Q: What is orthodontics?
A: As Orthodontists, our job is to straighten any irregularities in the alignment of your teeth. The idea is to correct your bite and keep your teeth healthy. A major benefit of our work is that we improve your smile and profile. Our skill in straightening your teeth can result in a positive self image and increased self confidence.

Q: What is an orthodontist?
A: An orthodontist is a dentist who has attended a specialty education program for a continual training period of 2-3 years. All members of the American Association of Orthodontists have received the appropriate training.

Q: Who can wear braces?
A: Braces are worn, not only to improve the attractiveness of your smile, but also because braces correct improper alignment of teeth that can lead to gum disease and early tooth loss. Properly aligned teeth also make it easier to chew all types of food and eliminate the headaches and pain caused by uneven chewing.

Q: When should I visit the orthodontist?
A: It's never too late to have a beautiful smile! Adults should visit the orthodontist to improve the appearance of their smile and their overall dental health.

Q: How long will my orthodontic treatment last?
A: We expect your treatment to last from 6 to 30 months, though this will vary depending on your individual case. Your cooperation in keeping scheduled orthodontic appointments, maintaining proper hygiene, and taking care of your braces may allow us to finish your orthodontic treatment early.

Q: What can I expect on my first visit?
A: Your initial visit will give you an opportunity to meet the doctor and our knowledgeable staff, who will answer any questions. They will give you a clini clinical examination to determine a course of treatment and an estimate of the treatment duration and fee. If we find that treatment is necessary, we will take the required x-rays, and a convenient appointment will be made for your fitting.

Q: What kind of braces are available?
A: In the past, there was only one type of braces available, and it wasn't designed for looks. Modern technology gives you choices for braces, including traditional stainless steel braces and clear ceramic braces.

Q: Do braces hurt?
A: There have been some fantastic advances in the way we do things now in orthodontics to make treatment more comfortable for our patients. These include smaller, smoother brackets, and gentler wires which provide a continuous small force over a long period of time rather than a strong force for only a short period. Typically there is some discomfort two to three days after each adjustment that over the counter pain relievers can take care of.

Q: Will braces affect playing sports?
A: You should be able to play just about any sport or activity. Although we do highly recommend wearing a mouth guard in contact sports or any sport where there is a chance you can get hit in the face.

Q: Why are retainers so important?
A: Retainers help keep your teeth straight at the completion of treatment. If they are not worn as instructed, your teeth will move, or tend to relapse. Retainers are particularly important right after the braces are removed while the teeth stabilize.

Q. What does orthodontic treatment cost?
A. Orthodontics is not expensive in comparison with the cost of dealing with untreated problems. Orthodontic treatment may bring long-term health benefits and may contribute to the avoidance of costly, serious problems later in life.

Historically, the average cost of all health services has risen faster than the average cost of orthodontic treatment. In addition, the cost of orthodontic treatment has increased significantly less than the rate of inflation, meaning the public’s buying power has gone up faster than orthodontic fees.

Millions of people are covered by group dental plans including orthodontic coverage which are offered through their employers. Typically, these plans limit the amount any one family member can collect in a lifetime.

Orthodontic fees vary widely, depending on the severity of the problem, complexity of treatment and length of treatment time. Dr. Theodorou routinely discusses fee arrangements after individual examinations.