- When do I bring my child to your office for an initial examination? What is the advantage of early diagnosis and early treatment?
- Is it required that I be referred by my family dentist to schedule an appointment?
- How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
- What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
- How often will I have appointments?
- How do I pay for treatment?
- Can I schedule my appointments so I don’t have to miss school?
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Can I be a part of my child’s treatment? Can I talk to Dr. Gupton at any time?
- Do braces hurt?
- Can I still play sports?
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while I am in braces?
- Can I wear braces even though I have crowns, implants, and missing teeth?
- Are there things I can do to shorten my treatment time?
- What do I do if something breaks?
- What are your routine office hours?
1) When do I bring my child to your office for an initial examination? What is the advantage of early diagnosis and early treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age the permanent first molars and several front teeth have erupted allowing us to evaluate anterior-posterior and transverse relationships. (Do I have an underbite or overbite? Do I have a crossbite? Is there enough room for my teeth to erupt? Do I have any harmful habits that are interfering with the proper development of my bite?) Frequently no treatment is needed. Treatment that we do recommend shortens treatment time in braces later, eliminates the need for treatment later, or can eliminate the need for removal of permanent teeth.
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2) Is it required that I be referred by my family dentist to schedule an appointment?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist but we are frequently asked by concerned patients and concerned parents for an evaluation. There is no charge for an initial examination and consultation.
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3) How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you think you or your child would benefit from an orthodontic evaluation, simply call our office at 215-643-9640 and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule our front office staff will request some basic information and answer any questions you may have.
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4) What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Our treatment coordinator will verify that the information we received over the phone was correct. She will ask you to answer a few questions about your medical and dental history if you have not downloaded these forms and completed them at home. She will then escort you to a treatment room, answer any questions you may have about the office or treatment and will be happy to show you types of braces and appliances. She will ask you to sign an HIPPA form so that we may discuss your case with your general dentist or needed specialist. Dr. Gupton will then do a thorough examination, discuss her findings and make recommendations for your treatment. X-rays maybe taken to give Dr. Gupton the additional information she may need to formulate a treatment plan. Dr. Gupton will answer any questions and discuss treatment options as more than one approach may be appropriate for treating you. Our treatment coordinator will discuss financial obligations and payment plans. She will be happy to file insurance forms on your behalf and to customize a payment plan that works for your needs.
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5) How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs but generally range from six weeks to three month intervals.
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6) How do I pay for treatment?
Our financial coordinator will customize an “interest free” payment plan that will that will hopefully meet your needs and budget. Our fee is inclusive and includes a set of retainers that we give you when your braces are removed. If you have orthodontic coverage that will pay for part of your treatment, we will gladly complete the necessary paperwork on your behalf and will set up a payment schedule for the remaining balance. We do not expect you to pay for all of your treatment in one payment; however, we do offer a 7% discount for those who elect to take advantage of this.
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7) Can I schedule my appointments so I don’t have to miss school?
We try very hard to meet the scheduling needs of our patients. Longer visits, namely the initial examination and consultation, placement of braces and removal of braces are usually done during school hours. Most other visits can be arranged so that minimal school is missed. Our 7am before school hours on Friday mornings and our Monday evening hours help to accommodate busy athletes and working parents. We encourage patients to look ahead on their school calendar to take advantage of school holidays. We will also suggest scheduling appointments in advance if a particular time slot is more accommodating for your schedule.
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8) Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
We understand the busy schedules of working parents and their need to run errands or transport another child during the time when their child is at our office. We ask that you are available to us by giving us your cell phone number so that we can communicate with you if the need arises.
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9) Can I be a part of my child’s treatment? Can I talk to Dr. Gupton at any time?
We do encourage any parent who desires to accompany their child back to our treatment area to do so. You may ask questions, participate actively, or just listen to the information and feedback that is given to your child. Being a part of your child’s visit promotes communication and team work.
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10) Do braces hurt?
Getting braces does not hurt. (We don’t give shots!) It is normal, however, for your teeth to be sore for a few days after your braces are placed or adjusted. Over-the-counter medications such as Advil and Motrin seem to work best. Tylenol can be taken if you are not able to take ibuprophen. You will be able to return to school or work the day that the braces are placed.
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11) Can I still play sports?
Absolutely, we do recommend a mouth guard for all sports. We will be happy to give you a mouth guard that is compatible with your braces.
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12) Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes, when your braces are placed we will give you complete instructions and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods your should try to avoid. The general rule is to avoid food that are “hard, sticky, and chewy” such as hard candy, caramel, taffy, thick bites of raw fruits and vegetables. Most foods can be eaten if cut into manageable-sized bites.
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13) Do I need to see my family dentist while I am in braces?
ABSOLUTELY! Regular checkups are very important during orthodontic treatment. There are times that Dr. Gupton or your family dentist will recommend having your teeth cleaned more frequently while you are in braces.
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14) Can I wear braces even though I have crowns, implants, and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like any other tooth. A tooth with a dental implant is the only tooth that will not move; however, an implant can help to move other teeth more efficiently; it can act like an anchor. Frequently, adults who are planning on having missing teeth replaced or cosmetic dentistry to improve this appearance of their smile need orthodontic treatment. Putting the teeth over the bones and having the dental arches in proper relationship to one another not only enhances your smile and facial balance, but also allows your dentist to give you longer lasting and more optimal dentistry. Sometimes space from missing teeth can be closed with orthodontic treatment eliminating the need for replacement teeth. Other times roots adjacent to areas that need implants need to be diverged to enable the implant to be placed.
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15) Are there things I can do to shorten my treatment time?
Yes! Following the rules is very important while you’re in braces. During treatment you will be asked to wear elastics. Wearing them as prescribed is very important to expedite the movement of your teeth. Avoiding foods that can break your braces also shortens treatment time. Keeping your teeth clean also helps your teeth to move more quickly and eliminates gum problems and the need for restorative treatment that can actually length your treatment time. You absolutely need to keep appointments with your orthodontist to keep everything moving, but it is equally important that you see your dentist on a regular basis.
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16) What do I do if something breaks?
Simply contact our office and we will schedule an appointment to have your braces or appliance repaired. If we are not in the office and your braces are causing extreme pain or something breaks that cannot wait until the next business day, a phone call to our office will give you the emergency number to our live answering service. They will contact Dr. Gupton or the person on call. Many times we can address issues over the phone but will arrange an emergency visit if needed.
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17) What are your routine office hours?
Our office is open for appointments four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday). We are closed one hour a day for lunch. On Tuesday a staff member is available to answer questions and schedule appointments until 3:00pm. A staff member is frequently in on Saturday mornings for true emergencies only and can be reached through the emergency number. Our hours are as follows: Monday, 8am-6pm; Wednesday, 8am-5pm; Thursday, 8am-5pm; and Friday 7am-4pm (2:30 summer hours).
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