QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who designs and applies appliances (braces) which align crooked teeth.

2. Are we bilingual?

Yes. One of our staff members speaks fluent Portuguese.

3. Do we accept insurance?

Yes. We accept most plans.

4. When is the best time for a first visit?

The best starting time is determined by each individual's need. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends age 7 as a good time for the first visit to an orthodontist. Early diagnosis and treatment by a specialist can often prevent more severe problems from developing.

5. Do we have clear braces?

Yes. We have metal braces as well as ceramic (clear) braces. We can even make your braces appear to have different colors at each visit.

6. Do we treat TMJ problems?

Yes, we treat patients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) problems.

7. What are our hours?

Weekdays – 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursdays – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

(Our Marlboro office has different hours. Please call for information on that office.)

8. Do we treat adults?

Yes, absolutely! We treat adults as well as children and teenagers. Approximately 20% of our patients are adults! A beautiful smile at any age can do wonders for self-confidence and just feeling better about yourself.

9. What happens at the first visit?

At this visit you will have an opportunity to meet Dr. Stone and staff. We will listen very closely to your concerns and evaluate your dental and/or cosmetic needs, discuss them with you, and suggest a treatment plan.

10. Is there a charge for the first visit?

No. For Dr. Stone to visually check the teeth and discuss what he sees at that visit, there is no charge.

11. Is treatment always recommended at the first visit?

No. In many instances, patients are not ready for treatment and are placed on periodic recall. Some patients do not require any treatment.

12. Do we recycle brackets?

No.

13. Do we use state of the art sterilization?

Absolutely! We go well beyond OSHA requirements.

14. What is our treatment philosophy?

We try very hard to straighten every patient's teeth without extractions. That is our first choice. Sometimes, however, it is necessary to extract teeth.

15. Do I really like being an orthodontist?

Yes, I really, really do. I help people to feel good about themselves by working very hard to give them beautiful new smiles – and now these new smiles are all out in the world, for everybody to see!

16. What are all these pieces on my teeth?

1. BAND: a thin ring of metal fitted around a tooth and cemented in place. The band provides a way to attach the wires to the tooth.

2. BRACKETS: small attachments that hold the archwire in place. Most often brackets are cemented directly onto the tooth's surface. This practice eliminates the need for a band.

3. ARCHWIRE: main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It's changed periodically throughout treatment, as teeth move to their new position.

4. ELASTIC LIGATURES: tiny rubber bands used to hold the archwires in the brackets. (By the way, for fun, elastic ligatures come in many different colors!)

5. ELASTICS: small rubber bands of various sizes that are hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth.

6. HEADGEAR TUBES: round, hollow attachments on the back bands. The inner bow of the headgear fits into them.

7. BUCCAL TUBES: hollow attachments, also on back bands, which hold the archwires in place.