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What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
What is the best age to begin orthdontic treatment?
What is Stage I and Stage II treatment?
Am I too old for orthdontic treatment?
Do braces hurt?
How does orthodontic treatment work?
How much does it cost?
Are there foods I should avoid while wearing braces?
How often do I visit the office for adjustments?
How long does orthdontics treatment take?
What do I do in case of an orthodontic emergency?
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Will I need a retainer?
How is my fee determined?
How do I pay for orthodontic treatment?
I have a flexible spending account. Will you file for this?
I have insurance. What do I need to bring to the initial examination?
How is my insurance handled?
I don't see Musgrave Orthodontics on my managed care insurance provider's list. Does this mean I cannot go to Dr. Musgrave?
 What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?
- A more attractive smile
- Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years
- Better function of the teeth
- Possible increase in self-confidence
- Increased ability to clean the teeth
- Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
- Better long term health of teeth and gums
- Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
- Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- Aid in optimizing other dental treatment
What are some signs that braces may be needed?
- Upper front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
- Upper front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
- Upper front teeth are behind or inside the lower front teeth (underbite)
- The upper and lower front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
- Crowded or overlapped teeth The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up
- Finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
- Difficulty chewing
- Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
- The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
- Spaces between the teeth
What is the best age to begin orthodontic treatment?
The best age to begin treatment varies with each individual. In most cases, the "best" time for an initial consultation is around 10 years of age although there are many exceptions to this rule. "Bad bites" may affect jaw and facial growth, make it difficult to chew correctly, severely detract from a pleasing appearance, or risk breakage of front teeth. Children with these problems may be evaluated for treatment at an earlier age, usually between 7 and 10 years of age. Please see the early treatment section of the website for more detailed information.
What is Stage I and Stage II treatment?
Stage I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e.
expander or partial braces) before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. Such
treatment can occur between the ages of 7 and 10. This treatment is sometimes
recommended to make more space for developing teeth, correction of crossbites,
overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits. Stage II treatment is also called
comprehensive treatment, because it involves full braces when all of the
permanent teeth have erupted, usually between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
 Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
In the past, many people thought that orthodontics was "just for kids", but this is not true. About one third of our patients are adults who are interested in improving their appearance and the function of their teeth. Please refer to the adult treatment section of the website for further information.
Do braces hurt?
Placement of braces today is very easy compared to placement of braces in the past when each individual tooth needed to be sized with a band (a brace fitting completely around the tooth). In fact, most people do not feel the braces going on. We use very light wires that provide a gentle force and little discomfort. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.
Tooth soreness can occur, however, after the teeth begin to move into their new positions, usually lasting one to four days. Our office has specific recommendations for that-please see the comfort section of website.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper
positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that
connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the
brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies
pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.
How much does it cost?
Orthodontic fees vary depending on the severity of the problem and the length and method of treatment. Please refer to the financial considerations of the website for more detailed information.
Are there foods I should avoid while wearing braces?
Generally orthodontic patients should avoid hard and sticky foods such as pizza crust, gum, taffy, ice, and popcorn (half-popped kernels) to provide a few examples. These types of foods may cause loose braces and prolong orthodontic treatment. Sipping on soda pop and eating a lot of sweets should also be avoided to prevent cavities while in braces.
How often do I visit the office for adjustments?
Generally, appointment intervals range between 4 to 8 weeks apart depending on the type of adjustments needed. After retainers are placed, appointments are spaced further apart until the teeth have reached a stable position and no more appointments are needed.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from one to two years. Minor orthodontic corrections may require as little as 6 months to complete whereas severe cases may require 24 to 30 months or longer. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. Maintaining good oral hygiene and keeping regular appointments are important in keeping treatment time on schedule.
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| Minor Orthodontic Correction |
Severe Orthodontic Correction |
What do I do in case of an orthodontic emergency?
Please call the office for instructions. Most orthodontic emergencies can be handled over the phone. However, if needed, we will see you at the office. Our first concern is to make each emergency patient comfortable. We may need to schedule another appointment to complete an emergency repair (broken wire / bracket etc.). For severe emergencies after office hours, arrangements can be made to see Dr. "Mark" at night or during the weekend as needed.
Will braces interfere with playing sports?
No. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a
mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are
inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace
covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for
cleanings and dental checkups.
Will I need a retainer?
All orthodontic patients need to wear retainers after braces to keep the teeth from moving back toward their original positions. Dr. "Mark" and his staff will let you know when and how long to wear your retainers.
How is my fee determined?
Dr. Musgrave will provide a complimentary orthodontic examination at your initial visit. This will allow Dr. “Mark” to determine the extent of orthodontic treatment. The fee is determined by the severity of the orthodontic correction and by the length of treatment time.
How do I pay for orthodontic treatment?
There are many financial options available to our patients. Some of these include the traditional down payment followed by interest free payments, payment in full, payment plans in conjunction with insurance, and even no down payment plans. Our front office staff will be happy to guide you into a payment schedule that fits your individual needs.
I have a flexible spending account. Will you file for this?
Some employers have made available this great tax savings opportunity to their employees. Pre-taxed dollars may be set aside in a special account for orthodontic treatment. Our staff will gladly provide the employer with the necessary receipts so that the employee may be reimbursed for their orthodontic care.
I have insurance. What do I need to bring to the initial examination?
Please bring the following information with you to the initial examination:
- Name, address, and telephone number of insurance plan
- Employee’s name, birth date, and identification number
How is my insurance handled?
After initial placement of appliances, our staff will file a claim to your insurance company. Payments are made according to the insurance company’s contractual guidelines. Periodic follow-ups will also be filed until the orthodontic benefit is completely paid. Please remember that it is the financially responsible person who is ultimately accountable for all fees regardless of insurance involvement.
I don't see Musgrave Orthodontics on my managed care insurance provider's list. Does this mean I cannot go to Dr. Musgrave?
Managed care policies occasionally have rules that will allow you to seek treatment with a non-provider and still receive benefits. Each policy is unique and it is best to allow our staff to inquire about this option before committing to treatment.
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