Your Guide To Orthodontic Treatment
Annapolis, Bowie, Crofton, Greenbelt, MD
What Is The Difference Between Orthodontists & Dentists?
While dentists and orthodontists both take care of your teeth, dentists perform routine dental services, such as cleaning teeth, treating cavities, and even extracting damaged teeth. Orthodontists, on the other hand, specialize in fixing smile irregularities.
This also means that orthodontists have to have higher qualifications than dentists. Orthodontists must comply with all the requirements that dentists have to have, and they also have to have completed a post-dental school residency that can take two to three years. They also have to complete hours of orthodontic training before they are considered fully qualified.
While orthodontists and dentists take care of different aspects of your oral health, both professions have the same goal—to make sure your teeth are healthy and strong.
Do I Have To Pay For My Orthodontic Care All At Once?
We are sensitive to the financial pressures on families today. So, for your convenience, we provide multiple payment plans for your orthodontic care. In addition, we also offer in-house finance options that have zero financial fees or interest rates. These options do require a down payment.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
On average, orthodontic treatment usually takes 18-24 months. The total treatment time depends on a large number of factors including the severity of the original bite problem and the type of treatment being carried out. Also, the patient’s compliance, oral hygiene habits, and the ability to keep appointments can also contribute to treatment time.
When Should My Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam at the age of 7. It is possible that problems will develop as the child’s permanent teeth are erupting. By quickly identifying such problems, you can reduce their severity and prevent early damage. In addition, early orthodontic treatment may eliminate or reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic work later on. This does not mean that every child will require early orthodontic treatment.
When Will My Regular Appointments Be Scheduled?
At Labbe Family Orthodontics, we share your concern about missing school or work and therefore make every effort to ensure that all patients receive a fair share of convenient appointments. We schedule longer appointments during school hours and shorter, more routine appointments before and after school. The majority of your appointments fall in the routine category.
