FAQ’s

When should my child first see an orthodontist for a consultation?
It is the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists that your child should be seen by an orthodontist by the age of 7. This is the usual age that the first permanent teeth begin erupting and orthodontic intervention may be indicated. The purpose of an initial visit at such a young age is to screen for problems that may be developing.
What should I do to schedule an appointment in your office?
You can call our office at (203)-544-9338. In the event that you call after business hours, kindly leave your contact information and we will return your call promptly the next day. Additionally, you may email us at drsteve@georgetownorthodontics.com and request an appointment.
Is there a fee for a consultation?
Our office consultations are free. We believe that this should be your opportunity to get to know our staff, our facilities and the doctor before choosing to have treatment done in our office.
Do I have to fill out any paperwork during my (or my child’s) first visit?
During your first visit you will be asked to fill out a patient health history form and to provide us with any insurance cards or insurance information you may have. This will be useful in advising you of your orthodontic coverage and maximizing your benefits.
What will I learn from the consultation/screening visit?
The consultation/screening visit will aim to accomplish three things:
1. Determine whether braces (or other appliances) are indicated for you or your child
2. Determine the approximate length of orthodontic treatment for you or your child
3. Determine the approximate cost for the orthodontic treatment indicated
What happens if I decide to proceed with orthodontic treatment?
If you choose our office for your orthodontic treatment, the next step is to schedule “orthodontic records”. These “records” usually consist of molds of the top and bottom teeth, 2 special orthodontic X-rays and photographs of the face and teeth. These will be used to plan your treatment. Once we review our findings with you and answer all your questions, we will schedule an appointment to place the braces.
How long will my orthodontic treatment last?
The actual length of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the complexity of your case. Thus, treatment timing can vary widely from patient to patient and will also depend on the age, and the actual treatment goals which may be determined in part by procedures that your general dentist has to perform in conjunction with or after the orthodontic treatment.
Do you take out teeth for orthodontic treatment?
We try at all costs to avoid the removal of permanent teeth during orthodontic treatment. If it is at all possible to treat you or your child with conservative non extraction orthodontic treatment we will make sure to pursue your treatment in this manner.
Do you do specialized braces such as clear, invisible (on the inside of the teeth) or Invisalign®?
Yes we do. At Georgetown Orthodontics we believe that you should look good while your bite and teeth are improving. We do not believe that your smile should be compromised simply because you have elected to undergo orthodontic treatment. In addition to the typical standard metal braces, we offer monocrystaline clear braces, invisible lingual braces and Invisalign®.
How much will my braces cost?
The cost of your treatment can vary widely depending on the severity of your orthodontic case, the anticipated length of your treatment and the esthetic option you choose for your treatment. We can give you an exact estimate after obtaining orthodontic records to study your case.
What financing options or payment plans do you have available?
We make every effort to ensure that cost never becomes a deterrent to orthodontic treatment that you or your child may need and want. We will work very closely with your insurance to maximize your orthodontic benefits. Additionally, we offer extended payment options and plans that are interest free and allow orthodontics to be less of a financial strain.
How often do I need to come (or bring my child) for orthodontic visits?
Generally, we see our patients once a month for orthodontic checkups and adjustments. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. The time between appointments is determined by the individual needs of every patient and can vary quite a bit throughout their treatment.
Will your office instruct me (or my child) on proper oral hygiene while the braces are on?
Immediately after the braces are placed we instruct our patients on proper oral hygiene to ensure perfectly healthy teeth well after the braces are removed. We give you a color laminated guide with pictures and clear instructions as well to remind you constantly. We also review oral hygiene at practically every visit. Additionally, we recommend 3 annual visits with your dentist or hygienist (as opposed to 2 recommended annual visits without braces) while the braces are on.
What foods should be avoided with braces?
We will give you written and verbal instructions on what foods to avoid while the braces are on to ensure that they are not broken or loosened.
Can I come (or bring my child) to appointments late in the day?
We make every effort to have convenient office hours often floating late for patients who require later appointments. There will be rare circumstances where an earlier appointment is required. We will try our best to accommodate to your needs
What happens if something breaks or if I have an emergency?
Orthodontic emergencies are rare and very different from typical dental or medical emergencies. We will educate you on what true emergencies are and things you can do at home to handle them. However, any time something (ie a brace or wire) becomes loose or breaks and this results in pain or discomfort it is treated as an emergency. We are in the office approximately three days a week. We have an answering service that handles our phone calls after hours or on days that we are out. We will always figure out a way to correct a problem you may be having in the least amount of time possible.
Are there any activities or sports that are “off limits” while my braces are on?
Generally, there are no activities that are “off-limits”. Even such things as playing wind instruments are appropriate and possible. Most patients can go about all their normal activities during their orthodontic treatment. The only limitations are dietary restrictions to prevent appliance breakage.
What happens when my treatment is done and how can I be sure that my teeth will not move back to where they were before treatment?
Every patient who completes orthodontic treatment (with rare exception) will get retainers. The purpose of the retainers is to maintain or “retain” the changes and improvements to the teeth and bite. As long as a patient wears the retainers as instructed it is impossible for the teeth to move.
Do you do braces for people who need jaw surgery?
A patient with a bad bite or an unfavorable growth pattern (ie large lower jaw) may need jaw surgery in conjunction with his or her orthodontic treatment. We absolutely place braces for a patient who will undergo surgery. Dr. G has had 1 additional year of craniofacial and reconstructive surgery training and is uniquely qualified to undertake such challenging cases.

Georgetown Orthodontics

73 Redding Rd

| Redding, CT 06896

| Phone: 203-544-9338