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Braces FAQ

Home » Braces » Braces FAQ

 

Is It Required That My Family Dentist Schedule My Appointment With The Orthodontist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

At What Age Should I Schedule An Appointment For An Orthodontic Screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. Several permanent teeth in most children have erupted by this age, allowing us to evaluate your orthodontic condition effectively.

Will My Teeth Straighten Out As They Grow?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. After the permanent molars erupt in most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

How Do I Schedule An Appointment For An Initial Exam?

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

What Will Happen At The Initial Exam Appointment?

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief but thorough exam.

What Will I Learn From The Initial Exam?

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

  • Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
  • What must be done to correct the problem?
  • Will any teeth need to be removed?
  • How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • How much will the treatment cost?

Will I Need To Have Teeth Extracted For Braces?

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goals of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How Long Will It Take To Complete Treatment?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

How Much Will Braces Cost? Are Financing Options Available? How Does My Insurance Work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.

How Often Will I Have Appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every eight to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I Schedule All Of My Appointments After School?

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled eight to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Can I Drop My Child Off For An Appointment?

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with the front desk before dropping off their child.

Do Braces Hurt?

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Can My Child Return To School The Day He Receives Braces?

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Do You Give Shots?

No. Shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Do You Use Recycled Braces?

Absolutely not! We believe that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

Can I Still Play Sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Do I Need To See My Family Dentist While In Braces?

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Are There Foods I Cannot Eat While I Have Braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e., caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth While In Braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

What Is An Emergency Appointment? How Are Those Handled?

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Can Orthodontics Corrections Occur While A Child Has Baby Teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

What Is Phase One (Early) Treatment?

If necessary, phase One treatment is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 16-21 months. Phase One treatment’s primary objective is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will My Child Need Full Braces If He/She Has Phase One Treatment?

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Will My Child Need An Expander?

After the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

Is It Too Late To Have Braces If I Am Already An Adult?

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

Can I Wear Braces Even Though I Have Crowns And Missing Teeth?

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.

Why Should I Choose An Orthodontic Specialist?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment is appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

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Patient Testimonials

Hear what Our Patients Are Saying About
Their Experience With Us

It was my first time here and the staff was extremely kind and informative. I went ahead and made the decision to get Invisalign here as an adult!... Makayla was knowledgeable, kind and enjoyable to talk with, I feel confident in my Invisalign process. I recommend this place!read more
Skyler K.
They were so easy to work with. The staff was so amazing. I would recommend Craig and Streight to everyone.
Kailee H.
Moved to OKC and called around a few places. Decided to go with Craig and Streight and glad I did. Myself and my son have braces. Everyone is super... nice and we always have a great experience.read more
Twyla C
All three of my kids have had braces with Craig and Streight. One is still in treatment as well as myself. We have never had any problems and love... everyone we have had care for us!My youngest got his off today and his smile is just beautiful!read more
Molly S.
Great service! Everyone is extremely nice and welcoming even tho I’m in my 50’s and everyone around me are teens
Shannon C.
They are amazing!!! They were gentle with our child and explained everything. I will recommend to everyone.
Che L.
Dr.Craig and her staff are totally awesome. Their attention to detail is impeccable. Thanks for this gorgeous smile!
Melody M.
So grateful for Dr. Craig straightening up my smile! As a dentist myself, she was meticulous and I highly recommend her!
Sonora Z.
4 of us in Invisalign and we wouldn’t do it any other place. Drs Craig and Streight are fantastic!
Gloria M.
It’s always are great experience when I go. They are very professional, very knowledgeable and friendly. I appreciate everything they do
Cheryl S.
Great experience with evaluation process. Kari was amazing and answered all our questions. Dr was friendly and instantly put my daughter at ease. ... Once we had made a decision to proceed with treatment; they scheduled appt quickly. Braces placed today and everything going as planned.read more
Kelli C.
Shout out to Dr. Kierl and the rest of the team! As a military family, Craig and Streight Orthodontics made the transition extremely easy and the... transfer from Virginia a breeze! Everyone is very professional and very friendly. The doctor took her time, and she did not rush taking my daughter’s braces off. What I love most about Dr. Kierl is the perfectionism and attention to detail she put into giving my daughter a beautiful smile. We are forever grateful and we will miss you!read more
Amanda P.
It was my first time and since I walked in the door, everyone was so nice and I turn to look at the nice place and then I’ve seen a welcome sign with... my name 😁🫶🏼 lol I thought that was very very nice and thoughtful of them with there new patients. I love my braces 😬 ❤️ and I’m thankful for the beyond great service they had.read more
Laura G.
Went in for a consultation at the Norman location , they were super nice! Made them process super easy had so much information about the process and... didn’t pressure me into doing something I didn’t want to and squeezed me in to do my braces the same day! Always asking if I need a break or a water! Love the staff will be recommending them to anyone who is looking for an orthodontist! Love my results so glad I went with them!read more
Stormy M.
Everyone in the office has been incredible since our first consult. As a mom of two teenage girls that need braces, it was very overwhelming to think... of our journey we were about to start; but the staff is the best! The front desk girls are all very sweet and patient! Kari helped us flawlessly with the finance break down and was so diligent in making sure that we were well taken care of. The techs were amazing. They even have awesome software to track the progression. If I could give more stars I would. I will refer everyone to this office and will bring my other kids in the future!read more
Jasmyn S.
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Norman Office

706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

Mustang Office

1476 N Mustang Rd
Mustang, OK 73064

South Oklahoma City

12100 S Western Ave
Oklahoma City, OK 73170

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706 24th Ave NW
Norman, OK 73069

1476 N. Mustang Rd.
Mustang, OK 73064
12100 S Western Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73170

405.321.1926

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