Q: What age should I bring my child in for their first orthodontic exam?
The AAO recommends that every child should be seen by an orthodontist by age 6 or 7.

 

An orthodontist is a dentist with three years of advanced specialty training from an accredited orthodontic program.

 

Simply, to get the best care possible. Orthodontic specialists have rigorous, focused training and provide the most ideal and professional results.

 

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an initial evaluation by the age of seven because it is the optimal time to evaluate skeletal development and to identify the position of the permanent teeth. 

 

You may be. The purpose of orthodontics is to eliminate malocclusions (improper bites) and the wide variety of problems they can cause. Malocclusions occur as the result of tooth and/or jaw misalignment. They may affect the way you smile, chew, and clean your teeth and even how you feel about your smile and appearance. More importantly, an improper bite may lead to periodontal (gum and bone) problems and/or tooth loss. Orthodontic treatment can improve your long-term dental and physical health. It may also eliminate the need for more extensive dental work later in life.

 

No. Optimal alignment and occlusion of the teeth are the primary reasons for treatment. It will improve your over-all dental and physical health and yes, it will improve your smile!

 

Many patients think that orthodontics is only for children, but about half of our patients are adults. With healthy bone support, teeth can be successfully moved at any point in life.

 

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Problems such as cross-bites and open –bites can result in unfavorable growth, uneven tooth wear, tongue-thrusting habits, and speech issues.

 

The fee for orthodontic treatment varies depending on the severity of the problem and length and complexity of treatment. We are pleased to offer several payment options commensurate with individual needs.

 

Many dental insurance policies do cover orthodontic treatment. Our practice understands that insurance is a contract between the patient and the insurance company, not between the doctor and the insurance company. We will do everything possible to help our patients receive due benefits from their insurance carrier.

 

Typically, the patient is comfortable during treatment, but there is a short period immediately following the placement of your braces or after appliance activation when your teeth will be sensitive. The sensitivity during this adjustment period will only last a few days. Over-the-counter anti-inflamatory medication along with a soft diet is usually sufficient to relieve any discomfort.

 

In most cases, Dr. Moroco will use a technique called indirect bonding for the placement of the orthodontic brackets. The OrthoCad IQ system is used to prepare for the indirect bonding procedure. The impressions that are taken here in the office are sent to Cadent Lab and along with the assistance of computer technology, your brackets are prepared and ready for placement before your appointment. Indirect bonding reduces the time it takes for the placement of your braces, making it more comfortable. It also allows for precision placement of the brackets on the teeth.

 

It depends on the individual. Although minor tooth movement may be resolved in a year or less, complex cases may take two or more years. Dr. Moroco will customize your treatment plan. Timing of treatment, your cooperation, and the use of the latest technology will ensure you do not have to wear your braces any longer than necessary.

 

Yes. Regular visits with your dentist are essential and may need to occur more frequently. Be sure to check with your dentist.

 

No. Gum and sticky foods will put a continuous pull on the special bonding cement that attaches your braces to your teeth. Continual breakage of appliances slows down treatment. Click here to see our “Foods to Avoid List.”

 

Yes. Moroco Orthodontics offers the Opalescence Treswhite Ortho bleaching system which allows you to bleach your teeth while your braces are on! These pre-filled trays can be worn over your braces so you no longer have to wait to have the bright smile you have always wanted!

 

No. Braces will not affect your lifestyle, but there will be a short adjustment period while you get used to your new appliances. You may feel that your speech is a little different, but that will change in just a few days. 

 

Yes. We recommend wearing a mouth guard for contact sports or other rough activities. Mouth guards are available at our office or if you would prefer, a custom mouth guard can ordered.

 

Yes. Braces should not interfere with playing an instrument, though there may be a period of adjustment. Orthodontic wax will be provided to prevent discomfort. Practicing will ease the transition.

 

No. Retainers are designed to keep teeth in their new positions after active orthodontic treatment. They are not meant to move teeth. There are removable appliance options that can move the teeth, which Dr. Moroco will discuss with you if you are a candidate.

 

Retainers hold your teeth and prevent them from shifting toward their original positions.

 

Typically, you will wear your retainer full-time for twelve months following the removal of your braces and nightly thereafter. Dr. Moroco will instruct you on proper retainer wear and monitor you through your retention phase.

 

Yes. All of our instruments are sterilized after each and every use, and pre-packaged for your use, according to OSHA standards. You will see our state-of-the art sterilization area when you tour our office.

 

Yes. Our office meets all of the OSHA standards for infection control. We protect our patients from disease transmission by meeting sterilization standards, using universal precautions such as masks, gloves, and eye protection, and our staff is re-certified annually to ensure the latest in infection control procedures.

 

Yes. All team members are certified annually for OSHA infection control procedures, as well as being certified in CPR and defibrillator training. All clinical team members are certified through the State of Florida for Orthodontic training and in radiology.