Orthodontics
Why choose Orthodontics with our office?
Not all orthodontists or offices are the same. We want you to know what makes our office special. After all, you want to make a wise investment in your orthodontic care since your smile will last a lifetime.
You will have an amazing smile & experience at Downtown Phoenix Orthodontics because:
-We use the latest technologies and braces to ensure your treatment is as efficient, effective and comfortable as possible. That includes digital impression technique with the iTero Element 2. That means less time in braces and less discomfort during treatment for you without the need for goopy, gaggy traditional impression materials.
-The techniques and braces we use have been shown to often eliminate the need for permanent tooth extractions or extra appliances such as expanders that can be painful, invasive, and difficult to clean
-Dr. Olson develops an individualized treatment plan just for you based upon your specific needs and goals, not a one-size-fits-all treatment approach
-We pay close attention to small details that make a BIG difference in how your smile looks – subtle details are key to creating a beautiful smile, and they must be intentionally planned for and precisely executed
-Dr. Olson is an orthodontic specialist with an additional 3 years of post-graduate residency training after completing his dental degree. Some dentists do braces but do not have orthodontic training or an orthodontic specialty degree.
We pride ourselves on maintaining an on-time schedule – we recognize your time is valuable
-We take the time to communicate with patients and parents and emphasize patient education – we build this time into our schedule because we know effective communication is an integral part of effective care
FAQ
1. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
2. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
3. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, our staff will introduce you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs, Itero® scans and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. We will email all records to Dr. Olson. Dr. Olson will then complete a brief, but thorough, virtual exam. Dr. Olson will provide an estimate of treatment time and gladly answer any questions you may have. Our office manager will e-mail you a quote of the treatment time, costs, and options available to you.
(Lower jaw midline does not match the upper jaw midline)
4. Will I need to have teeth extracted for orthodontic treatment?
Straight teeth, a harmonious smile and a balanced facial profile are some of the primary goals of orthodontics. In certain cases, extracting teeth may have a negative impact on achieving these goals. Modern technology has enabled Dr. Olson and his staff to provide advanced orthodontic procedures and techniques, and as a result removing teeth is frequently not necessary for successful orthodontic treatment. Removing teeth in certain cases is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Each case is unique, and Dr. Olson carefully takes into consideration your tooth position, bite, and facial profile in order to develop a treatment approach that will address your goals and best suit your orthodontic needs.
5. How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time depends on numerous factors, some of which are in Dr. Olson's control, and some which are not. Orthodontic treatment requires both the patient and doctor to work together as a team. Without great compliance from the patient, treatment time may take longer than estimated. Each patient’s specific orthodontic problems impact the treatment time. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in orthodontic treatment is approximately 12-18 months.
We use the latest orthodontic technologies to offer our patients the most efficient treatment options possible, including the Acceledent device which has been shown to decrease both treatment time and discomfort. For more information on Acceledent, view the company website at www.acceledent.com
6. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
In order to provide an exact fee estimate, we need to conduct a virtual examination and consultation with Dr. Olson. We will cover the exact cost and financial options after the initial consultation. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
7. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs and specific stage in treatment. We utilize technologically advanced appliances that efficiently and effectively move teeth without needing frequent adjustments - for our patients and parents this often means fewer total visits in less time than in comparable cases treated with traditional, older types of braces. Most patients in treatment will be seen every 6 to 8 weeks, with some visits at 4 week intervals. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
("Eye" teeth are up high and upper jaw has "crowding")
8. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
9. Can I return to work/school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss work/school because of an orthodontic appointment.
10. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are critically important while in treatment. Clean, healthy teeth and gums help treatment go faster, while unhealthy, inflamed gums will slow treatment down and more importantly increase risk of gum disease, cavities and white spots. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
11. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. In general, really hard, sticky and chewy foods are to be avoided. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
12. How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
13. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
14. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, nearly 80% of all our patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
(Upper jaw has "crowding" and front teeth overlap)
15. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
16. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have years of extensive and specialized training beyond dental school that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Types of Orthodontics Available
DAMON® CLEAR BRACES
Clear braces are made of translucent (clear) ceramic material. They are most popular with adult patients, due to their cosmetic appeal.
DAMON® BRACKETS
Damon® braces were invented by Dr. Dwight Damon. The Damon® bracket utilizes (sliding-door) technology known as "self-ligation" that allows the wire to slide back and forth within the bracket. No elastic or steel ties are used with Damon® brackets. This technology creates less friction and results in greater comfort for the patient. In addition, Damon® braces often reduce both treatment time and the number of adjustments that are usually performed.
INVISALIGN®
The Invisalign® System
The Invisalign® System is a series of clear overlay templates—called aligners—that have been generated by computer simulation to gradually move the teeth. This system is available to teen and adult patients with certain orthodontic bite problems. Ask us if you are a candidate for the Invisalign® system.
MTM® Clear•Aligner for Minor Tooth Movement for a Limited Treatment option
http://http//www.mtmclearaligner.com/
Ormco has infused over 50 years of orthodontic innovation with clinical experience from trusted partnerships with practices around the world. The result is our newest streamlined aligner system, designed to compliment your treatment vision. From Ormco, where the orthodontists practice is our priority. Doctor supervised treatment with digital impression technology.
http://https//mysparksmile.com/
We strive to make sure your entire experience is special, not just the end result (which is an amazing smile!)