FAQ > General
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General Questions
- What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?
- Will it hurt?
- Is orthodontic care expensive?
- How are orthodontic problems corrected?
- Will I need to have any teeth removed?
- Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?
- Will braces leave marks on my teeth?
- Can you be too old for braces?
Q: What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?
A: Although it can be difficult to assess if you need orthodontic therapy, the following information may help in prompting you to seek out advice.
Ask your child to open their mouth so you can examine their teeth. Your child may need orthodontic treatment if you find any sign of crooked teeth, gaps between teeth or overlapping teeth.
Ask your child to bite all the way down with their lips open. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom teeth? Do the top teeth protrude above the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50-percent of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? All these symptoms indicate a potential orthodontic problem.
Examine your child’s jaw alignment. Does it shift off-center when he/she bites down? If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem that requires early orthodontic intervention.
These are just a few of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems.
A: Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but the overall process isn’t painful. Today's braces are smaller, more comfortable and use technology that reduces discomfort. We use the latest orthodontic technology and materials to reduce your discomfort and length of treatment. You generally can alleviate any annoyances with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
A: If implemented at the proper time, treatment often is less costly than any dental care required to treat the more serious problems that may develop later in life.
Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. Financing usually is available and we offer many payment programs to meet your individual needs. Many insurance plans also now include orthodontics.
Q: How are orthodontic problems corrected?
A: There are several types of malocclusions, or "bad bites." Examples include jaws out of alignment and crowded, extra or missing teeth. Most malocclusions are genetic. Some, however, can be caused by accidents; early or late loss of baby teeth; or sucking a thumb or fingers for a prolonged period of time.
Q: Will I need to have any teeth removed?
A: Teeth may occasionally need to be removed as part of an orthodontic treatment. Dr. Nikaeen will recommend removal only if it improves your prospects for successful treatment.
Q: Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?
A: Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This will cause a functional, esthetic or periodontal problem. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment for Dr. Nikaeen to replace these teeth.
Missing teeth also can make treatment more difficult. In such cases, adaptation and/or compromises of orthodontic therapy may be necessary and a modified ideal outcome may be the result.
Q: Will braces leave marks on my teeth?
A: These marks are called “decalcification” and are strictly limited to patients who don’t maintain proper oral-hygiene practices during treatment.
Q: Can you be too old for braces?
A: Age is not a factor. The health of your gums and the bone supporting your teeth is the most important factor. About 25-percent of Dr. Nikaeen’s orthodontic patients are adults, and that number continues to grow
Please call us at (310) 444-1113 or send an email to schedule your free initial consultation. We serve Southern California including Los Angeles (LA), Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.
We look forward to hearing from you!
