Common Questions
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When is the best time to begin orthodontics?
Great Question! Orthodontic treatment can be done at any age, but there is an optimal time period to start treatment. Beginning treatment at the right time enables the best possible result and the least amount of time and expense. The American Association recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or by the age of 7 years old. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but a clinical examination can help determine the most ideal time to begin treatment.
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What are the benefits of an early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides a timely detection of problems and a greater opportunity to give the most effective treatment. Also, this allows the orthodontist to monitor tooth eruption and growth. By following this development, treatment can begin at the most ideal time.
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What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?
The term interceptive treatment means to stop or prevent early on before making a situation much worse. Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatments are: creating room for crowded, erupting teeth; reducing the risk to protruding front teeth; preserving space for unerupted teeth; eliminating habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting; reducing the need for tooth removal; and reducing treatment time with braces.
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Are you a candidate for orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontics is not just for improving the look of the smile; orthodontic treatment corrects bad bites (malocclusions). Malocclusions occur as a result of tooth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusions affect the way you smile, chew, clean your teeth, and feel about your smile.
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Why should malocclusions be treated?
Malocclusions that are untreated can result in a variety of problems. Teeth that are crowded create more difficulty in proper brushing and flossing which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that protrude are more prone to accidental chipping and crossbite can result in abnormal wear of the teeth. Open bite can result in tongue thrusting habits and speech impediment. Orthodontics does more than create a pretty smile, it creates a more functional bite for a healthier you.
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Are braces just for kids?
Braces are not just for kids. Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if the patient has healthy gums and bone structure. There are a variety of treatment methods that are designed for different age groups, including adults. Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. The new techniques we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you a choice of metal braces, clear braces, smart clip braces (self-ligating), or clear aligners. A significant percentage of our patients are adults and thus it is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment.
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Will my teeth stay in the same place after treatment is complete?
When we remove your braces, we begin the most important phase of your treatment, the retention stage. Your final orthodontic result depends on your wearing of retainers. Therefore, we recommended lifetime retention, using a system that gradually reduces the time you need to wear retainers.
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Do I need a referral from a dentist?
No. You can come straight in our office and set an appointment at any time.
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What is the first visit like?
Your initial appointment will begin with a registration form containing medical and dental history, about 10 minutes. An orthodontic assistant will escort the patient into the examination room. Dr. Carley will evaluate the number of teeth, alignment, bite, lips, cheeks, and tongue. Parents are then shown the orthodontic needs in understandable terms, including treatment options and how the office functions. If the patient is a candidate for treatment, diagnostic records can be taken the same day or scheduled later. Records include X-rays, photos, and impressions for study models.
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About Dr. Carley
Dr. Carley has been practicing orthodontics for 40+ years. He was raised in Crescent City in Central Illinois, graduated from Western Illinois University in 1974, the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in 1978, and received his Orthodontic Certificate from the University of Illinois in 1980. He and his wife, Linda, moved to Pontiac in October 1980 and opened the practice. They have 7 children. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Illinois Society of Orthodontists, Illinois State Dental Society, McLean County Dental Society, Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce, Pontiac Elks Club, and serves on the Pontiac Christian School Board.
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Can I reschedule my appointment?
We request 24 hours notice if you need to reschedule.
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Where are you located?
We are conveniently located in Pontiac, Illinois. Our address is 1405 W. Reynolds Street, which is Route 116 West.
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Emergencies
If an emergency occurs, such as a broken wire, loose bracket, band, or tissue irritation during office hours please contact the office. If the emergency occurs when we are out of the office please leave a message with your name and number. We will return your call as soon as we are back in the office and advise you of how to handle the situation.
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Financial and Insurance?
All orthodontic case fees are presented to you with a payment plan. Our office will help you receive your maximum orthodontic insurance benefit. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is separate from your regular dental insurance. Insurance policies vary but we will review and submit your insurance to determine an estimated benefit. Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit. During the course of treatment, if your benefit changes or is terminated, the responsible party is financially responsible for all fees.
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Referrals?
Thank you for taking the time to refer patients to our office. Your dentist can refer patients to our office, but we also take referrals from you, your family, and your friends. We appreciate the confidence you show in us when you refer someone to our office.
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How much will treatment cost?
We can often answer this question after the FREE initial exam. After taking the records, an evening consultation (1 hour in length) will be scheduled to discuss treatment options, treatment objectives, length of treatment, number of appointments, patient cooperation, total case fee, payment plan, and insurance coverage. All appliances being used will be there for visual inspection including the type of braces and retainers.