Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. R. Bruce McFarlane on Braces
Dr. R. Bruce McFarlane 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. No! We have had an 82-year-old in braces. More "time enhanced" adults are often more technically difficult, but the benefits of orthodontics apply to all age groups.
Q. How much do braces cost?
A. It depends upon the difficulty of the particular orthodontic dilemma, and the treatment method chosen. From least to most expensive: the list is generally: retainers--metal braces--porcelain braces--Invisalign--Incognito braces.
Q. When will one begin to see changes in his/her teeth after the braces are put on?
A. Very soon! In the first six weeks: noticeable changes will have occured. By six months: profound changes will have occured!
Q. Will one need to have teeth extracted for braces?
A. Each case is judged on its own merits. There are less permanent teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons these days than, say, twenty years ago. But we still do it: ie: for "Dad's big teeth, Mom's small mouth" expressed in a child.
Q. How long will it take to complete the treatment?
A. Also depends: from 6 months (retainer for a cross-bite for example), to up to 3 years (full braces and jaw surgery)
Q. Can a person wear braces even though that person may have crowns and missing teeth?
A. Yes: we can place braces on almost any material that teeth are made of! And missing teeth can have their spaces closed, or their neighbors lined up for ideal replacements.
Q. How can I prevent my child from being embarrassed by wearing braces?
A. This is much less of an issue these days. Smaller brackets, colored elastics, clear braces, and much more acceptance make orthodontics way less embarrassing these days! Braces are COOL! And: the fantastic smile that results is even COOLER!
