Torrance Braces

Dr. James E. Eckhart 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. There is no maximum age for braces.  The eldest patient so far was 79 when she started and 82 when she finished.

Q. How much do braces cost?

A. The cost of braces is quite variable.  Minor movement of only front teeth can be done with retainers, and costs several hundred dollars.  Major movement of all teeth, including jaw expansion in adults, can cost several thousand.  It is better to actually have an examination appointment than to try to estimate the fee without.  If a person intends to get several estimates, it is better that they obtain them before coming to see us, so that they will be in a position to decide once they compare us to other offices.  Initial orthodontic examination appointments are free. Invisalign and braces are often comparable in fee.

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

A. Braces treatments average 2 years, and tooth movements are visible within the first 3-6 months.  Invisalign treatments average 1 year, and tooth movements are also visible with the first 3-6 months.

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

A. Removal of teeth for orthodontic purposes, although common in the past, is done less frequently nowadays due to the technological improvements.  We probably extract less than 10 % of the time.  Wisdom teeth are sometimes extracted at around age 20, maybe 40 % of the time.

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

A. The duration for orthodontic treatment is very variable, depending on the severity of the problem and the degree of perfection the patient is seeking. It is also affected by cooperation in wearing elastics (rubber bands) and attendance (keeping appointments).  The range is 6 months to 4 years, with 30 % taking less than 24 months, 30 % taking less than 30 months, 20 % taking less than 36 months, and 20 % taking less than 48 months.

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

A. A person can wear braces or Invisalign even though they have crowns, veneers, bridges, or are missing some teeth.  We do not want to put braces on baby teeth that we expect will become loose soon.  Their teeth need to be cleaned before starting any movements, and their gums should be in good shape too.  Any active decay should be taken care of before starting orthodontic treatment.

Q. How can I prevent my child from being embarrassed by wearing braces?

A. Embarrassment for a child wearing braces does not necessarily occur.  Many children are quite eager to get braces, either because they want their teeth to look nicer, or because they think braces are cool, especially with the colored attachments that are available.  They can mix colors for holidays or to match team or school colors.  For older teens, clear braces and Invisalign are often options.  For teenagers who are susceptible to peer pressure and think they must have silver braces, it sometimes helps to encourage them to get thicker skins, to learn how to tell teasers to drop dead.  How dare anyone belittle a person for improving themselves?  Who do they think they are?

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

A.
Address:
21210 Anza Avenue
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: 310-540-5911
Email: jameseeckhart@earthlink.net
Website: http://www.eckhartorthodontics.com/