Patient Resources
How do I know if I need Orthodontics?
It is only your orthodontist who can actually determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics, based on a thorough examination and diagnostics.
Possible Candidates for Orthodontic Treatment
- Overbite— where the upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth
- Underbite— where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
- Crossbite— when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
- Open bite— space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
- Spacing— gaps or spaces between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth
- Crowding— when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
7 Biggest Mistakes Most Orthodontic Patients Make
Are you worried about getting any type of orthodontic treatment because of the pain or downtime involved? Or are you concerned about the costs of orthodontics today? If you’re like most patients that want a perfect smile, you may believe some common misconceptions about treatment and the actual process.
Here are 7 of the biggest mistakes most orthodontic patients make:
01.Thinking Orthodontic Treatment is Out of Your Budget
If you deny orthodontic treatment when one of our doctors makes a recommendation for treatment, you could be putting yourself at a disadvantage and even encounter health problems in the future. If cost is holding you back from getting orthodontic treatments, talk to us about financing options or setting up a payment plan. We’re here to help so that cost is never an issue for getting the treatments you need!
02.Thinking Costs Will Be the Same as a Friend or Family Member
Since every case is unique, it’s not a good idea to estimate cost based on what someone you know might have paid for treatment. The fees for your treatment are determined by the type of treatment you need, and any additional dental or oral health care services that might be necessary. Your treatment plan can be very different from a friend or relative’s treatment plan, so the costs will vary widely by patient. We’ll always give you the best possible price for all services and can refer you to professionals in our network for anything that we do not offer at our practice.
03. Believing Getting Braces or Orthodontic Treatment is Painful
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontic treatment – especially when it comes to being a patient at Orthodontic Excellence! We use state-of-the-art equipment and modern techniques to increase patient comfort at all times. Most of our patients can get their treatment in a single visit and there is no downtime involved. The days of painful braces and taking time off work to recover after getting braces are long gone! We stand by our word of minimal discomfort and fast recovery times.
04. Fearing that Braces Will Make You Self-Conscious
Thanks to many advances in the field of orthodontic dentistry, there are options besides metal braces for straightening the teeth. Many of our patients choose clear braces that are less noticeable than metal braces, and we also offer Invisalign for patients who want something even more discreet. At Orthodontic Excellence, we’ll work with you to ensure you are as comfortable as possible with the treatment you receive and can show you several different options available.
05. Thinking You Have to Make Multiple Visits to Complete Your Treatment Plan
Most patients can get the treatment they need in only a few visits and will be back in one of our offices in Newcastle for maintenance or check-up visits. Since we used some of the most modern and advanced techniques in the industry, you don’t have to come in to have your braces “tightened” – ever! We use special techniques to ensure maximum results with minimal treatment sessions. Further to that, we produce long-lasting results, so we won’t need to keep seeing you to maintain your results. As long as you follow our guidelines and are compliant with the maintenance schedule, you can look forward to long-lasting results, rest assured.
06. Delaying Treatment for a More Convenient Time
If you are a good candidate for one of our advanced orthodontic treatments, you will benefit most from having your treatment completed as early as possible. Your teeth will shift as you age and it may become more difficult – and costly – to get the results you want when you are older. Ideally, our patients come to us in their early teens or young adult years and then enjoy their beautiful smile for years to come. We also provide adult orthodontic treatments – you can have that perfect smile at any age!
07. Thinking a Previously-Failed Treatment Means a Lifetime of Crooked Teeth
Even if you underwent an orthodontic treatment in your teens – and it was unsuccessful – Orthodontic Excellence can help to restore your perfect smile and get you the results you want. If you worked with another practice and weren’t happy with the results, we’re happy to work with you to create a beautiful, long-lasting smile. You don’t have to live with crooked teeth forever. And we are sure we can help!
