•
Clinical Exam and Consultation – Dr. Pisklak will identify any present or
developing problems and thoroughly discuss these with patients and family
members. The proposed treatment and treatment timetable will be explained to
you. Of course, there will be plenty of time for questions.
• Diagnostic Records –
Impressions, digital photographs and digital imaging
radiographs will be taken to study the diagnosed problems and determine
specific corrective procedures.
*As a courtesy, we will be happy to schedule diagnostic records on the same
day as your initial examination and consultation appointment. Please let our
office know in advance so we can schedule additional time for your first
appointment.
• Treatment Conference – After reviewing the diagnostic records, Dr. Pisklak
will personally diagnose and treatment plan your case. Depending on the
complexity of your orthodontic problem or if there are any changes from what
was discussed in the initial consultation, an additional treatment
conference may be necessary.
• Financial Consultation –
At the initial visit, we will discuss the
treatment fees and payment options, including insurance coverage. It is our
mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment and we will
do everything possible to work within the patient’s and/or family budget.
InsuranceIf your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit
of reduced personal costs. Insurance policies vary, so we will review your
policy with you to determine benefits. Our office will gladly file your
primary orthodontic insurance for you.
If, during the course of treatment, your insurance company/benefits change,
the financially responsible party is accountable for all charges.
If you do not have orthodontic coverage, we will work with you to develop a
financial plan to fit your budget.
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Some people need braces more than others, depending on the malocclusion (poor positioning of the teeth or bad bite). There are dental problems and skeletal problems. Skeletal problems (a problem in the growth of one or both jaws), alone or in combination with dental problems, can be more complicated to treat.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated
malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more
difficult to properly brush and floss, which may contribute to tooth decay
and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental
chipping. Cross bites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth
wear. Open bites result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments.
Braces are elective, but people seldom grow out of orthodontic
problems, in fact, most orthodontic problems get worse with age! Ultimately,
orthodontics does more than make a pretty smile – it creates a healthier
you!
Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at the first sign of an orthodontic problem or no later than age 7. Many people are under the mistaken impression that you should wait until all the permanent teeth are in - this is not so! Many problems can be addressed at this age in order to avoid more serious problems at a later age. When in doubt, just ask.
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
No! If the bone and gum tissue around the teeth are healthy, age is not a factor. About 20% of orthodontic patients are adults.
Poorly arranged teeth can break easily and can trap food particles that cause tooth decay and gum disease. They can also lead to poor chewing and digestion, which can be bad for your overall health. Finally, and probably most importantly to you, poorly arranged teeth detract from your smile which is one of the more important features of your face!
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore, it is very important that the treatment be done properly. A licensed orthodontic specialist is an expert at moving teeth, helping jaws develop properly and working with you to help make sure the teeth stay in their new positions. Dr. Pisklak has an Undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and her Doctorate degree from U.T. Health Science Center in San Antonio. In addition to her training in General Dentistry, she graduated from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston Graduate Orthodontic Program with a specialty degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Pisklak also has a Masters of Science degree in Orthodontics.
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
That depends a lot on you and how bad your bite is to begin with. The better you are about wearing and taking care of your braces, the sooner your teeth will improve. Cooperation is key!
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.
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil 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!”
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.
Usually you don't need a referral from your family dentist unless you have an insurance company that requires it. However, we get patient referrals from local family dentists daily. In the Missouri City/Sugar Land area we are blessed with many fine and knowledgeable family dentists and Pediatric Specialists. If you have any questions about your orthodontic needs they will send you to us. On the other hand, word of mouth recommendations from friends and families of existing patients are often the primary way an orthodontist sees new patients. We are always proud and thankful that you allow us to treat you and your family. We treat your family the way we treat our own. So, spread the word if you like your orthodontist!
