Myths and Facts

MYTH:Orthodontists are appropriate only for the most challenging and complex orthodontic cases.
FACT:Orthodontists recognize the difference between a simple case and a complex one. And when a case is challenging, orthodontists know what to do.

MYTH:My family dentist says he can straighten my teeth.
FACT:An orthodontist has 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school and is a specialist at straightening teeth and insuring proper form and function. A dentist may see a handful of cases a year amid drilling and filling. An orthodontist only practices orthodontics and treats hundreds of patients.

MYTH:Braces are for kids.
FACT:One in five orthodontic patients is an adult.


MYTH:If there was a giant, overhead magnet and someone flipped a switch, people wearing braces would fly out of their chairs and stick to the ceiling.
FACT:Unlikely, as braces are made from non-magnetic materials.

 MYTH:Orthodontists charge more than general dentists for orthodontic treatment.

FACT:It's not the same work. The value in seeing an orthodontist for treatment is that the orthodontist is an expert, highly experienced and understands form, function and a wonderful smile

MYTH::Braces are painful and take two years or more for the desired result.
FACT:After the adjustment period, like breaking in a new pair of shoes, braces are comfortable. Some may be worn for months, not years.

MYTH:Signals from braces link to the Internet to download songs onto an iPod.
FACT: This is not possible right now.

MYTH:Braces are ugly, call attention to themselves and would be embarrassing in business settings.
FACT:Today's braces may be nearly invisible, made from clear plastic, or unseen, mounted on the back (lingual) side of the teeth.

MYTH:Orthodontists have a low profile
FACT:Orthodontists give back to the community by offering free, discounted, services to patients in need.

MYTH:Any dentist may join the American Association of Orthodontists
FACT:Only orthodontists may become members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

Why is ‘early treatment’ recommended for some children?

In some cases, preventive or interceptive treatment can guide the jaws and erupting permanent teeth into more favorable positions, improve the growth and alignment of the jaws, preserve space for the permanent teeth, and/or reduce the likelihood of fracturing protruded front teeth.

Both the ADA and AAO recommend an initial evaluation with an orthodontist by the age of 7.  While many children do not need early treatment, this professional evaluation will establish a game plan for optimal orthodontic/dental health and your unforgettable smile!

When is the best time to schedule an initial orthodontic consultation?

Every child should see an orthodontist at an early age. While the child could be as young as 2 or 3, the American Association of Orthodontists (http://www.braces.org/)  recommends an initial consultation no later than age 7. By this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted and enough jaw growth has occurred that problems can be identified.  This allows the orthodontist to develop a game plan and begin treatment at the ideal time.  Adults can be treated at any age as long as the gums and bone holding the teeth are healthy.  To schedule your consultation, call our office at 618-463-7002 or 618-654-8017.

I think my child needs braces. Do I need a referral from my dentist?

From an orthodontist standpoint, no referral is required for orthodontic evaluation and care.  So if you would like to pursue the many benefits of orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, simply call and schedule an initial exam!  If you are fortunate enough to have orthodontic insurance coverage, we will work with you to address any special requirements they may have.

At Haug Orthodontics, we communicate with each patient’s general dentist to keep him or her informed regarding the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment plan and we work closely together to coordinate dental and dental specialist treatment needs.  Dr. Haug’s professional examination is extremely informative and will result in an understanding of the patient’s treatment needs, what to expect throughout treatment, and the required financial investment.

Dr. Kimberly (Gibbons) Haug is an Alton native and Alton High School graduate.  She obtained her general dental degree from SIUE School of Dental Medicine and her orthodontic specialist degree from St. Louis University.  She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.  She has offices in Alton and Highland and has been practicing orthodontics since 1995. 
For more information about orthodontics, please visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net or call Dr. Haug’s office at 463-7002.  Haug Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to fit most any budget.

How can I be sure that I’m seeing a licensed orthodontist for my/my child’s braces?

It is very astute of you to understand that there is a difference between an orthodontist (a dental specialist uniquely trained to move teeth and align bites) and a general dentist.  There are two very simple ways to make sure the Doctor is a licensed orthodontist:

1.      Look (or ask) for AAO membership.  Only orthodontists can be a member of the American Association of Orthodontists.  This logo, or an AAO membership card, ensures you’re seeing an orthodontist.

                                   

2.      Look (or ask) for the Doctor’s specialty license.  The state of Illinois requires licensing via written examination as well as oral presentation and examination.  This license will specifically state ‘Licensed Specialist in Dentistry – Orthodontics’.

Dr. Kimberly Haug is a licensed orthodontist with offices in Alton and Highland.  For more information about our office, visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net.

Why Straighten Teeth?

Straight teeth help us effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums because they are easier to brush and floss and there is no abnormal wear.   Also, teeth that work better tend to look better. An attractive smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment!

