Frequently Asked Questions

Whenever the positions of teeth interfere with proper cleaning, chewing of food, speech or lip closure, braces are necessary. How the upper teeth and lower teeth touch each other (the bite) may also need correcting through braces. When teeth are not properly positioned or are crowded, making cleaning difficult, problems are more likely and are more difficult to treat. Tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss can result if corrections aren’t made.

Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. An orthodontist can improve the smile of practically anyone – in fact, orthodontists regularly treat patients in their 50s, 60s and older!

While anyone can refuse treatment, thoughtful consideration should go into making such a decision. The problem will not go away. It may become worse over time and become more difficult to treat. Bone and gum loss can be the irreparable results.

There are several styles of braces available. Patients may choose traditional silver colored (stainless steel), gold (gold-plated), glow-in-the-dark or clear braces. Invisalign treatment is also available.

Teeth are easily moved with continuous light pressure. The wires and elastics of the braces provide this constant pressure, which makes the teeth move. The braces or brackets secure the wires to allow this movement.

Dr. Caspersen and his staff use their skills to help patients accomplish the desired outcome with braces in an average of 19 months, shorter than the national average of two years. This time period can vary, depending on the difficulty or ease of the case.

When you wear braces, you can eat almost all foods. However, hard foods can cause the braces to break off and may bend the wires. Foods to avoid chewing are: ice, hard candies, sticky candies, hard chips, tough nuts, and chewy foods such as thick bread crusts.

To brush: Only use soft bristle toothbrushes. Place bristles where the teeth and gums meet. Using circular motions around the gum lines, brush each tooth thoroughly and slowly. We recommend a SONICARE electric toothbrush.

To floss: Carefully pull unwaxed floss between wire and braces (a floss threader may be helpful). Floss carefully around the braces, gum area and each tooth.

You may be surprised to discover that orthodontics is less expensive than you thought. Dr. Caspersen's office will be happy to discuss fees and offer payment plans to help meet individual financial needs. We have plans available that require no money down. In addition, many dental insurance plans now include orthodontic benefits. It's important to keep in mind, of course, the lifetime of benefits that orthodontics provides.

Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and trouble with chewing and digestion. A "bad bite" can be a factor in tooth loss and chipped teeth. Orthodontics can have psychological benefits, too - boosting a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child get an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Even if a problem is detected, immediate treatment may not be recommended. Chances are, the orthodontist will want to check on your child from time to time. That way, the orthodontist can inform parents of the ideal time to begin treatment.

Orthodontists are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. They are uniquely qualified to correct "bad bites." The American Dental Association requires orthodontists to have at least two years of post-doctoral, advanced specialty training in orthodontics in an accredited program, after graduation from dental school.