Tracy Braces

Dr. Andrew Trosien is an orthodontist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Braces.


Q. Can one be too old for braces?

A. Not at all!  About 40% of our patients are adults.  In fact, we’ve got several patients in their 60s and 70s.  A common myth about orthodontics is that it is harder to move teeth in adults than in kids.  In fact, it is equally easy.

Q. How much do braces cost?

A. The cost of braces can vary greatly, depending on what the patient needs.  It is a common question, but it’s difficult to answer because there is no one set "treatment" and every patient is unique.

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

A. For most patients changes are apparent within a week or two.  Front teeth actually move relatively quickly, so a typical case of front tooth crowding will show the teeth straightening very early in treatment.

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

A. Most patients do not need to have teeth removed for braces.  Patients with too much crowding for the teeth to fit into the jaws often need between one and four teeth removed.  And patients whose teeth are too far forward in their profile often need teeth removed to allow the front teeth to move back into a position more harmonious with the features of the face.  However, when done correctly it is almost impossible to tell that any teeth were removed, because there are no gaps left in the dentition.  And it is also true that there are many cases when what appears to be a lot of crowding is just misalignment, and there is actually enough room in the jaws to fit the teeth.  Of course, in cases like that we do not have to remove teeth.

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

A. The majority of orthodontic cases take between one and two years.  Most of our cases finish in around 18 months.  The more complicated the case, the longer treatment will take.

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

A. Yes.  In fact, most people with missing teeth have to get orthodontic treatment.  The reason is that teeth next to a space will tip toward the space, leaving a space too big to ignore, but too small to put a bridge or a dental implant in.  Teeth with crowns, root canals, fillings, etc. are still moveable and functional, so we put braces on them just like any other tooth.

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

A. Fortunately, braces do not have the negative stigma attached to them like they did decades ago.  That being said, today’s braces are smaller than ever, and there are cool colors your child can put on the braces to support a sports team or celebrate a holiday.  Clear braces are also an option (and very popular among adults).  We also have braces that go behind the teeth (on the tongue side) for a truly invisible look.  Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are additional options for many children and adults.  We have been doing Invisalign longer than anyone else in the area, and we have used the new Invisalign Teen on more patients than anyone in Livermore, Tracy or Manteca.  

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

A.
Address:
2850 Tracy Boulevard, Suite 300 - Tracy, California 95376
Phone: (209) 833-1240
Fax: (209) 833-0699
Email: atrosien@trosienorthodontics.com
Website: www.trosienorthodontics.com