FAQs
What is an orthodontist?
An Orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also is interested in the bite, facial profile, and oral growth. Treatment of TMJ dysfunction, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial anomaly and surgical / orthodontic patients is an active part of some practices.
What age should a child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that a child be seen by age seven for an orthodontic consultation. If the dentist or parent desires, a visit to an orthodontic specialist can be pursued earlier. The child's teeth will be checked for alignment, future room, and the bite analyzed. How the upper and lower jaws match one another is also evaluated. The future growth of the jaws is studied.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to be seen by Dr. Lin?
No. You or your child can have an orthodontic evaluation at any time you wish. Dr. Lin will be happy to furnish the dentist with a report of his orthodontic findings and recommendations. A close working relationship usually already exists between our office and that of your dentist.
Could I be too old for orthodontic treatment?
An adult who desires orthodontic treatment is never too old. Many adults enjoy the change in their appearance and bite that orthodontics can offer. Our esthetic, tooth colored braces make orthodontic treatment almost invisible. Dr. Lin work closely with your dentist to prepare your teeth for any necessary post-orthodontic dental work.
Will braces hurt?
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on, and right after the braces are tightened. You can use aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.
Do I still see my dentist for cleanings during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. We suggest you coordinate dental cleaning appointments with your orthodontic adjustment appointments. We will be happy to help you schedule your appointment so that your brace wires can be removed prior to going to the dentist. Upon replacing the wires we will accomplish your orthodontic adjustment.
How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
The time needed to undergo orthodontic treatment will vary for each patient, and always depends on how much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. We are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective as possible.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign, is a way to straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable, almost invisible plastic appliances called "aligners." "Aligners" aren't clear brackets or retainers—they are a much thinner, more comfortable, less noticeable treatment option than anything we used before.
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
Removable appliances have been used for a while now for very limited types of treatment. Now that Align Technology has applied 3-D computer technology, Invisalign treats a much broader range of cases with added benefits other than just being removable.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
First, Invisalign is nearly invisible — You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.Second, Invisalign is removable — You can eat and drink what you want.Third, Invisalign offers better oral hygiene — You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth to help prevent gum disease.Plus, "aligners" are comfortable — There are no wires, metal or brackets so there is less abrasion in the mouth.And "aligners"are convenient — overall patients spend less time in my chair for adjustments. Plus, there are less parts that can break, so emergencies are fewer.
So how does Invisalign actually work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to illustrate each patient's complete treatment plan, from the initial position of the crooked teeth to the final desired and prescribed position of the straight teeth. This treatment plan is then used to make a series of custom-made "aligners." Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, and is then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
Like traditional braces, the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
As with braces, Invisalign may be partially covered by medical insurance. Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional braces also covers Invisalign to the same extent.
Is Invisalign FDA approved?
The Invisalign System has FDA clearance as a Class I device.
Other useful links
American Association of Orthodontics www.aaoinfo.org
American Dental Association www.ada.org
American Board of Orthodontics www.americanboardortho.com
Dental And Orthodontic Links For Orthodontists www.bracesinfo.com/orthlink.html
What is an orthodontist?
An Orthodontist is a highly trained specialist who has completed two to three years of training after graduating from dental school. An orthodontist not only straightens teeth but also is interested in the bite, facial profile, and oral growth. Treatment of TMJ dysfunction, cleft lip and palate, craniofacial anomaly and surgical / orthodontic patients is an active part of some practices.
What age should a child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that a child be seen by age seven for an orthodontic consultation. If the dentist or parent desires, a visit to an orthodontic specialist can be pursued earlier. The child's teeth will be checked for alignment, future room, and the bite analyzed. How the upper and lower jaws match one another is also evaluated. The future growth of the jaws is studied.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to be seen by Dr. Lin?
No. You or your child can have an orthodontic evaluation at any time you wish. Dr. Lin will be happy to furnish the dentist with a report of his orthodontic findings and recommendations. A close working relationship usually already exists between our office and that of your dentist.
Could I be too old for orthodontic treatment?
An adult who desires orthodontic treatment is never too old. Many adults enjoy the change in their appearance and bite that orthodontics can offer. Our esthetic, tooth colored braces make orthodontic treatment almost invisible. Dr. Lin work closely with your dentist to prepare your teeth for any necessary post-orthodontic dental work.
Will braces hurt?
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on, and right after the braces are tightened. You can use aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen to ease the discomfort.
Do I still see my dentist for cleanings during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. We suggest you coordinate dental cleaning appointments with your orthodontic adjustment appointments. We will be happy to help you schedule your appointment so that your brace wires can be removed prior to going to the dentist. Upon replacing the wires we will accomplish your orthodontic adjustment.
How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
The time needed to undergo orthodontic treatment will vary for each patient, and always depends on how much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. We are committed to making your treatment as swift and effective as possible.
What is Invisalign®?
Invisalign, is a way to straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable, almost invisible plastic appliances called "aligners." "Aligners" aren't clear brackets or retainers—they are a much thinner, more comfortable, less noticeable treatment option than anything we used before.
Is this a new way to straighten teeth?
Removable appliances have been used for a while now for very limited types of treatment. Now that Align Technology has applied 3-D computer technology, Invisalign treats a much broader range of cases with added benefits other than just being removable.
What are the primary benefits of Invisalign?
First, Invisalign is nearly invisible — You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.Second, Invisalign is removable — You can eat and drink what you want.Third, Invisalign offers better oral hygiene — You can brush and floss normally to maintain healthy gums and teeth to help prevent gum disease.Plus, "aligners" are comfortable — There are no wires, metal or brackets so there is less abrasion in the mouth.And "aligners"are convenient — overall patients spend less time in my chair for adjustments. Plus, there are less parts that can break, so emergencies are fewer.
So how does Invisalign actually work?
Invisalign uses 3-D computer imaging technology to illustrate each patient's complete treatment plan, from the initial position of the crooked teeth to the final desired and prescribed position of the straight teeth. This treatment plan is then used to make a series of custom-made "aligners." Each "aligner" moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, and is then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.
How long does the Invisalign treatment take?
Like traditional braces, the length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case.
Does insurance cover Invisalign?
As with braces, Invisalign may be partially covered by medical insurance. Typically, an insurance policy that covers traditional braces also covers Invisalign to the same extent.
Is Invisalign FDA approved?
The Invisalign System has FDA clearance as a Class I device.
Other useful links
American Association of Orthodontics www.aaoinfo.org
American Dental Association www.ada.org
American Board of Orthodontics www.americanboardortho.com
Dental And Orthodontic Links For Orthodontists www.bracesinfo.com/orthlink.html