FAQs

1. Why select an Orthodontist?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who are uniquely trained to straighten teeth and align jaws. To be an orthodontist, one must complete college requirements, graduate from dental school and successfully complete a formal two-to-three year orthodontic fellowship program at an institution accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which operates under the auspices of the American Dental Association.

Orthodontists diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities. The majority of members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and / or jaws). They regularly treat young children, teens and adults.

2. Why select an orthodontist from the American Association of Orthodontists?

Only orthodontists are permitted to be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Selecting an orthodontist who is a member of the AAO is your assurance that you have chosen a dental specialist with at least two years of post-doctoral, advanced specialty training in a university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association.

3. Is Dr. Violet a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)?

YES. Dr Violet is a member of the AAO.

4. Do I need a referral from my dentist to see Dr. Violet?

NO. Although some patients are referred by their dentists, many pro-actively schedule a consultation appointment themselves.

5. How do I schedule an appointment?

Just call our office at 330-474-1317 to schedule an appointment.

6. Do I need to see my general dentist during orthodontic treatment?

YES. You should see your dentist for professional cleanings and check-ups every six months.

7. What do braces cost?

Braces are affordable. The fee will depend on the severity of the problem to be corrected, treatment time and the type of appliance used, so fees will vary from patient to patient. Many patients have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, which can offset a portion of the fee.

8. Do I have to have insurance to get consultation/treatment with you?

NO. Insurance is not necessary.

9. Will you assist us in filing for benefits with the insurance company?

YES. Our goal is to do all that is possible to help you get the maximum benefit that you are entitled to from your insurance company.

10. What payment options do you offer?

We offer flexible payment options to work with your budget:

Cash Savings Plan: You can choose to pay in full, at the start of treatment and save.

Flexible Payment Plan: This is a plan which allows you to start your treatment and spread payments over time. If you choose this option, you will need a driver’s license & credit card to apply.



Monthly Installment Plan: We also offer a convenient monthly payment plan.

11. When can I get an orthodontic screening?

Orthodontic screening can be done at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The AAO recommends an orthodontic check-up no later than age 7, but a check-up is advisable if parents notice something that seems out of the ordinary or if your dentist sees a problem that should be corrected.

12. At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child should be seen by an orthodontist at the first signs of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7.

• An orthodontic specialist can detect subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.
• While a child’s teeth may appear to be normal, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can spot.
• A check-up could reveal that a child’s bite is okay. Or the orthodontist may identify a developing problem and recommend that the child’s growth and development be monitored so that treatment could then begin at the appropriate time. In some cases, a problem that can benefit from early treatment might be found.
• Early treatment can enable an orthodontist to:
• Monitor and guide jaw growth
• Reduce the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Enhance appearance
• Guide permanent teeth into a more desired positions
• Improve the way lips meet
• At times, the orthodontist will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.
• Timely treatment may keep more serious problems from developing and could result in simpler and shorter treatment at a later age.
• An early orthodontic evaluation gives a child the best opportunity to have a healthy and beautiful smile.

13. What are some signs that braces may be required?

• Crowding/overlapped teeth
• Spacing
• Deepbite
• Openbite
• Crossbite/underbite
• Increased overjet (buck teeth)
• Center lines of top and bottom front teeth not lining up
• Bad oral habits – finger or thumb sucking habits which continue after 6 or 7 yrs. old, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, lip biting, cheek biting etc.
• Difficulty in chewing
• Enamel/Teeth wear off
• The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other, when biting together
• Teeth blocked in bone and not able to come through in time
• Protruded teeth

14. Will my teeth straighten out by themselves as they grow?

NO. By age 7 the permanent molars come in so the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

15. What are some likely benefits of orthodontics?

• A more attractive smile
• Reduced self-consciousness about appearance during critical development years
• Possible increase in self-confidence
• Better function of the teeth
• Increased ability to clean the teeth
• Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
• Better long term health of teeth and gums
• Guidance of permanent teeth into their correct positions
• Reduced risk of injury to protruded front teeth
• Aid in optimizing other dental treatment, if necessary

16. Will I need to get teeth pulled out?

Dr. Violet will tell you what is best for your case. As far as possible she tries to be conservative and avoid extractions. We use the new techniques and appliances that allow us to do that. However if an individual’s mouth is extremely crowded, extractions may be necessary. If teeth need to be extracted the orthodontic treatment will close up all the spaces.

17. Do you use recycled braces?

NO. Dr. Violet believes each patient should have their own set of brand new braces, so she uses only new brackets and wires. She feels new brackets and wires deliver the best result. New brackets and wires come individually wrapped, so help to maintain infection control. Dr. Violet feels new brackets and wires contribute to good, basic hygiene.

18. Will I get shots or anesthesia?

NO. Shots or anesthesia are not needed for orthodontic treatment.

19. Do braces hurt?

We often remind our patients that it does not have to hurt for it to work. We use small, very efficient braces and highly flexible heat activated wires which are comfortable for our patients. You may feel some discomfort at first. It is similar to a mild headache. For relief you may take an over the counter Tylenol and sip on cold water. Warm salt water rinses helps to relieve soreness of gums and just feels good. Increasing the intake of Vitamin C is recommended.

