Wade Orthodontics: About Dr. Wade
- At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
- The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic screening no later than age seven. Normally by this age, eruption of your child’s permanent teeth has begun and Dr. Wade will be able to diagnose any emerging orthodontic problems. While the majority of patients do not need braces at age seven, treatment is sometimes recommended to help reduce the severity of future orthodontic problems.
- Is it too late to have braces if I am an adult?
- Not at all. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. In fact, approximately 25% of our patients at Wade Orthodontics are adults. It’s never too late to have a beautiful smile!
- Do I need a referral from my family dentist to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?
- No. Although many of our patients are referred to our practice by their family dentist, such a referral is not required. We will keep your family dentist informed of any treatment recommendations that are made.
- How long will I need to wear braces?
- Treatment time can vary greatly depending on a patient’s individual needs. The average length of time patients wear braces is about two years.
- How much will my braces cost?
- The cost of braces is determined based on the estimated treatment time. Every new patient examination includes an estimate of orthodontic treatment fees.
- Are financing options available?
- Yes! Wade Orthodontics offers several flexible financing options and our New Patient Coordinators will work to find the arrangement most comfortable for you. A review of payment options is included with every new patient evaluation. We also offer Care Credit as an option for extended payment schedules.
- How does my insurance work?
- Many insurance policies offer an orthodontic benefit which can be applied to cover a portion of your orthodontic treatment fees. Our experienced Insurance Coordinator will file your orthodontic insurance claim and work with you to maximize your orthodontic benefit.
- How often will I have appointments?
- Appointments are typically scheduled every six to seven weeks. Some procedures, especially those at the beginning and end of treatment, may require more frequent visits.
- Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
- At Wade Orthodontics, we understand that missing school or work is a concern for many of our patients. To address these concerns, we offer popular early-morning and after-school appointment times for your scheduling convenience. Longer appointments which require more of Dr. Wade’s time may need to be scheduled during off-peak times in the middle of the day. We will make every effort to address your scheduling needs, but please understand that we cannot see 100% of our patients between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00.
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Yes. Although we prefer that a parent or guardian remain on premises, we understand that your time is valuable and you may need a few minutes to run a short errand. It is very helpful to have a parent or guardian present at the end of each appointment to schedule the next visit.
- Do braces hurt?
- It is normal for patients to experience mild tenderness of the teeth immediately after placement of braces or adjustment of wires. This tenderness is rarely severe and normally will go away a few days after each appointment. Local anesthetic injections (“shots”) are not required for orthodontic treatment.
- If I have braces, can I still play my musical instrument?
- Yes. After adjusting to the braces, patients are normally able to play their musical instruments as before.
- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
- Yes! All patients should continue to see their family dentist for routine cleanings and dental care throughout orthodontic treatment.
- Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
- Yes. Certain foods that are very sticky or very hard can damage braces and are best avoided. When you get your braces we will provide a list of foods that are off limits.
- How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
- Excellent brushing and oral hygiene is essential for successful orthodontic treatment. We ask all our patients to brush at least three times per day, for at least three minutes each brushing. We will provide toothbrushing instructions when your new braces are placed, and will review your oral hygiene at each regular visit.
- What happens if I have a problem with my braces?
- Occasionally, a brace may become dislodged and may feel sharp or uncomfortable. We allow time in each day’s schedule to accommodate patients who need to be seen for a comfort adjustment.
- What different types of braces are available?
- Our office offers metal braces, tooth-colored braces, and Invisalign.
- Can I get colors on my braces?
- Yes! Our office offers many color choices. Colors can be changed at every regular appointment.
- How long will I wear my retainers?
- Retainers are worn for several years after the braces are removed. We generally recommended retainers be worn for an extended period of time after the braces are removed to help ensure that newly-straightened teeth don’t move.
