Elizabeth Braces

Dr. Stanley Gersch is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Braces.


Q. Can one be too old for braces?

A. No one is ever "too old" for braces.  With today’s preventive health, people are keeping their teeth longer and longer.  As long as the teeth and bone are healthy, we can treat the patient.  One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontics is that it’s for children and teenagers only. Although most patients begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of  9 and 14, healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age.  We have patients ranging in age from 6 to 86 and one in five patients is age 18 or over. Today’s technology allows for faster and more aesthetic options than ever before, which is more appealing for adults.  At Gersch Orthodontics we try to fit the patients’ needs in with their personalized treatment plan so that it has little effect on their lifestyle. 

Q. How much doe braces cost?

A. Braces have a wide range of costs.  Simple retainers can be as little as a couple of hundred dollars to complex surgical cases with customized gold brackets on the back of teeth costing as much as $10,000+.  However, most full orthodontic cases fall between these numbers and every case is customized to each patient.  We always try to provide a free initial evaluation to out patients so that we can evaluate their case on an individual basis and give them a better idea of what their case would involve and the time and cost factors involved with it.

Q. When will one begin to see changes in his/her teeth after the braces are put on?

A. Noticeable changes are often seen within a couple of months of treatment.  With technology such as high-tech wires and self-ligating mini brackets – teeth are able to move more freely along the wire and thus decrease friction and in turn decrease treatment times.  While the basic principles of orthodontics remain the same, advanced technology allows treatment to be more comfortable, efficient and aesthetic than ever before.

Q. Will one need to have teeth extracted for braces?

A. Orthodontists strive to preserve as many of the natural teeth as possible.  While patients are still growing, we are often able to harness that growth to widen the jaw and make room for teeth.  In most cases we do not need to extract teeth.  However, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove teeth to align teeth and jaws properly for a good bite and pleasing appearance.  Certain malocclusions are aided by the extraction of one or more teeth.  For me personally, the most rewarding and beneficial  procedures we perform is on children with these extreme malocclusions and/or a cleft lip/palate. They usually walk into our office introverted and not wanting to smile because they are embarrassed by their teeth.  While it doesn’t happen overnight, those same patients walk out smiling and with a new found confidence.  When patients show me their school dance or prom pictures of them smiling, that’s when I’m most satisfied. 

Q. How long will it take to complete the treatment?

A. Treatment times vary from patient to patient.  Treatment in years past could take much longer - as long as four years.  However, the average treatment time today in our office is between 12-18 months.  Improvements in wires, brackets, and overall technology, help move treatment along faster and with greater comfort for the patient.  Orthodontics does not happen overnight, however, the benefits last a lifetime. Proper dental and orthodontic care affects individuals on multiple levels:
1)       Dental Health and hygiene: Adults today are living longer and want to increase their chances of keeping their teeth throughout their lives. Teeth that are misaligned or crooked can be harder to clean properly and this can lead to gum disease and the loss of teeth. 
2)       Overall health:  Scientists are realizing there is a greater connection between oral diseases and systemic diseases.  More and more research is showing how poor oral hygiene can lead to heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and low birth weight babies.
3)     Appearance:  Our culture values self-improvement and orthodontic treatment enhances self-esteem and self-confidence at any age.  An improved smile and self-confident demeanor is essential for all – both professionally and socially.

Q. Can a person wear braces even though that person may have crowns and missing teeth?

A. Yes, modern orthodontics can work around almost any situation (i.e. crowns, missing teeth, implants, etc...)...often the orthodontist is needed to prepare these teeth and spaces for the general dentist or prosthodontist to restore.  As specialists, my son and I have the opportunity to do a lot of interdisciplinary care with other doctors.  This allows us to interact and work with our colleagues on a daily basis.  The dental profession today needs to be able to take a team approach to treat our patients and then any case can be accomplished.
 
Straightening teeth and improving one’s bite are the most significant things an orthodontist does for patients of all ages. We’re able to align teeth in more aesthetic ways than ever before (i.e. Invisalign) and play a key role in the interdisciplinary treatment of other cosmetic procedures.  It’s important for teeth to be in the proper positions before general dentists and prosthodontists can do their work.
 
Q. How can I prevent my child from being embarrassed by wearing braces?

A. Today’s technology allows for more aesthetic options than ever before.  Braces can be clear, tooth colored, behind the teeth, or have a rainbow of colors.  The best part of being an orthodontist is developing relationships with the patients.  As an orthodontist I am very lucky as I get to work with my son on a daily basis.  Scott and I get to see our patients over a prolonged period of time, we hear who won the soccer game, see prom pictures, learn about engagements and weddings, see their families grow, and know what’s new in their lives.  I personally always gets a kick out of seeing some of my second and third generation patients as I’ve been in the Westfield and Linden areas now for over 30 years!  You get to touch the lives of so many people and give them a bright and healthy smile for all these memorable moments.

Q. How to contact Dr. Gersch  if we have further questions?    

A.
Address:
547 East Broad Street 
Westfield, NJ 07090
Phone:908-233-8668
Email:drg@gerschorthodontics.com
Website: www.GerschOrthodontics.com