What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It takes many years to become and orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding. An orthodontist must complete 4 years of college requirements before starting a three-to five-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the America Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic student learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may legally call themselves orthodontists. Most orthodontists belong to an organization called the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO).

What is the AAO?

Founded in 1900, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) has more than 15,000 members. Active AAO members must limit their practices to the dental specialty of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Orthodontists are dental specialists with at least two years of advanced orthodontic education after dental school. The purpose of the American Association of Orthodontics and its member orthodontists are: to advance the art and science of orthodontics; to encourage and sponsor research; to strive for and maintain the highest standards of excellence in orthodontic education and practice, and to make significant contributions to the health of the public.

What is a Board Certified Orthodontist?

In addition to being a life member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Dr. DaVirro is also a Board Certified Orthodontist. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an American Dental Association accredited graduate program in the specialty of orthodontics. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of The American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the orthodontist's pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence. The certification process involves a thorough Written Examination covering all areas of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successful passage allows the orthodontist to present treated cases which will be evaluated by expert examiners of the Board during a Clinical Examination. Certification is now awarded for a limited time period and the orthodontist must re-examine on a periodic basis to retain the board certified status

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics is a specialized branch of dentistry. Broadly defined, orthodontics treats patients who have malocclusions. This refers to patients whose teeth, lips and jaws are not properly aligned which can cause a “bad bite”. Orthodontists use various “appliances” – braces, headgears, retainers etc. in order to correct the tooth and jaw alignment. The correction of these problems will lead to a healthy bite and both a more attractive face and smile.

Why should these conditions be treated?

There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment. Crowded and crooked teeth can be hard to maintain and clean which can lead to other dental problems such as tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss. The surfaces of the teeth may wear abnormally and can lead to possible joint pain. Without treatment, problems can grow worse over time and may become more difficult to correct. In addition, the improvements often seen in a patients self esteem are enormously important.

Does your office take my insurance?

Our office does accept a variety of insurance plans. At your complimentary consultation exam, please bring your insurance card with you so that we may verify your orthodontic coverage. At that time our office manager will be happy to assist you in determining the extent of your insurance benefits.

Can I afford orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the problem, the length or treatment and the complexity of your case. In addition to insurance and Health Savings Accounts, our office offers a variety of payment plans. For a nominal interest fee, third party finance companies offer a flexible payment with no down payment and easy monthly payments. You may schedule a complimentary consultation examination and at that time, treatment fees will be discussed. Our office takes pride in working diligently with our patients to make treatment affordable.

How long does treatment take?

Orthodontic correction can vary from the comparatively simply closing of front spaces in a few months, to the realignment of unsightly and disfiguring teeth. In the young child or the adolescent, treatment is as much a critical matter of timing and guidance as anything else. The usual treatment time varies from eighteen months to three years depending on the complexity of the problem. A two-phase treatment is sometimes indicated. This means an early interceptive treatment is necessary, then a waiting period as the face and dentition matures. Finally, a finishing period of treatment if it is indeed indicated.

How do orthodontists straighten teeth?

Tooth movement is actually a normal response to light pressure. Pressure is applied by using a variety of orthodontic appliances, the most common being a brace or bracket attached to the teeth and connected by an archwire. Periodic changing of these archwires puts gentle pressure on the teeth. At different stages of treatment your child may wear a headgear, elastics, a positioner or a retainer.

May I play sports while wearing braces?

Yes. But wear a protective mouth guard.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

With practice and a period of adjustment, braces typically do not interfere with the playing of wind or brass instruments.

My teeth have been crooked for many years - why should I have orthodontic treatment now?

It’s never too late! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment can restore good function. And teeth that work better usually look better, too. A healthy, beautiful smile can improve self-esteem, no matter the age.

I don’t want braces that show. What are my options?

In some cases, brackets may be bonded behind the teeth (lingual braces). Some of today’s wires are made of "space age" materials that exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients. A type of clear orthodontic wire is currently in an experimental stage. Another option may be the use of a series of plastic tray aligners instead of traditional braces to correct some problems.

I am pregnant and want to begin orthodontic treatment. Is this OK?

Pregnancy brings on bodily changes that may affect the mouth. Soft tissues such as gums become much more susceptible to infection. This will be discussed before you start orthodontic treatment.

Do teeth with braces need special care?

Yes. Patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods, or hard objects, such as pens, pencils or fingernails. Keeping the teeth and braces clean requires more precision and time, and must be done every day if the teeth and gums are to be healthy during and after orthodontic treatment. Clean, healthy teeth move more quickly.

I have a stud in my tongue. Will this interfere with orthodontic treatment?

Exercise caution. Tongue-piercing jewelry may contribute to breakage of appliances and to tooth and gum damage from contact with the stud.

Back to top