Why Get Braces
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. The technical term for these problems is "malocclusion" which means a "bad bite". The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into the proper alignment and achieve facial balance.Your smile is the most striking part of your face and orthodontic treatment can make a smile look fabulous. And a fabulous smile will last your lifetime.
When Should My Child See An Orthodontist
Dr. Mardaga would like to see children around the age of seven. This allows him the opportunity to evaluate your child to see if they will benefit from early orthodontic treatment to lessen the severity of any future problems. If your child is not ready for any treatment we would like to monitor them on a recall status to monitor the growth and development. Early orthodontic screening can lead to a simpler, more effective treatment for dental patients, or at the least, a greater peace of mind for the parents.
The Benefits of Early Treatment
-Influence jaw growth in a positive manner
-Harmonize width of the dental arches
-Improve eruption patterns for permanent teeth
-Lower risk of trauma to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
-Correct harmful oral habits, improve aesthetics and self-esteem
-Simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
-Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
-Improve some speech problems
-Preserve or gain space for erupting permanent teeth
-Prevent the need for permanent teeth extractions
How do I get Started?
Schedule A New Patient Exam
At this appointment Dr. Mardaga can examine you or your child to see what kind of orthodontic treatment is necessary. We do not have a fee for this appointment unless you are ready for your diagnostic records. At this appointment we address any questions you have regarding treatment. We will present your treatment fee to you and make financial arrangements with you. We do accept most insurances. All of this is done before we initiate any orthodontic treatment, so there are no surprises.
Diagnostic Records
Once we have informed you that you or your child is ready for orthodontic treatment, the next step is to proceed with our diagnostic records, which includes a panorex, cephlametric head x-ray, photographs and molds of the teeth. All orthodontists take diagnostic records before proceeding with any orthodontic treatment.
Length of Treatment
Treatment time varies from person to person. It all depends on your particular treatment and what is involved and whether any appliances are needed other than the braces. Our goal is always to get our patients in and out of treatment in the most efficient way possible with the most perfect result.
Appointments
During your orthodontic treatment we will need to see you on the average of every 8 weeks. However, there will be occasions when this varies depending on what needs to be done. All appointments are scheduled in advance. Longer appointments will need to be scheduled in the middle of the day.
Repair appointments are seen each day at either 11:15 am or at 1:30 pm and will need to be scheduled in advance.
Should you need to reschedule your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance, as someone will be able to take your appointment time.
