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!