Is there a charge for the initial visit ?

No, there is never a charge for this visit. It is very important to begin orthodontic treatment at the correct time, which is different for everyone. At Lamparski Orthodontics, we do not want finances to be an obstacle to knowing whether you can benefit from orthodontics or from receiving a 2nd opinion concerning treatment.

Do we need a dental referral to see Dr. Lamparski?

No. While many patients are referred by their dentist, family and friends of patients refer a large part of our practice. Your family dentist may refer you concerning a specific problem, but if you have a concern about you or your child’s teeth, you may schedule an appointment without a referral. In all cases, we communicate with your family dentist to ensure you receive the best comprehensive treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation around age 7.

My dentist also does braces...what is the difference between a dentist who does braces and an orthodontist?

All orthodontists are dentists, but only 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists first attend college, then a four-year dental graduate program at a university dental school. They then complete a 3 year residency program in advanced education in orthodontics. An orthodontist only does braces, not cleanings, fillings, root canals, etc.

What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?

Though we can straighten teeth at any age, there is an optimal time to begin ensuring the best result in the least amount of time and expense. Since everyone’s orthodontic problem is different, the “best time” varies. Some conditions are best treated around ages 7 or 8, others around 11 or 12. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation around age 7 (when the front 4 adult teeth start to erupt). Interceptive and preventive treatment is sometimes best done at this age, but frequently the patient is placed under supervision at 6-12 month intervals. These visits are important so treatment can start at the most beneficial time. Treating children during their growth allows us to achieve results not possible when face and jawbones are fully developed. This early treatment can simplify or reduce additional treatment.

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for an orthodontic evaluation?

At this age, the adult teeth start to erupt, establishing the bite. During this time, we can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth and jaw relationships. The eruption of adult teeth can indicate the presence of overbites, open bites, crowding, and gummy smiles. Some of these conditions greatly benefit from interceptive treatment. Timely screening allows treatment to begin at the most beneficial time for each patient.

What are the benefits of interceptive (early) orthodontic evaluation and treatment?

Early evaluation provides timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing and/or reducing serious problems later. Many progressive treatments are available for patients 6 to 11 years old that provide significant benefits, especially in jaw irregularities. Treating children during their growth allows us to achieve results not possible when face and jaw bones are fully developed. This early treatment can simplify or reduce additional treatment. Some goals of interceptive treatment include:

• guiding jaw growth
• regulating the width of the upper and lower jaws
• guiding permanent teeth into their correct positions
• lowering the risk of trauma (accidents) to protruding teeth
• correcting harmful oral habits such as thumb- or finger-sucking
• correcting abnormal swallowing or speech problems
• improving personal appearance and self-esteem
• reducing or simplifying later treatment
• reducing the likelihood of impacted (stuck) teeth
• preserving and/or gaining space for erupting permanent teeth

Interceptive treatment is typically reserved for moderate to severe orthodontic problems. Approximately 15% to 20% of patients can benefit from this treatment. Usually, when a patient has a problem severe enough for interceptive treatment, a 2nd phase of treatment is required around age 11 or 12. Had early treatment not been performed, it would be more difficult, if not impossible, to correct their problem later.

Can orthodontics benefit adults ?

Absolutely! We can straighten teeth at any age. In fact, we treat some adults and seniors in their 70s and 80s. It’s never too late to get the beautiful smile you always wanted. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected as easily in adults as children. Some complicating factors, such as lack of jaw growth, may require special treatment, so we offer a variety of treatments designed for different ages. New techniques and appliances make treatment easier, faster, and more convenient. You may have the option of metal or ceramic braces or transparent aligners to improve your smile.

Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and bad bites contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal tooth wear, headaches, and jaw joint (TMJ) pain.

A growing percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile!

Do you offer Invisalign (orthodontic treatment without braces)?

Yes. However, it’s not for everyone. We recommend scheduling a complimentary examination to see if you are a candidate...if not, often your teeth can be straightened with "clear" braces.

Do you offer colored and clear braces?

Yes, we have clear, silver, and gold braces. In addition, we have approximately 20 colors of elastics that can be changed each visit. We also offer Invisalign - which is orthodontic treatment without braces.

How long does treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending upon your specific problem and treatment needed. Our average treatment time is 18 months but can range from as short as 6 months to as long as 36 months.

Do you offer Saturday appointments?

Yes, we offer Saturday appointments during the school year (September - May).

How is insurance handled?

Braces are covered by orthodontic insurance, which is separate from dental insurance. Orthodontic plans usually cover 25%-50% of the fee. If you are not sure you have coverage, please phone us and we will investigate for you. Most insurance allows you to choose any orthodontist you wish, even if they do not participate in your plan. If we are not a provider for your plan (which is unusual), please phone us, often your insurance will still pay your full benefit. We will complete and submit all insurance forms for you.

How much do braces cost, and do you offer payment plans?

Our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget. Orthodontic fees vary widely depending upon the length of treatment (usually 1-2 years) and appliances needed. Typically, fees range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. We recommend a complimentary examination so we can estimate the fee for you. We will present and explain our total fee that includes records, treatment, and retainers.

We offer several interest free payment options, some with no initial fee, and some with low monthly payments. We accept major credit cards and offer automatic bank drafts (EFT). You can also make payments online by accessing your account.

If you have orthodontic insurance, it will cover a percentage of our fee. We will complete and submit all necessary forms for you. You may also use any third-party financing company you wish. Many of our patients find Chase Health Advance, CareCredit or Capital One competitive. If you would like to apply for Chase Health Advance online, click here. Our ID number is 59227.

Do braces hurt?

Orthodontic appointments are easy. We never use drills, Novocain, etc. You may experience discomfort later in the evening or next day, but it goes away quickly. We recommend taking the over-the-counter pain reliever (Tylenol, Motrin, etc…) you normally take for headaches or soreness.

Why should crooked teeth and malocclusions (bad bites) be corrected?

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Malocclusions contribute to gum and bone loss, abnormal tooth wear, headaches, and jaw joint (TMJ) pain.

When left untreated, many orthodontic problems worsen. Treatment to correct the original problem is often less involved and costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that develop in later years.

The value of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A pleasing appearance is a vital asset to your self-confidence. Your self-esteem often improves as treatment brings teeth, lips, and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve your general attitude toward life. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile-it creates a healthier you!

Do you offer iBraces (lingual braces)?

Yes. However, it's not for everyone. We recommend scheduling a complimentary examination to see if you are a candidate...if not, often your teeth can be straightened with "clear" braces.