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| FAQ's |
| Some common questions and answers we receive. |
| 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. The orthodontic training is a full time commitment in an accredited university setting. Dr. Kenworthy completed a three year training program at the Mayo Clinic after graduation from the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry. Dr. Kenworthy is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (www.aaortho.org) 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. Dr. Kenworthy will always send a report of his orthodontic consultation to the patient's dentist. |
| Do I need a referral from my dentist to be seen by Dr. Kenworthy? |
| No. You or your child can have an orthodontic evaluation at any time you wish, and the initial consultation is complimentary. Dr .Kenworthy 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? |
| No, 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. Kenworthy works closely with your dentist to prepare your teeth for any necessary post-orthodontic dental work. Some adults seek orthodontic care for temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ). |
| How long does orthodontic treatment take? |
| Obviously not all orthodontic problems can be treated in the same amount of time. On average, comprehensive treatment takes less than two years. If braces are started before the permanent teeth come in, they are almost always taken off in less than one year. Sometimes, in order to take advantage of the body's natural growth timing, Dr. Kenworthy will place and remove the braces in stages requiring more than one "time" in braces. Still, he makes every attempt to keep the total time with braces glued to the teeth less than two years. |
| What is the cost of orthodontic treatment? |
| Our initial orthodontic consultations are no charge, so it costs nothing to find out what treatment may be necessary. In fact, there is usually no charge for recall examinations as we watch your child's teeth develop and mature. If any radiographs or other tests are needed, there is a fee which will be discussed with you.
The fee for orthodontic treatment varies depending upon what is needed. The fee for your individualized treatment will be thoroughly discussed. Orthodontic treatment is an excellent investment in the overall dental, medical, and psychological well being of children, adolescents, and adults. We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle which limits access to this important health service. While we expect payment prior to the placement of any fixed or removable orthodontic appliance, we are sensitive to the fact that people have different needs in fulfilling their financial obligations. We offer several different payment options including an in-office interest free payment plan and financing through the Orthodontists Fee Plan, where you can apply and see how much your payments will be online -- www.orthofeeplan.com or on the telephone -- 1.800.637.3393 |
| What about insurance? |
| You mayor may not carry dental or medical insurance under which a percentage of our fees are covered. All professional services provided by this office are charged directly to the patient / responsible party, and he/she is personally responsible for payment. While we cannot render services on the assumption that our fees will be paid by an insurance company, we will give you any necessary information and/or codes required to accompany your insurance claim form to confirm services payable by your insurance company. |
| Do I still see my dentist for cleanings during orthodontic treatment? |
| Yes. Dr. Kenworthy feels it is very important for his patients to continue their routine dental care with the dentist. In fact 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. |