A Consumer’s Guide to Choosing an Orthodontist
At White Orthodontics, we are committed to providing each of our patients with the finest orthodontic care available. Educated consumers are our best patients so we'd like to help you with this important selection. There are basically four areas of concern:
The Orthodontist
Dr. White practiced general dentistry for seven years before becoming an orthodontist, which gives him an added perspective in treating patients. Dr. White has had extensive training in the treatment of disorders of the jaw joint (TMJ). In fact, many patients are referred to him for TMJ treatment and not just for braces. This training makes Dr. White uniquely qualified to detect a pre-existing jaw joint disorder or to treat a TMJ problem that may arise during orthodontics. Technology is rapidly changing, and Dr. White has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to maintain the excellence that he believes his patients deserve. He's most proud of the successful completion of a two-year advanced post-graduate course in TMJ treatment and functional occlusion. Dr. White's greatest assets are his love for his patients and his total commitment to their treatment success.
The Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
A thorough diagnosis and a well-prepared treatment plan are critical elements for a successful result. Cutting corners in the diagnosis can lead to problems during orthodontic therapy or unrealistic treatment goals. Dr. White “customizes” the treatment plan for each patient to provide an ideal bite, stable jaw joint positions and enhanced facial aesthetics. We use computer imaging to “fast forward” the way a patient's face will look with a particular type of treatment so that we may select the plan that provides the most attractive appearance. Properly positioning the teeth and coordinating the bite with the correct jaw joint position is most important in creating a healthy, functional and comfortable result that will remain stable. Most orthodontic treatment is planned using models of the teeth that are held together by hand. We place these models on an instrument called a bite simulator, which allows us to study the relationship of the upper and lower teeth when the jaw joints are correctly positioned. The only way to insure that the bite is “harmonized” with a stable jaw joint position is with the use of a bite simulator.
The Treatment
We use only the highest quality orthodontic materials, and we never use recycled braces or wires to cut our costs. We have a unique way of putting on the braces. We use a rubber bonding tray, which allows us to bond a full set of braces on all the teeth at one time instead of individually placing each one by hand. This makes for a much shorter appliance placement appointment and provides much more precise positioning of the braces, which is critical for optimal treatment. Most orthodontists usually do not put braces on the second molars unless they are extremely misaligned. Dr. White's experience with TMJ treatment has taught him that a majority of these cases are caused by an improper bite involving the second molars. Therefore, we always put braces on all of the teeth, including the second molars. An inability to coordinate the bite with a stable jaw joint position can result in post-orthodontic complications such as relapse (crowding), worn or loose teeth and TMJ problems including jaw joint clicking or locking, pain and severe headaches. After the braces are removed, patients are given the option of wearing an appliance made on the bite simulator called a tooth positioner, which coordinates the bite with a stable jaw joint position. We then check the results with a final set of models mounted on the bite simulator after the braces have been removed.
The Cost/Value
Let's face it, no one wants to pay anymore than necessary for braces so there's a tendency to select the cheapest orthodontic treatment. And that would be a valid decision if all orthodontic treatment was the same, but it's not. Unfortunately, the cost of having braces twice far exceeds the cost of well-planned, high-quality orthodontic treatment provided once. The extra steps that we take throughout treatment ensure a more stable result later on. Dr. White doesn't want the fee to prevent anyone from having the excellent orthodontic treatment that they deserve, so we offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs. We realize that you have a choice of orthodontists. We want you to be happy with your decision years after the braces have been removed. Careful planning before you begin can help eliminate unnecessary aggravation and expense in the future. Excellent orthodontic treatment is a wise investment in your smile that will pay big dividends for years to come. If there is anything that our office can do to help you in facilitating your selection, please give us a call (740-3395).
This form requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Reader already installed on your computer, click the Adobe logo to download.