Click on any of the questions below.
What is the cost of the initial consultation?
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
Will my insurance cover the cost of orthodontics?
What are orthodontic records and why are they necessary?
Why is "early treatment" recommended for some children?
If my child has early treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
What will happen in the time between early treatment and full braces?
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Will any permanent teeth need to be removed for orthodontic treatment?
Does it hurt after braces are put on?
How often do I need to come in?
Do I need to brush more often with braces?
Are there certain foods I need to avoid when I have braces?
What happens if there is an emergency?
Will the braces discolor my teeth or will I have gum problems after treatment?
What are retainers?
I'm very concerned about esthetics and I don't want metal braces. Are there any other alternatives?
When is an adult too old for braces?
What can we expect from your practice?
What is the cost of the initial consultation?
There is no charge for the initial consultation. Dr. Sabinsky does not believe there should be a financial barrier to the access of quality orthodontic treatment. This visit will not take a lot of your valuable time and at the very least, if no treatment is indicated, it will give you peace of mind.
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How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
There is a range of cost depending on the type, complexity, and duration of treatment. Therefore, in order for us to give you an accurate fee, Dr. Sabinsky needs to do a thorough clinical examination first.
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Will my insurance cover the cost of orthodontics?
If you have orthodontic coverage, it can help in reducing the fee for treatment. Usually there is a lifetime maximum amount the insurance will pay. We would be happy to assist you in determining your insurance coverage. We will also gladly file your insurance claim promptly for you once treatment begins.
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What are orthodontic records and why are they necessary?
Orthodontic records usually include X-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth. The records provide a wealth of information that is not always revealed by a visual examination. This may include missing teeth, extra teeth, the condition and development of tooth roots, growth patterns of the jaws and face, symmetry, and a host of other factors. Complete records form the basis for a thorough and accurate diagnosis and a sound treatment plan.
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Why is "early treatment" recommended for some children?
In some cases, preventive or interceptive care can guide the jaws and erupting teeth into more favorable positions, improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve space for the permanent teeth, and/or reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth.
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If my child has early treatment, will additional treatment be necessary?
In most cases, yes. After the permanent teeth have erupted, treatment is usually necessary to complete the work that was started in the earlier phase since only certain specific problems are addressed in the early stage. The objective of a second stage of treatment is to place the permanent teeth in positions of optimal comfort, function, esthetics, and long-term stability.
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What will happen in the time between early treatment and full braces?
For most children, this growth-observation period will involve a combination of retaining the correction that's been made, and guiding the erupting permanent teeth into favorable positions. Since the timing of treatment is critical, your child's growth and development will be carefully monitored during this period.
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How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Since there is a large variation in possible treatment times depending on the complexity of treatment, Dr. Sabinsky really needs to do a thorough clinical examination before an accurate treatment time can be established.
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Will any permanent teeth need to be removed for orthodontic treatment?
One goal of early treatment is to create room for permanent teeth in crowded (lack-of-space for the teeth) mouths. Because interceptive treatment is so successful in creating room for teeth in people that may otherwise need to have tooth extractions later on, the removal of permanent teeth is much less common today. However, in those cases where a patient presents with severe crowding or tooth protrusion, and there are no more baby teeth present, the removal of one or more permanent teeth may be the best option. Dr. Sabinsky takes everything into consideration including any potential impact upon facial esthetics before determining the need for extractions.
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Does it hurt after braces are put on?
Typically there is some general soreness for a few days that quickly subsides. Dr. Sabinsky uses the most technologically advanced wires that are "superelastic" (they work gradually over a period of time) and temperature (in your body) sensitive. These provide for the most comfortable and efficient orthodontic experience to date.
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How often do I need to come in?
The average time interval between appointments is approximately four to eight weeks.
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Do I need to brush more often with braces?
Absolutely! Since these new projections on your teeth will collect more food and plaque than your smooth teeth did prior to braces, you will need to brush more often. We go over very thorough oral hygiene instructions including flossing when any braces or appliances are placed.
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Are there certain foods I need to avoid when I have braces?
Yes. Certain sticky and hard foods need to be avoided or at least the manner in which they're eaten modified in order to ensure that nothing gets damaged and that you will finish treatment when anticipated. We thoroughly review the dietary guidelines when any braces and/or appliances are placed.
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What happens if there is an emergency?
True orthodontic "emergencies" are rare. However, someone is always on call during off hours should an emergency arise.
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Will the braces discolor my teeth or will I have gum problems after treatment?
You should not have any tooth discoloration (decalcification) or gum problems after orthodontic treatment if you follow all of our instructions relating to brushing, diet, and regular visits.
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What are retainers?
Once appliances and/or braces are removed, some form of retention is typically needed. This is so the teeth can basically "solidify" into their new positions. Retainers come in both removable and fixed (glued -in) varieties. They are usually worn for a certain amount of time depending upon how severe the initial problem was, and wear is gradually decreased over time.
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I'm very concerned about esthetics and I don't want metal braces. Are there any other alternatives?
Yes! Dr. Sabinsky uses the highest quality clear braces that do not discolor. They are equally effective as metal braces yet are highly esthetic.
Another option is the new Invisalign system which uses customized clear removable appliances to gradually straighten your teeth. These "invisible" retainers are made using the latest 3-D computer technology.
Dr. Sabinsky is an Invisalign-certified orthodontist. For more information on Invisalign, click here for the Technology page or go to www.invisalign.com
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When is an adult too old for braces?
For those who can benefit from orthodontics, age is not a factor. Adults who have teeth and healthy supporting structures are never too old. Increasing numbers of adults are taking advantage of the lifelong benefits of orthodontics. These are people who have made the choice to spend the rest of their lives with an attractive, healthy smile and the confidence that it brings.
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What can we expect from your practice?
You can expect a unique combination of art, science, and experience. Our goal is to provide the highest level of orthodontic therapy possible in a caring and friendly environment. We intend to treat your child and/or you so well personally and technically that you will feel comfortable in recommending us to your friends and family.
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