An attractive smile is a wonderful asset.   As you speak to people, it’s the first thing you notice about them.  Attractive smiles contribute to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image—important qualities at every age. With many children and adults, we witness their confidence and self-esteem improve as orthodontic treatment brings their teeth, lips and face into proportion. Confidence generates success!

 People with beautiful smiles have a lot to be happy about!  Don’t procrastinate!  Your unforgettable smile is just a phone call away!

Aren't braces expensive?

Maybe more so now than ever, braces are a great investment!  Straight teeth and a perfectly aligned bite make oral care much easier and set the stage for a lifetime of dental health.  Additionally, beautiful smiles enhance personal confidence and self esteem!  Few other investments can boast of these lifetime returns!

At Haug Orthodontics, multiple payment options are offered to make treatment affordable for almost any budget.  In certain cases, payments can be extended up to 60 months.  For your personal evaluation and consultation, contact our office at 618-463-7002 or 618-654-8017 or visit our website at www.UnforgettableSmiles.net.

What will I learn from an initial examination?

The initial exam at our office is a very informative event!  There are five essential questions that we will cover during this visit:

·   Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?

·   What must be done to correct the problem

·   Will any teeth need to be removed?

·   How long will treatment take to complete?

·   How much will the treatment cost?

We utilize time lapse videos, digital photography, models and other media to ensure you understand the treatment prescribed.

A smile is a unique and wonderful gift!  Once given it is most always returned!

Isn’t orthodontic treatment done just for cosmetic reasons?

Absolutely not!  While the cosmetic impact is the most outwardly noticeable (and the first thing we notice when talking to anyone is their teeth!), orthodontic treatment sets the stage for a lifetime of oral health.  Straight teeth are much easier to clean and maintain and properly aligned occlusions (bites) help prevent abnormal tooth wear and jaw growth, and jaw joint problems.  For children and adults, orthodontic treatment is a great investment in your long term health and self esteem.

Your professional consultation is just a phone call away!  Dr. Kimberly Haug is an Alton native and has been providing unforgettable smiles to the Riverbend area since 1995.  As a specialist in orthodontics, she is uniquely trained to address your orthodontic needs.  To reach the office, call 463-7002 or visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net.

My dentist says I need braces. What’s the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist when it comes to straightening teeth?

Just as there are specialists in medicine (such as cardiologists, neurologists, etc.), there are specialists in dentistry. Orthodontists are dental specialists who dedicate their professional lives to correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.

Orthodontists are qualified general dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts at least two academic years—sometimes more. By learning about tooth movement (orthodontics) and guidance of facial development (dentofacial orthopedics), orthodontists are the uniquely trained experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws.

Orthodontists limit their practices to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. That means that orthodontic treatment is what they do, and that is all they do!  Orthodontists treat a wide variety of malocclusions (improperly aligned teeth and/or jaws) in young children, teens and adults.

While there are dentists who have attended after-hours courses or seminars and put on braces, selecting an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is your assurance that you have chosen an orthodontist.  Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the state of Illinois requires written and oral board examination and certification to practice as an orthodontist.

Dr. Kimberly (Gibbons) Haug is an Alton native and Alton High School graduate.  She obtained her general dental degree from SIUE School of Dental Medicine and her orthodontic specialist degree from St. Louis University.  She is a member of the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists.  She has offices in Alton and Highland and has been practicing orthodontics since 1995. 
For more information about orthodontics, please visit www.UnforgettableSmiles.net or call Dr. Haug’s office at 463-7002.  Haug Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment options to fit most any budget.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

Braces and musical instruments generate many questions. Many patients at Haug Orthodontics are musicians. There have been a number of research studies related to orthodontics and musical instruments. Haug Orthodontics informs their instrument-playing patients that woodwind players may have slightly more difficulty than brass instrument players. Every musician seems to adapt very well to playing with braces after a week or two of practice. Some of them find that placing wax on the brackets is helpful during the initial adjustment period.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No, they will not. You may think that a child with braces on their teeth must avoid doing any of the more active sports, due to the notion that any kind of serious impact may be detrimental to the mouth and teeth. This is simply not true. At Haug Orthodontics, we treat wrestlers, hockey players, soccer players, cheerleaders, volleyball players, football, and players in all other types of sports. We do, however, always advise our patients to wear a mouthpiece or a mouth guard if they can.

Do braces hurt?

Surprisingly to most patients, it does not hurt to place the bands and brackets on your teeth. Once your braces are in place and connected with the archwires, it generally takes 12-24 hours to start feeling some discomfort (if any). The lighter, round wires are much more comfortable in the overall orthodontic experience. You may feel some soreness of your teeth for a couple of days after a new wire is installed. If you experience any discomfort, you may wish to eat softer foods like mashed potatoes, soup, macaroni and cheese, pudding for a couple of days. But none of this compares to the discomfort of having a smile that you cannot be proud to show.

