Frequently asked quest-IONs

What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

General dentists are key players in your overall dental health. They are very important in determining the health of your teeth, gums, and surrounding bone as well as the main person in recommending a specialist for advanced treatment. Dr. Rad always recommends patients see their general dentists before, during, and after orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist is a dental specialist purely focused on the movement of teeth in order to provide the most esthetic smile and healthy bite. Orthodontists are fully equipped and focused to handle more complex cases, especially when bite and function are an issue. Dr. Rad pursued 30 months of additional training in orthodontics in the beautiful city of Denver, Colorado. They can also best handle cases where early intervention might benefit a child in order to capitalize on growth patterns. Orthodontists are the most qualified specialists for determining what movements are capable of being achieved within the limits of each individuals skeleton and facial musculature.



Are braces covered under dental insurance?

Many insurance plans include an orthodontic benefit. This is typically a lifetime maximum to be used toward orthodontic treatment; however, deductibles or age restrictions may apply depending on your dental insurance. With your permission, we're happy to research your insurance benefit prior to your first visit with Dr. Rad so we can review it with you during the financial portION of your consultatION. Orthodontic benefits can be used towards any form of orthodontic treatment including Invisalign. If your dental insurance includes orthodontic benefits, you can contact your insurance company or your employer’s HR department to learn more about your orthodontic coverage. We never want cost to discourage our patients from achieving the healthy and beautiful smile they deserve in the manner that is right for them, whether that is traditional braces or Invisalign. For this reason, we offer interest free payment plans that will help fit orthodontic treatment into almost any budget. Our treatment coordinator will review the cost of your treatment and your payment optIONs with you after Dr. Rad determines what treatment is indicated for the patient. Feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have about your treatment or financial optIONs.



At what age should I bring my child to visit the orthodontist for the first time?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child is evaluated by age 7. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. If certain conditions are not corrected before your child hits certain growth spurts, your child may experience asymmetrical growth patterns and surgical intervention may be required in the future for correction.



How often will I need to visit the orthodontist for adjustment appointments?

Patients with traditional braces generally require appointments every six to eight weeks. In between your appointments, it is important to keep your teeth clean with consistent brushing and flossing with the floss threader. Dr. Rad will be monitoring your oral health and hygiene and making sure you are visiting your general dentist every 6 months. With Invisalign treatment, the adjustments are made at home when you progress from one aligner to the next, allowing scheduled office visits to extend to between 8-12 weeks.



Can I be "too old" to straighten my teeth?

Of course not! There are so many optIONs available for adults right now. Dr. Rad has actually treated patients in their 80s+ who never had the chance to have orthodontic treatment as a child. Adult patients that chose to go the traditIONal route are surprised to find that the braces that Dr. Rad uses are more discreet and sleek than ever before. We also offer clear ceramic brackets that minimize the appearance of brackets, and don't forget about Invisalign. As long as the health of your teeth is excellent and you visit your dentist regularly for maintenance, there is no reason why orthondontic treatment can not be possible for you at ANY age. Contact our office today to learn more about your optIONs.



Can Invisalign work for kids too?

Absolutely- but remember that with great power comes great responsibility! Invisalign Teen is a great optION for busy yet responsible teens who are concerned about the appearance of braces or worried about playing instruments or intense contact sports hindering the process. More and more teenagers are asking for Invisalign to improve their smiles without the growing pains of broken bracket and pokey wires. Invisalign First is the newest additION to Invisalign treatment for kids with baby and permanent teeth. This treatment has been in demand for quite some time as parents understand the struggle of getting their kids to brush their teeth and the apprehensiveness that young kids can sometimes have regarding metal appliances in their mouths. Check out the Invisalign Tab to find out more about this!



Why do some kids get braces early and others get them in their teenage years?

Although Dr. Rad prefers to take a conservative approach to early orthodontics, generally about 20% of kids will benefit from Phase I treatment to make space for teeth coming in and prevent problems where teeth could become damaged. If Dr. Rad feels your son or daughter does not need early treatment, she will recommend an observatION appointment every six months to keep an eye on how things come in. All of these appointments are complimentary and will help determine the optimum time for your child to begin orthodontic treatment. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.



Can I still get braces if I have missing teeth?

Yes! When teeth are missing, the teeth on each side of the space will tend to drift into the empty space. This can create a number of problems. First of all, these spaces between the teeth can be considered unattractive and can take away from your smile. Additionally, tipping of the teeth can lead to problems with functION, recessION of the gum tissue, or even collapsed space- possibly eliminating the chance of replacing the missing tooth with an implant or bridge. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.



Will braces hurt?

Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. Newer technology enables us to use lighter forces to move the teeth over a much shorter amount of time allowing us to be as gentle as possible with the roots of your teeth. You can expect the braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment. These adjustments will make you more conscious of your teeth, but they should not be painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever (use as directed).



I just got my first set of Invisalign trays. How do I take care of my Invisalign aligners?

Check out the video below for in-detailed instructIONs. :)