Orthodontist Richmond

Dr. Michael Holbert is an orthodontist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Orthodontics.


Q. At what age should parents take their child to an Orthodontist?

A. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 but this age can vary based on a child’s stage of development and number of erupted permanent teeth.

Q. What is the duration of an orthodontic treatment?

A. The average length of comprehensive orthodontic treatment ranges from 18 to 24 months.  Treatment time can be longer or shorter depending on the severity of the problem and the patient’s chief concern.  Early or interceptive treatment which usually focuses on a specific developmental problem typically requires 6 to 12 months of treatment.
 
Q .Will insurance cover 0rthodontic treatment?

A. Not all dental insurance plans provide orthodontic coverage but if you have orthodontic coverage it will typically cover 50% of the treatment fee up to a lifetime maximum.  The lifetime maximum can range anywhere from $1000 to $2500 depending on your specific insurance plan.

Q. What should a parent do if their child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth?

A. If your child falls and knocks out a permanent tooth you should first locate the tooth and evaluate its condition.  You should then contact your dentist to let them know what happened and schedule an emergency visit.  Do not scrub or scrape at the surface of the tooth to remove debris.  This can damage the ligament that attaches the tooth to the jaw bone.  If there is significant debris gently rinse the tooth with water.  Your dentist will likely instruct you to reinsert the tooth into its socket and come directly to the office.  Your dentist can then assess the tooth its position and whether there was any additional trauma like a bone fracture or laceration of the gums or lip.  Your dentist may need to splint the tooth to your other teeth in order to stabilize it while it heals.  Because the blood supply and nerve of the tooth was damaged it is likely that the tooth will require root canal therapy in the future so you should continue to have it monitored by your dentist.

Q. Do braces hurt?

A. All appliances that move teeth; including traditional braces low-friction braces clear aligners and removable appliances work by applying light continuous pressure to your teeth.  This pressure initially creates an achy feeling in your teeth and usually lasts for a couple days following each adjustment.  I often compare this type of "tooth workout"; to exercising.  Each time you visit the orthodontist we "exercise"; your teeth by adjusting your braces.  Just like muscles that get tired or sore from exercising your teeth will feel the same after each "tooth workout";.  Orthodontists will typically adjust your braces every 6 to 8 weeks.

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

A.
Address    : 2821 N. Parham Rd.
Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23294
Phone        : 804.270.7824
Fax        : 804.270.6654
E-mail        : info@holbertbraces.com
Website    : www.holbertbraces.com