Phone
(206) 232-8526
Fax
(206) 232-8527
Mercer Island Patient Hours
Mon-Fri.....8:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday...Closed
Sunday.....Closed
Burien Patient Hours
Please call for hours
| Q. | Who can benefit from Orthodontics? |
| A. | At one time, most people believed braces were ìjust for kids.î The fact is, that of the millions of patients now in orthodontic treatment, approximately one of every five is 18 or older. The basic process involved in moving teeth is the same for adults as it is for children; therefore, orthodontic treatment can usually be successful at any age. |
| Q. | When should I see an orthodontist? |
| A. | The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a childís first visit to an orthodontic specialist take place no later than age seven, or earlier if an orthodontic problem is detected. Depending on the type of problem, this first visit could take place as early as age two or three. |
| Q. | What is Malocclusion? |
| A. | ìMalocclusionî is a technical term for crooked, crowded or protruding teeth which do not fit together properly. Literally, the word means ìbad bite. |
| Q. | What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment? |
| A. | A combination of orthodontics and oral surgery can result in proper tooth alignment and facial balance. In addition to improving your appearance and self-esteem, orthodontics can greatly improve the health of our mouth, help prevent the loss of teeth, and potentially reduce the cost of future dental work. |
| Q. | What can I expect from orthodontic treatment? |
| A. | Since no two smiles are exactly alike thus no two orthodontic treatment plans are alike. Active treatment may take from 6 to 30 months or longer, depending on the severity of the problem, the age of the patient and the degree of movement possible. |
| Q. | What type of training does an orthodontist have? |
| A. | Orthodontists must first attend college, then complete a three-to five-year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). They must then successfully complete an additional residency program of at least two academic years of advanced education in orthodontics, again accredited by the ADA. Only dentists with this advanced specialty education may call themselves orthodontists. |