Initial Visit
Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we always will discuss the feasibility of tooth straightening using braces or Invisalign® without charging a fee. If x-rays are needed at the first visit, there is no charge at that time. However, if done, the fee is included in the treatment fee when treatment is started.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be examined by age 7.
Why do you evaluate patients so young?
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform, observe, and, if necessary, start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs and problematic habits may be identified and discussed. Although orthodontic treatment can be started at any age, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early orthodontic treatment may mean that a patient can avoid extractions, surgery, and more serious complications.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere between 45-60 minutes, depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We may just provide a visual exam and explain the situation, or we may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics, including a 3D scan of the teeth and photographs of the teeth and face.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Yes, we do. Ann Arbor is a very transient community, and we are comfortable taking over treatment for patients of all ages already in active orthodontic treatment. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to document the current status of ongoing treatment to date and propose further treatment to complete the work that has been started.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely. This is an area of expertise for Dr. Laurie. She has lectured extensively on this subject matter, and over 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults, including those who are 70+ years of age. Many of our adult patients are correcting problems that were not treated when they were children or undergoing tooth movement in preparation for dental restorations (crowns, implants, etc). The majority of adult patients are treated with Invisalign, although traditional braces are an option as well. Patients of all ages deserve a comfortable bite and a beautiful smile.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a general dentist who has had 2-3 additional years of full-time education in orthodontics resulting in a nationally accepted specialty license. An orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and modifying jaw growth.
Dr. Laurie is a graduate of The University of Michigan Graduate Orthodontics Program, where she received a Masters’s Degree in Orthodontics based on her research on smile esthetics. Following graduation, Dr. Laurie took the extra step to become board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. She has stayed current in the ever-changing field of orthodontics as a part-time faculty member at The University of Michigan.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school/work and late in the day?
We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs. The majority of our patients are students or working adults, and we understand the importance of minimizing time away from school and work. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule long appointments during the popular late afternoon and early evening hours.
Shorter appointments can be scheduled later in the day, whereas longer appointments most often need to be scheduled during the morning or early afternoon. However, in that most of our appointments are scheduled six to twelve weeks apart, most patients miss very little school/work because of orthodontic appointments.
Do you see patients for emergencies?
We hope that our patients never will experience an orthodontic emergency, but given the chance that that might happen, we always are available to help. A team member is always on call in case a problem arises.
Financial
Can we make payments?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure an interest-free, convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for necessary services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards and ApplePay/tap to pay in office. We are happy to set up an automatic monthly payment plan on your credit card.
Do you charge interest?
No we do not. We offer an in-office interest-free payment plan that consists of a down payment of approximately 30% plus a monthly payment through the proposed length of treatment. If you pay the treatment fee in full at the start of treatment, we offer a 2% bookkeeping discount for credit card payments and a 4% discount for cash or check payments.
Do you offer additional financial programs?
Yes, we will work with additional third-party financial companies, like Care Credit, that offer further extended payment plans.
Do you give family discounts?
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same household.
Types of Treatment
What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later. Phase 1 treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics done during adolescence, but it can simplify and shorten a second phase of treatment in most patients.
Examples of Phase 1 treatment include correcting individual tooth or jaw crossbites and severe underbites and overbites where function, esthetic or psychological concerns are identified.
What is Phase 2 Treatment?
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12 year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts 18 to 30 months, depending on the severity of the problem.
How do I know if Phase 1, 2, or both types of treatments are necessary?
An early visit is suggested. About a quarter of young patients may benefit from Phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are monitored until the appropriate time to initiate care.
Does early treatment ensure a better result?
For some individuals, early treatment results in the elimination of a crossbite and/or reduction in dental crowding that cannot be accomplished once growth has been completed. We do not encourage early treatment unless significant benefits to the patient can be achieved.
Moving of teeth (Mechanics)
I need to be pre-medicated for an appointment with my dentist. Do I need to take my medicine to the orthodontist?
Yes. We follow the American Heart Association guidelines regarding SBE prophylaxis prior to dental treatment. There are certain orthodontic procedures that require pre-medication with antibiotics for high-risk patients.
How long do braces/clear aligners take?
The duration of treatment varies among patients. The length of treatment always depends on how much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. We are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective as possible. Complete treatment typically is accomplished accomplished in 2 years of active tooth movement. Sometimes, this active movement is divided into two or more periods of time with a rest period of 1 to 2 years in between. (See Phase 1 and 2 treatment above).
How do braces work?
Crooked teeth are gradually moved through the bone into their desired positions as a result of the pressure from the archwire that is inserted into the braces that are glued to the teeth.
Do you use recycled braces?
Never have, never will.
Retainers
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Yes, in most cases retainers need to be worn full-time for 4-12 months following the end of active tooth movement, and then at nighttime indefinitely.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Teeth move throughout life whether you have had any orthodontic treatment or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely during sleeping hours to maintain your orthodontic results over your lifetime.
Can I have a retainer glued to the back of my teeth?
For some patients, fixed/permanent retainers are recommended. This type of retainer consists of a wire that is glued to the back of the teeth to keep them in place. Because this type of retainer requires special hygiene procedures and regular monitoring by a dental professional, we only recommend their usage in specific situations. The majority of our patients are given clear removable retainers at the end of their orthodontic treatment.
Wisdom teeth (Third Molars)/TMJ
Do wisdom teeth cause teeth to get crooked?
Research has shown this theory not to be true.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Some people do not have room in their mouth for their 3rd molars. The lack of space can cause the teeth to become impacted in the bone or only partially erupt into the mouth. Because of the risk of pain and/or infection, dental professionals often recommend having wisdom teeth removed prior to the problem occurring.
Can orthodontic treatment treat or cause TMJ problems?
Scientific literature has documented that there is not a direct link between orthodontic treatment or occlusion and TMJ. Problems with TMJ can be present or absent in the presence of all types of good and bad bites.
