I visited a dentist for the first time in several years for a routine exam and to get a lost filling replaced. The dentist informed me I had periodontal disease and I needed a special deep cleaning. I declined treatment since it was unexpected. Should I go back for treatment?

Secondary findings are common in all areas of health care. It happens when a person comes in with one concern and finds out that there are other problems as well. It is normal for a person to need time to process new information. I find that if a person has enough information and time, he or she usually makes a decision to proceed with a reasonable plan for treatment. I recommend you address any concerns with your dentist and have all of your questions answered prior to beginning treatment.

A friend told me I needed to get my top braces and bottom braces on at different times so it’s easier for me to get used to the braces. Is this necessary?

No, there is no need for you to come in twice to get your top and bottom braces placed. Some offices require two appointments for the braces to be placed. There are also additional fees charged at these appointments making your total down payment for braces more than expected. At my office, you can get top and bottom braces the same day as your free consultation! During the month of October, you can start the high-tech H4 System of Braces for just $143 with monthly payments of $189 or less! For a free consultation, please call 1-800-4Braces.

How do I know everything that was promised to me will be kept once I start braces?

Researching the orthodontic office by visiting its website is a good start. I understand that parents are busy and can’t spend a lot of time on the phone, so everything is available on our website. We list information about our fees, payment structure, what to expect at your first visit, how long it will take, etc. Word of mouth from current patients is also a great source of information – your friends will be sure to tell you if there were any hidden fees or surprises along the way. Trust is another element to choosing an orthodontist—it’s important for patients and parents to feel comfortable that their child will have a positive treatment experience.

I am 27 years old and have really crooked teeth and an overbite. What will happen over the next 10 years or so if I do not get my teeth straightened and bite fixed?

If you choose not to get your teeth straightened you will have an increased risk for periodontal (gum) disease because crooked teeth make oral hygiene much more difficult. It is much easier to keep straight teeth clean than crooked teeth. Crooked teeth also have unbalanced forces placed upon them when you bite. This can wear down your teeth and increase the risk of gum disease. A wide, beautiful smile with straight teeth helps people with their self-confidence—especially when meeting people for the first time! Getting straight teeth is easy and affordable. Call 1-800-4braces for a free consultation.

I was told that if I get my wisdom teeth removed there is a chance of nerve damage. What is nerve damage?

It is true that there is a risk of damage to the nerve that provides sensory information to the lower part of the face, lips and tongue. For most patients, this risk is very small. The loss of sensory information can have an impact on one's ability to eat, drink, shave, kiss or play a musical instrument. There are three types of nerve damage. The first is Neuropraxia, or temporary interruption with full recovery in 4-6 weeks. Axonotmesis is more permanent with decreased sensation of feeling. Neurotmesis is a physical separation of the nerve with complete and permanent loss of sensory feeling. Because of the nerve damage risk, removal of wisdom teeth should be done only when impaction is a big concern.

My financial situation has changed, and I can no longer afford orthodontic treatment. My orthodontist told me I can't get my braces removed until I paid my bill. I can't pay the bill right now. Can you help me out?

Sure. I understand that good people sometimes get into a financial bind. I do not believe that people who can no longer afford treatment should be forced to keep their braces on. Please call my office at 1-800-4Braces for a free consultation and I will discuss removing your braces. If you cannot afford my normal fee for removing braces, I will remove them at no charge.

My 8th grade son is in braces. I am constantly reminding him to brush his teeth. The dental assistants have gone over how to brush with him several times, and his orthodontist told him that if he keeps brushing poorly it could add 6 months to a year to his treatment time. I was shocked to hear this. How does poor brushing make treatment longer?

Poor brushing may not necessarily make treatment longer, but it does increase chances of gingivitis, cavities and white spots. In severe cases, oral hygiene problems caused by poor brushing can prolong treatment. An orthodontist may even recommend removing the braces until severe oral hygiene issues are resolved in order to best care for the teeth. Broken brackets and poor rubber band wear can also prolong treatment.

It seems that all orthodontists offer a free consultation. What makes your consultation different?

My staff and I provide a comprehensive consultation so that patients can make fully informed decisions about their orthodontic care. You will receive all X-rays needed for me to make a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan specific to your needs. You will have as much time as you need with me and my staff to have all of your questions answered. I will also give you a detailed explanation of my treatment plan and the high-tech H4 system of braces. Finally, I will show you photos of my finished patients with similar orthodontic problems so that you can get an idea of your outcome. Call 1-800-4BRACES today and see for yourself why my office was voted the best in the Four Corners.

I’d like to get information about the cost for braces but don’t want to come in for an appointment right now. Can I find out the cost for braces without coming in for an appointment?

Yes! I believe in transparency in fees, so I make it easy for people to find out how much braces cost. You can get a realistic picture of your total cost with just one visit to my website. I work hard to make my website relevant and informative for my patients. Our Getting Started page includes affordable payment options and gives you an accurate picture of your cost. Our Current Promotions page features the exact cost for you to start braces for that month. You can also call our office and speak with one of our friendly team members to find out the cost of treatment. Please call 1-800-4Braces or visit Herman4Braces.com for more information.

I just read in a magazine that you can judge a person's personality by the position of their jaw. Is that true?

These studies are actually about the perception people have about someone's personality based on chin or jaw position. Studies have found that a person with a "strong" or forward positioned jaw is perceived as being firm and aggressive in behavior. A person with a "weak" or protrusive jaw is perceived as being emotional and kind. It is speculated that judging a person by his or her jaw position is more of an instinctual behavior than a learned behavior.