New Patient Information

Your First Visit

Our goal in the first visit, the initial examination, is information. Even with just a simple visual exam, we can normally give practical information regarding what the problems are, when to start, and how long treatment will it take. A panoramic x-ray, often borrowed from your referring dentist, usually adds valuable insight.

We focus on the traditional orthodontic goals of ideal alignment and ideal functional bite relationship, together with the modern emphasis of optimal tooth-lip-facial relationship.

In our office, the cost of treatment is proportionate with the length of treatment. This can normally be predicted accurately from the initial exam.

Adult Patient Forms

Child Patient Forms

ABC's for braces

What Causes Orthodontic Problems?

Most malocclusions are inherited, and some are acquired. Inherited problems include crowding of teeth, too much space between teeth, extra teeth, congenitally missing teeth and a wide range of discrepancies involving the jaws, teeth and face. Acquired problems can be caused by trauma, thumb or finger sucking, dental diseases, and premature loss of baby or adult teeth. Many of these problems affect not only alignment of the teeth but facial development and appearance as well.

At What Age Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. Early detection and interception of some orthodontic problems is an opportunity to avoid more difficult treatment later.

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually difficult for you to determine whether treatment is necessary. Your general dentist is a good reference, but orthodontists are your best resource because orthodontics is all they do. At Genesis Orthodontics, our initial consult is comprehensive and informative - and free!

Can Adults Have Braces?

About 25% of our orthodontic patients are adults.
Many adults were unable to get orthodontic treatment during childhood and, but as people have become more health conscious, and as orthodontic treatment has become both more accessible and affordable, many adults today do elect orthodontic correction. It’s not as uncommon as you might think!

Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?

Patients generally find the process of placing braces to be non-painful and surprisingly easy. By the next day, however, most experience a degree of discomfort from two sources.
Firstly, the braces feel “bumpy” and this sometimes results in mild irritation to the inside of lips and cheeks. After about a week, both the bumpy feeling and soft tissue irritation disappear without recurring for the remainder of treatment. The second source of discomfort comes from the wire that connects the teeth together. This arch-wire is the orthodontic “medicine.” It delivers light pressure to the teeth and begins the tooth movement process. Even though the pressure is light, after a few hours of continuous pressure, teeth will likely become tender. Like the soft tissue tenderness, tooth tenderness typically disappears within the first week. But unlike the soft tissue tenderness, tooth tenderness typically follows monthly arch-wire adjustments, though to a lesser extent as treatment progresses.
You may wish to take non-prescription pain remedies that are commonly taken for other discomforts, such as headaches. For maximum effectiveness, take such medications before the discomfort begins. Soft tissue irritations will heal more quickly if you apply Zylactin or Orabase according to the manufacturer’s directions. You can purchase these products over the counter at most pharmacies and convenience stores.

What are Phase I (Interceptive) and Phase II Treatments?

Two-phase treatment is essentially treatment divided in halves. This is in contrast to one phase treatment which deals with all orthodontic problems comprehensively in one longer time period after all permanent teeth erupt.
Phase 1 of a two-phase orthodontic treatment is initiated at approximately age eight. This is well before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. The second phase of treatment typically begins at age twelve or thirteen, after primary (baby) teeth are lost.

Does Everyone Need Two Phases of Treatment?

Not every child needs multiple-phase treatment. Two-phase treatment can be very good when the degree of the problem is severe.

What is the Duration of Orthodontic Treatment?

Just as the severity of orthodontic problems varies greatly, orthodontic treatment time varies greatly. Though many are finished in less than a year, five months to thirty months, or in rare instances longer, are the extremes.

What is the Difference Between Extraction and Non-Extraction Therapies?

Both of these alternatives provide a way to address crowding and/or protrusion of teeth. Extraction therapy involves removal of one or more teeth to make room for correction. This is in contrast to non-extraction therapy, in which the patient’s jaw is expanded. For severe crowding or protrusion, extraction may be required.

Is Orthodontic Care Expensive?

The cost of orthodontic treatment parallels the time for correction. Most people pay on a monthly basis, at the same rate that treatment is received.

Emergencies

For major orthodontic emergencies, don’t hesitate to call our office. However, the majority of orthodontic emergencies can be easily treated at home or with a follow-up appointment at Genesis Orthodontics.

True orthodontic emergencies may include trauma to the mouth or teeth such as a sports-related injury, visible swelling inside the mouth or in the face/cheeks, or a broken part of the orthodontic appliance that prevents actual opening or closing of the mouth.

Non-emergency situations include mouth sores or general discomfort from braces, a loose bracket, a loose tie wire/ligature/colored tie, a pokey wire, or a loose fixed wire retainer. Wax can be used to cover any area of the braces or appliance that is rubbing/poking the inside of your mouth and causing discomfort. If part of the appliance is broken, please call our office on the next business day, and we will advise whether we need to see you sooner than your next scheduled appointment.

Braces Care is Easy!

Dental hygiene is of special importance in orthodontics. Though braces can do great things for people, they can also be great plaque (bacteria) collectors. The most common risk factors in orthodontic treatment today, as in the past, are problems related to ineffective oral hygiene. These problems can include tooth changes such as discoloration (white spots) or even tooth decay, as well as various gum problems.

Proper dental care will take a little extra time and effort with braces, but it is well worth it for a healthy and beautiful smile in the end. We recommend brushing thoroughly each time you have a meal or snack. If you can’t brush right away, it’s best to vigorously rinse your mouth with water until you are able to brush. It is also important to floss once a day, and although this takes time, it is worth it!

On the day you get braces, we will demonstrate proper brushing technique and send you home with oral hygiene supplies. At every appointment, we will let you know how your home oral hygiene is going and will give you tips and encouragement for improvement, if needed.

COVID-19 Information

This patient disclosure form seeks information from you that we must consider before making treatment decisions in the circumstance of the COVID-19 virus. Please fill out the form below.

COVID-19 Patient Disclosure