Editor’s note: Dr. Heather Woloshyn, DMD, MSD, practices at Woloshyn & Clements Orthodontics for Children and Adults in Auburn, along with her colleague, Dr. Karen Clements. Dr. Woloshyn discusses some of today’s main issues.

Q: It seems like children get braces earlier these days – why?

A: The American Association of Orthodontist recommends an evaluation by age 7. Orthodontists used to wait until all of the adult teeth were in before braces. Frequently that resulted in the need to extract teeth, and braces were commonly worn for 24 to 30 months. When we see patients who are young and growing, orthodontists can better guide teeth eruption and save space. As the adult teeth are growing in, the situation then gets “better and better” instead of watching it get “worse and worse.” Early, interceptive orthodontic can address dental crowding and developing bite problems so that later, when the actual braces are worn, there are fewer problems and the time in braces is shorter. Of course, early treatment is not recommended for everyone; some problems are still best treated later in the teenage years.

Q: Will I have to have any teeth removed for braces?

A: Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goals. Today’s technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, and coupled with the advantage of seeing children earlier in their development, the need for removing permanent teeth has been greatly reduced.

Q: Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

A: Yes. Regular check-ups with your family dentist are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will assist in determining how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments while you are in braces. Generally, patients should see their dentist every 6 months, or more often if their oral hygiene is not adequate or they are pre-disposed to periodontal bone loss or gum tissue recession.

Q: Is it too late to have braces if I am an adult?

A: No. Age is not a factor. Over 25 percent of our patients are adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s seeking the treatment they did not or could not have when they were younger. Technological advances in the healthcare industry have provided excellent treatment options for adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important. No patient is “too old” to wear braces, to enjoy a radiant smile, or be able to clean their teeth and chew food more efficiently.

Q: Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

A: Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth so that the space where the teeth are missing can be properly restored by a normally-sized tooth such as an implant or bridge.

Q: Why do I need to wear retainers?

A: Orthodontics is a process of moving teeth through the bone into new positions. Once the teeth have moved into their desired positions, retainers need to be worn at bedtime to maintain the correction. Once stabilization occurs, we encourage our patients to continue to wear their retainers on a nightly basis two or three times per week to maintain their beautiful smile.

Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?

A: Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. Due to the variety of problems that we treat, the cost of orthodontic care varies from patient to patient. Financing is usually available, and most offices offer flexible, customized payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment is one of the best and longest lasting investments you will ever make in yourself or your child.

Q: What alternative do I have to wearing braces?

A: If the thought of wearing braces is all that is stopping you from getting the smile you always wanted, we may have some very good news for you. Invisalign (TM) is a system that uses clear, virtually undetectable tooth-aligners to gradually move your teeth … without metal wires or brackets. Aligners are removable and custom-made for your teeth through the combination of the expertise of your orthodontist and the latest 3-D computer graphic technology. Invisalign (TM) straightens your teeth, without calling attention to them.