Answers to common orthodontic questions
Let’s start with your first visit to Orthospaceship!
Los Angeles orthodontists Dr. F. Isaac Hakim and Dr. Chantal Hakim are leading orthodontists in the West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas. Offering premiere TMJ, Invisalign, Early and Adult Treatment, our team believes that every patient deserves quality innovative care and embody this concept from the ground up starting with their office. Read through the frequently asked questions below to get a better idea of how things work.
Contact us today to set up an appointment and get started with a consultation.
Is it required that my family dentist refer me for an 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. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
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. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, 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, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will ask you some questions to get basic information from you.
What will I learn from the initial examination?
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?
What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the Treatment Coordinator and Dr. Hakim who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief, but thorough, exam.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Dr. Hakim has a very conservative approach; however, removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. Thankfully, because of the new advanced technology that we use, 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 many 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 five 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. Longer appointments to place, repair or remove braces will be scheduled during the quieter morning hours.
However, because most appointments are scheduled six to ten weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, always, 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 their clinician 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, Motrin 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 I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Do you give shots?
No. We do not have any needles in the Orthospaceship. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our mission is to treat our patients with respect, love and utmost care, while providing them with the most advanced techniques available in diagnosis and treatment in a professional, fun, pleasant and friendly environment.
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, very importantly, 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 orthodontic correction 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?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. The Orthopedic or Phase One treatment lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to 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?
At the completion of 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?
About half 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 be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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What sets the Orthospaceship apart in orthodontic treatment?
At the OrthoSpaceship we go far beyond just straightening teeth by taking a “Whole-Health” approach to orthodontics. This means every patient gets a unique, custom-made treatment plan that takes their bite, jaw relationship, TMJ and airway into account all while achieving a smile you’ll be proud to show off.
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What types of braces do you offer?
We offer a variety of braces including traditional metal braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces to suit your needs and lifestyle.
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What is Invisalign and do you offer it?
Invisalign is a type of clear aligner treatment for straightening teeth, and yes, we offer it at Orthospaceship along with other clear aligner options.
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Do you offer adult orthodontic treatment?
Yes, in fact half of our patients are adults! We offer a range of orthodontic treatments to fit each lifestyle from traditional options like metal braces to concealed options like clear braces, clear aligners or hidden, lingual braces.
How do I know if I need braces or aligners?
Every person’s path to a perfect smile and bite is unique, that’s why the best way to determine the right treatment for you is through a comprehensive consultation with a board certified orthodontist.
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What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age 7. In some cases like if your child has crowding, snores, breathes through their mouth, sucks their thumb or has teeth at risk of injury you may need to visit an orthodontist as early as 4 or 5 years old.
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How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or filling out the online appointment form on our website.
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Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and also offer flexible payment options.
What are the payment options for orthodontic treatment?
We never want finances to get in the way of receiving proper orthodontic care. We offer interest-free in house financing, flexible payment plans and discounts for upfront payments along with other solutions.
What is orthodontic relapse?
Orthodontic relapse refers to teeth going back to their pre-orthodontic position. This usually happens when a patient loses does not keep up properly with their retainers. We include retention programs for all patients to ensure that relapse does not occur.
How does Orthospaceship offer a lifetime of dental health?
We treat patients in centric relation, not just centric occlusion, ensuring that you have an ideal jaw position and bite for superior health for life.
What is the Roth Williams philosophy of orthodontics?
The Roth Williams philosophy aims to achieve not just straight teeth but also ideal jaw and TMJ positions, contributing to overall health and well-being.
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What is TMJ and how is it treated at Orthospaceship?
TMJ refers to the Temperomandibular Joint (jaw joint) responsible for opening and closing of the mouth. TMD, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, is a condition affecting the jaw joint. At Orthospaceship, we offer non-invasive TMJ treatment by solving the root of the problem and eliminating pain for good.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient but generally ranges from 12 to 24 months. In cases of limited misalignment, you can achieve a straighter smile in as little as 3-6 months!
What are lingual braces?
Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth, making them virtually invisible when you smile.
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How often should I visit the orthodontist during treatment?
Regular orthodontic visits can range anywhere from 1-3 months at a time and vary based on your treatment plan.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Foods to avoid with braces include anything hard, sticky or chewy that may damage your braces or cause them to come loose.
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Do braces hurt?
While getting braces can be uncomfortable initially, most patients get used to them within a few days.
What is accelerated orthodontics?
Accelerated orthodontics is a technique that speeds up the tooth movement process, reducing treatment time.
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How do I care for my braces?
It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene through careful brushing and flossing as well as receiving regular dental cleanings in order to maintain proper care for braces.
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What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
While both are dental professionals, an orthodontist specializes in correcting bites, occlusion, and straightening teeth. A board certified orthodontist, attends several years of Orthodontic residency to learn the proper technique to move teeth safely and effectively.
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How much does jaw surgery cost at Orthospaceship?
The cost of jaw surgery at Orthospaceship varies depending on the complexity of the case. We offer flexible payment plans and accept most insurance plans.
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What are the risks of jaw surgery?
Thanks to modern technology, the risks of Jaw surgery are very low but are still possible. Some risks include swelling, relapse and altered sensation of the area.
What is the recovery time for jaw surgery?
Recovery time for Jaw surgery can range anywhere from 4-12 weeks before one can resume most of their normal activities. The time can vary depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Do you offer emergency orthodontic care?
Yes! We offer emergency care for issues like broken wires or brackets or lost retainers.
What are the signs of a bad orthodontist?
Signs of a bad orthodontist may include lack of proper credentials, poor patient reviews, and outdated technology.
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