20. Will I be able to talk after I get my braces on?

YES. Our patients are able to talk right away. Braces do not interfere with your ability to speak.

21. Does it hurt a lot when you tighten the braces?

NO. Dr. Violet uses heat activated wires. These are extremely soft and flexible when placed in the mouth. Gradually they pick up your body heat which causes them to begin working. As treatment progresses, thicker and stiffer wires will be used. This is a new, tested and proven technique.

22. Do you have colored braces?

YES. Dr. Violet offers clear (tooth-colored), gold and silver (colored) braces. Other colors on braces come from the tiny rubber bands that hold the wires to the brackets. They come in a wide range of colors. You can change the colors on the braces at each appointment to keep in tune with the holidays or your wardrobe! Or you can get clear (tooth-colored) braces if you choose to. The clear ones are made of a highly translucent ceramic material which is not stained by tomato sauce, tea, coffee or red wines. Gold braces are the ultimate in mouth jewelry.

23. Do I need to take time off from school/work after I get my braces?

NO. You can go back to school/work after you get your braces on.

24. When will my appointments be?

Appointments are every 6-10 weeks apart. Short appointment are scheduled whenever possible keeping in mind your school/work hours. Long appointments are needed for placing appliances, repair of loose or broken appliances and special procedures. Long appointments will have to be scheduled during school or work hours. It is important to keep all your appointments and to be on time so as to finish your treatment in a timely manner. Please give us at least 48 hours notice to change or cancel an appointment.

25. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

YES, you can go catch up with some errands that you may have. Sometimes after an appointment we may need to talk to a parent. Please check with the front desk when you return to pick up your child.

26. How often should I brush my teeth?

Dr. Violet recommends that you keep your teeth, gums and braces clean throughout your treatment. . Brushing at least 4 times a day (after every meal) is a good habit. If you need it, we will prescribe a fluoride rinse to protect your teeth. We will give you a starter kit of hygiene helpers when you get your braces on and we will explain to you in detail how to maintain good oral hygiene. You can also watch “The S.W.A.T. Team” at http://www.braces.org/knowmore/care/swat.cfm to learn about tooth brushing, hygiene and patient responsibilities during orthodontic treatment.

27. Do I need to change the way I eat?

MAYBE. Once treatment begins, foods to be avoided are: hard foods (e.g. candy, ice, raw carrots/broccoli, pizza crusts, bagels, corn on a cob, hard taco shells or tortillas), sticky foods (e.g. all kinds of gum, taffy and caramel). Raw fruits like apples and pears must be cut into bite-sized pieces before eating. Sodas and sugary foods/drinks must be kept to a minimum. This helps to restore and heal bone and maintain healthy gums. Maintaining a proper and healthy diet is important to avoid breaking/loosening your braces. It will also help you to finish your treatment on time.

28. Can I play sports when in braces?

YES. We recommend that you wear an orthodontic mouth guard during all sports, whether at school or at home. Please let us know if you play any sports.

29. Is there anything that can delay my treatment?

YES. Everybody responds differently to treatment. But in most cases it will be very close to the time frame that we will be indicating to you. Some reasons for delay in treatment are low compliance: meaning repeatedly missing or rescheduling your appointments, poor oral hygiene, eating the wrong foods, breakages or loose braces. If you keep your teeth, gums and braces sparkling clean, you might even finish earlier than the estimated time.

30. Are there emergencies in orthodontics and how do you handle them?

Orthodontic “emergencies” are usually situations which cause discomfort. You may accidentally eat something that could cause a problem or a wire may begin to irritate.

If your braces cause you extreme pain or if a part of your appliances are loose or broken, you should call our office immediately. In most cases we will be able to walk you through the problem over the phone. When necessary we will ask you to come to the office.

Here are some tips:

If the discomfort is caused by the end of a wire, it can be resolved by moving the wire with a cotton swab or eraser end of a pencil. If the wire will not move use a small amount of wax or some sugar free gum to cover it. Warm salt water mouth rinses 5-7 times a day will help soothe the tissues. If not resolved call us at 330-474-1317.

31. I am an adult. Is it too late to get braces?

NO. Many of our patients are adults. Call us to schedule an orthodontic consult to see if you will benefit from having braces.

32. If I get clear (tooth colored) braces, will I be able to drink red wine?

YES. We use highly translucent ceramic braces that do not pick up food color.

33. Can I get braces if I have fillings, crowns and missing teeth?

YES. In fact, orthodontics will be able to align your teeth and enable you to get well designed replacements for your missing teeth after orthodontic treatment is complete.

34. I have missing teeth. Should I get implants before getting braces?

NO. Braces can align your teeth to the ideal location first so that later, you can get better designed (size and shape) implants/ crowns/ bridges/ veneers. In a few cases the spaces may be able to be closed using your natural teeth and you may not need the implants. Get the orthodontic consultation first to see if you are a candidate for braces.