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> WHAT CAN ORTHODONTICS DO FOR ME?
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> HOW DOES TREATMENT WORK?
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> HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?
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> HOW MUCH WILL TREATMENT COST?
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> WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
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> HOW'S INFECTION CONTROL IN YOUR OFFICE?
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WHAT CAN ORTHODONTICS DO FOR ME?
Improving your appearance is only one of our aims. We are equally concerned with promoting your dental health as well as creating a beautiful smile.
Today, individuals from childhood through retirement can reap the important benefits of orthodontic care. Correctly alligned teeth are easier to clean, which makes them more resistant to decay and less susceptible to gum disease. Correct allignment may also prevent future discomfort that can result from uneven ware.
Braces can fit easily into your active lifestyle. They're comfortable, easy to keep clean, and less visible than in the past. At Dr. Pham's office we offer traditional metal braces as well as "clear" braces. Dr. Pham will advise as to which type of braces will be most suitable for your type of treatment. Additionally, new techniques and materials can extend the time period between appointments, saving you both time and money.
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HOW DOES TREATMENT WORK?
Each individual requires a customized treatment plan based on a complete case diagnosis that involves x-rays, dental impressions and photographs.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, clear material (plastic or ceramic), or both. All corrective appliances have one purpose - to use gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment.
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HOW LONG WILL TREATMENT TAKE?
Treatment time varies widely, ranging from one to three years, depending on patient age, patient cooperation (ex. making scheduled adjustment appointments), and the severity of the case. An active partnership between staff and patient ensures the best results.
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HOW MUCH WILL TREATMENT COST?
Like treatment time, treatment costs vary widely. Tratment cost is dependent on case severity, treatment length, and appliance requirements. Additionally, the type of insurance coverage you have may greatly affect your out-of-pocket expenses. You will receive a Financial Worksheet (based upon your individual treatment plan) during your complementary initial examination. At that time, our office staff will work with you to create a comfortable payment plan.
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WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
The right age can be any age. Certain treatment techniques provide significant benefits for patients as young as six to eleven years of age. Treatment during these growth stages can achieve results that are no longer possible once the face and jaw bones have finished growing. Early examination allows us to determine when your child should be treated to provide maximum improvement with time and cost efficiency. An initial examination is generally recommended when a child is eight to nine years of age. However, an earlier examination should be scheduled if recommended by your dentist.
Adults now account for 25% of orthodontic patients. Treatment can be successful at later ages even though bones are no longer growing. The basic process involved in tooth movement is the same for adults as it is for children. Safe orthodontic movement of teeth is possible at any age as long as your gums and the bone that supports your teeth are healthy. It is never too late to obtain the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
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HOW'S INFECTION CONTROL IN YOUR OFFICE?
As a result of the recent media attention on the possible transfer of communicable diseases in the medical and dental offices, we felt you would appreciate becoming acquainted with the routine procedures we use to protect your health. Since guidelines were first issued by the Center for Disease Control and the Occupational Safety and Health Agency, our office has met and in many areas exceeded their recommendations.
Instrument sterilization is performed with one of the two hospital grade sterilization units, dry heat and steam autoclave. All of our dental handpieces (known as dental drills) and water syringe tips are put through a sterilization unit after every use. Our sterilization units are tested regularly for their sterilization ability (once a week, 52 times a year), using a microbiological laboratory service. The test results are logged and ready for inspection. The definition of sterilization is given below:
Sterilization: sterilization kills every microorganism on the object that is sterilized.
We use as many disposable items as possible. For example, the plastic prophylaxis cups we use to polish teeth is discarded immediately after use. Saliva suction tips, etc. are all discarded after one use. The staff's practice of using gloves and changing them before seeing the next patient is never violated. In addition, antimicrobial soaps are routinely used. Towels, cups, and similar items are never used more than once. Before and after each patient, all work surfaces, chairs, light handles, and units are covered with plastic sheet covers, which are discarded after each patient. Training of my staff is an ongoing process with in-office review of sterilization procedures as well as continuing-education course to learn the latest techniques.
Although these protocols have been in existence for several years, we are sharing this information with you now due to recent television, radio and newspaper commentary on this subject. You may rest assured that our commitment to you, our patients, demands that we employ every technological advancement as it becomes available to ensure your health and weel being.
At any time, please feel free to ask questions or request a demonstration of our sterilization procedures. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit. (See Photo Gallery Sections 3 & 4)
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