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.