keep this from happening by avoiding things such as Mountain Dew, mustard, spaghetti, smoking, etc....
Q: Why do you want me to come in every 6 months even though I don't have braces yet?
A: Dr. Gorman likes to watch your development, to make sure that problems won't occur. These appointments are free of charge.
Q: Can Invisalign be used for anyone?
A: No, but the Dr. can check you to see if you are a candidate.
Q: What kind of braces do you offer?
A: Clear, silver, gold and lingual (behind the teeth).
Q: My friend has clear braces on top and silver on bottom, can I have clear on top and bottom?
A: No, the clear brackets wear on the braces and teeth.
Q: Do clear or gold braces cost more?
A: No, we do not charge more for gold or clear braces.
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Questions about Retainers
Q: How can I keep my retainer clean?
A: Brush it with your toothbrush and toothpaste, and soak it in mouthwash, Stainaway.
Q: Why are retainers so important?
A: To keep your teeth straight.
Q: How long do I have to keep my bonded retainer?
A: Forever
Q: Will I always have to wear my retainers?
A: Yes, if you want to keep your teeth straight. You should wear them full time for 10 weeks, after that you can wear them just a night.
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Questions regarding Finances
Q: Do you charge for an initial visit?
A: No, there is no charge for your initial consultation.
Q: Do you have payment options available?
A: Yes, our office is very flexible with our payment arrangements. We offer discounts for payment in full at the on-set of treatment, initial down payment and monthly payments, or third party financing.
We are pleased to offer Capital One Healthcare Finance to our patients. Capital One Healthcare Finance is a convenient, no initial payment, low monthly payment plan for orthodontic treatments. It is the only payment plan customized for orthodontics, and is endorsed by the American Association of Orthodontists.
Q: How can I pay for my treatment?
A: We accept cash, personal checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. In addition, electronic transfers from your checking or savings account are also available.
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