What are diagnostic records?

In most cases, Dr. Haug will need diagnostic records such as x-rays, photographs, and a study model of the mouth and teeth to confirm the final diagnosis and treatment plan.  These records can be taken during the first visit.

Even without full records, Dr. Haug should still be able to answer the following questions at your first visit:

-Do I have any orthodontic problems?
-If so, what are they?
-What can be done to correct the problems?
-Will I need to have teeth removed?
-When should I start treatment?
-What kind of outcome can I expect?
-How long will I need to have treatment?
-How much will orthodontics cost me?
-What are my payment plans and insurance benefits?
-What if I chose not to have treatment done at this time?

What can I expect at my first visit to the orthodontist office?

At your first visit, you will receive:

-A thorough examination by Dr. Haug
-A detailed review of recommended treatment
-A summary of the treatment investment and payment options
-Everything you need to make an informed decision

The appointment will last approximately 1 hour.  In many instances, if treatment is needed, we can begin the same day!  Give us a call at 618.463.7002 or 618.654.8017 to schedule your appointment today!

Will it hurt to remove my braces?

It should not hurt to remove your braces.  The brackets are easy to remove.  The just twist off.  Sometimes, removing the bands at the back of your mouth might be uncomfortable.  If so, let the orthodontist know and the bands may be cut so that it does not hurt.

Why do my braces need tightened?

During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist stretches your jaw and moves your teeth so that everything fits.  If the orthodontist would try to move your teeth all at once, it would hurt too much and might damage the roots of your teeth.  The orthodontist moves your teeth slowly to avoid hurting you too badly.  Every time your braces are "tightened", your teeth move a little bit.  Then the orthodontist waits for your teeth, jaw & gums to shift, before moving your teeth again.

I have been in braces for quite some time. Why do I have to wear rubberbands now?

When you are getting close to the end of your treatment and your teeth are all straight, the orthodontist is looking at how your teeth meet together when you bite down.  Your teeth should fit down together kind of like a puzzle.  So to close any spaces when biting down, the orthodontist may have you wear elastics (rubberbands) in a triangle.  To make sure the center of your teeth (midline) line up, the orthodontist may have you wear a diagonal elastic in the front.  To make sure your molars meet right, you may need to wear elastic on one or both sides of your mouth.  Your assistant will make sure you know how to putThese only work when a patient wears them 24/7.  This will determine how quickly you get your braces off... so JUST DO IT!  :)

Why do I have to wear retainers 24/7 after my braces come off?

Your teeth have been moved around for quite some time.  Now that your braces are off we need to keep your teeth in their new wonderful position!  Wearing your retainers all the time builds your bone strong and healthy so that your teeth stay in this new position.  Kind of like having a broken bone and wearing a cast so that your bone heals correctly.

Since I got my braces on last week, I've had some sores in my mouth. Why?

During the first week of treatment, you may notice sores or ulcerations inside your mouth.  This can happen because your lips and cheeks are not yet used to rubbing against your orthodontic braces.  Over time, your skin on the inside of your mouth will get tougher and you will not have sores anymore.  To provide some relief for your lips and cheeks rubbing against your rough braces, you can place a small pea-sized amount of wax or cotton on the area of the braces that is causing the sore or ulceration.  The sore should improve within a couple of days and completely heal within a week.  Rinsing with salt water can help speed the healing proess.  If the sore or ulceration does not improve or gets worse, call your orthodontist to have it examined.

How do I make a salt water rinse?

To make a salt water rinse, simply mix ½ teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Then transfer approximately ¼ cup of solution to your mouth and gently swish for 30 seconds, being sure to force the water over any areas that feel particularly tender. Then spit the water into the sink. Repeat until the entire cup is gone.

Can I eat when I leave the office after getting my braces?

Yes, you can eat after getting your braces.  Although, it needs to be super-soft foods and no soda, or fruit juices with acid, the first 48 hours.  The "bonding" (or glue) takes about 48 hours to completely "cure," or "set-up."  After that refer to your Diet Chart for a list of foods to be avoided.

Dr. Haug told me to do warm and cold water rinses. Why and what does that do?

The warm and cold water rinses are needed when a patient is in thermal archwires.  They assist in activating the archwires.  The warm water rinse keeps the archwire in a perfect form, which is the track we want the teeth to follow, while the cold water rinse resets the archwire.  You will need to continue doing your rinses until you are out of thermal archwires.  A warm drink would count as your rinse on your warm day, while a cold drink would also count as a rinse on your cold day.  You would alternate warm and cold each day, 3-4 times a day.  One day is a warm water rinse, the following is a cold water rinse.  We suggest in the morning, after school and before bed.  Doing these rinses can help "boost" your treatment time forward, and you may also want to place a "Post-It" note on the bathroom mirror as a reminder to do the rinses.