FAQs
Summerhill Orthodontist
What is orthodontics?
- Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of dental and facial abnormalities.
What is an orthodontist?
- An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed two to three years of additional residency training in the area of orthodontics. Only orthodontists are allowed membership into the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Dr. Morgan is our orthodontist. He received his training at the Howard University College of Dentistry Orthodontic Residency Program in Washington, D.C.
At what age should I first take my child to be evaluated by an orthodontist?
- According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), a child should first be evaluated by an orthodontist either when an orthodontic problem first presents or by the age of 7; whichever occurs first.
What is Phase I and Phase II orthodontic treatment?
- Orthodontic treatment is sometimes recommended for very young patients – patients that have baby teeth. This treatment is called Phase I treatment. Phase I treatment is advised when either the desired correction can only be attained while the patient is young , the patient is growing and their bones have not yet matured, tooth positions or habits are destructive and/or preventing proper eruption of remaining adult teeth, or orthodontic problems are negatively influencing the psychosocial status of the patient. This treatment typically lasts 12 to 16 months and does not guarantee the patient will not need a second round of treatment once the remaining permanent teeth have erupted. Phase II treatment is the term used for the second round of treatment.
What will happen at my first visit?
- A lot will occur during your first visit to our office. You will be greeted by our new patient coordinator and introduced to Dr. Morgan, our staff and the Iconic Way. Two x-rays will be made and Dr. Morgan will perform an examination, answer your questions and discuss treatment options. You will also receive the cost of treatment and different payment plans.
What do I need to do to get started at ICONIC Orthodontics?
Easy – We require 4 things to get started.
- A completed dental and periodontal clearance form.
This form must be completed by a general dentist or specialist. It can be found on our website under new patient forms or retrieved by calling or coming into our office. - Completed treatment consent and contract.
- Initial down payment
- A smile
How do I prepare for my first visit?
- We ask that you visit the new patient forms section of our website and complete the new patient and clearance forms prior to your first visit. Be sure to include all requested insurance information. You should also bring your legal ID or that of the responsible party (if the patient is a minor) and your insurance card. Completing these tasks prior to your visit allows us to gather the information needed to make your first visit as informative and efficient as possible. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment if you are not able to complete the new patient form prior to your visit.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
- Treatment time varies from patient to patient. It depends on many factors. Some include; case complexity, patient age and compliance. Orthodontic treatment typically ranges between 12 and 36 months in length.
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
- Similar to treatment time, the cost of treatment depends heavily on case severity. However, we believe in providing quality care at an affordable price. We work with our patients to construct reasonable payment plans. We also offer sibling, pay upfront and professional discounts.
How often will I have an appointment?
- After your start, Dr. Morgan will typically see you every 4 to 6 weeks. Sometimes additional appointments maybe needed, but these will be explained to you and we will try to make these visits as convenient as possible.
Can I still play sports with braces?
- Definitely! Patients with braces may still play sports or participate with contact activities. However, we recommend these patients utilize a mouthguard. Mouthguards help to prevent orthodontic emergencies and broken or loose appliances. The Shock Doctor mouthguard is one that can be purchase at sporting goods stores. We also provide custom mouthguards for patients that play sports.
What is the ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
- Ideal age? There is no ideal age for braces. No matter how young or old, all healthy teeth can be moved. We provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages and we are equipped with the tools and skills needed to correct orthodontic problems that present at all ages.
I don’t want metal braces. What are my other options?
- We offer additional treatment options for patients that prefer not to have traditional metal braces. These options include clear or ceramic brackets and clear aligners (Invisalign®).
Can I get braces if I have crowns or missing teeth?
- Certainly! Crowns and missing teeth are not reasons to not get braces. In fact, braces are often recommended for patients with missing teeth or looking to have crowns placed. We even have special materials to use when treating these patients.
Do I need to change my oral hygiene routine while wearing braces?
- Yes. Now that you have braces, more time and effort is required in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. We recommend that you brush and floss 2 to 3 times a day or after every meal or snack. Special attention should be taken to brush all surfaces of your teeth and around brackets, bands and appliances. In addition, a floss threader or Superfloss must be used to floss your teeth. This process requires more time. Be sure to allocate more time to brushing and flossing. You should also to rinse with an approved mouthwash.
Can I play a musical instrument while wearing braces?
- Yes. Having braces should not interfere with playing a musical instrument. Be sure to let us know if difficulties are experienced.
Do I still need to attend my normal dental check-ups?
- Yes. Orthodontic patients should continue to visit their general dentist every 6 months for their routine cleaning and evaluation. Routine evaluation by your general dentist is extremely important to your dental and periodontal health. They also help facilitate smooth and timely orthodontic treatment.
Do I have to miss work or school for appointments?
- Not exactly. We offer a wide variety of appointment times and will try our best to make your appointments as convenient as possible – even if that means not missing work or school. At times availability may be limited to work and school hours. If this happens, we will gladly provide you with a work or school excuse.
How do I schedule or reschedule my appointments?
- Easy! Call us! We are available by phone Monday thru Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM to schedule office visits. Appointments may also be requested on our webpage. Just follow the link.
What are emergency appointments?
- True orthodontic emergencies are rare. They occur when pain or discomfort are present. When emergencies occur please call our office to either be advised on how to take care of the discomfort or schedule an immediate visit to have it relieved.
