The following are Frequently Asked Questions. Please click on a link to view the answer and some general information about each question.
Why pursue orthodontic treatment? When is the best time for treatment? How long does treatment take? Does my dentist need to make a referral? Does orthodontic treatment hurt? Is orthodontic treatment the same for everybody? Is adult treatment a possibility? How do I pay for the care? Will insurance cover the care? What is the average fee for orthodontic treatment? Do you accept Medicaid and HMOs? How do I get started?
Why pursue orthodontic treatment? There are a number of reasons to pursue orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic improvement is the main concern of most patients. However, a discrepancy in the bite may cause other associated problems. A bite discrepancy can cause premature wear of the teeth, accelerate the loss of gum or bone support to the teeth (with eventual loss of teeth) or inhibit normal chewing of food. In certain patients, the alignment of the teeth can prevent normal lower jaw function with eventual pain in the muscles that move the jaw or cause a breakdown of the lower jaw joint.
When is the best time for treatment? Although orthodontic treatment can be completed at any point in an individual's lifetime, the best time to pursue treatment is typically during the adolescent growth spurt. This growth period varies from case to case. Girls in general, mature earlier and faster, so timing in their cases is more critical. The average starting age for girls is between 9 and 11 years. Boys will typically start between ages 10 and 12. These are general guidelines and as always there are "exceptions to the rule." Some cases require earlier intervention. Others may have slow erupting teeth which may require starting later. Our recommendation is to see a patient prior to the "typical" starting age (approximately age 8 for girls and age 9 for boys). This allows us to complete a growth study if the patient is not ready to start. If the patient is ready to start, we will inform the parents. Occasionally, the dentist will see something in the bite which he or she may believe requires more immediate action. If this is the case, we would be happy to see the patient as soon as possible to evaluate.
How long does treatment take? Treatment times vary widely depending upon a number of variables. More difficult cases, in general, take longer. The rate and direction of jaw growth and tooth eruption can have a significant impact on treatment times. Another important variable is patient cooperation. The average case takes approximately 24 months to complete. Some cases can take as little as six months, other more complicated cases can take as long as 36 months. The best way to determine treatment time is to schedule an orthodontic evaluation.
Does my dentist need to make a referral? No - some patients seek out an orthodontic evaluation at the suggestion of their dentists. However, many patients we see are "between dentists." In addition, there are circumstances where a patient or parent has an orthodontic concern that may not have been addressed by the dentist. If you have an orthodontic concern, you do not need a dental referral to schedule an exam.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt? In general, following an adjustment of the braces, the teeth will be sensitive for one to three days. The sensitivity is similar to the soreness one might experience in your muscles following a good workout. You do not need "shots" for orthodontic treatment. If you have a fear of needles, you will not need to fear orthodontic treatment.
Is orthodontic treatment the same for everybody? No - treatment times and techniques vary widely. The statement "no two orthodontic treatments are exactly the same" applies. Numerous treatment techniques have been developed to address the variations found in individual case problems. Often times, orthodontists will vary in their treatment approach. For example, some orthodontists may recommend extraction of permanent teeth to resolve a crowded condition, others may recommend using jaw growth. In some cases both options may be presented. If you have any questions about a proposed treatment, please ask your orthodontist. If questions persist, you can always consult another orthodontist for a "second opinion."
Is adult treatment a possibility? We can complete orthodontic treatment at any time. Adult treatment may take longer than the adolescent, but the rewards can be just as great. Adult orthodontic treatment is the fastest growing area of our practice and today comprises about 35% of our patient population.
How do I pay for care?
Will insurance cover the care?
What is the average fee for orthodontic treatment?
Do you accept Medicaid and HMOs? Haas Orthodontic Arts is currently a provider for the Buckeye Community Health Plan & Unison Health Plan. Our Weathervane Lane office is the only state-affiliated office, which is where Medicaid HMOs cases are seen. There are a couple requirements in order to set up an appointment with our office: - The Medicaid member must be at least 10 years of age. The maximum age for orthodontic treatment through Medicaid is 21 years of age.
- A full-mouth or panoramic x-ray must be sent to our office, a procedure that is usually already done by your dentist. Bite wings are not sufficient enough for diagnostic purposes.
Some plans have specific referral requirements that must be followed in order to set up an orthodontic evaluation. For these requirements and all other Medicaid related questions, please contact our Weathervane Lane office at (330) 869-0137.
How do I get started?
Just call and schedule an appointment at your most convenient location. The initial visits average approximately 30 minutes each. During your first visit, we will perform an oral exam and discuss our findings regarding your, or your child's, orthodontic needs. If treatment is necessary, we will recommend and, with your consent, take the appropriate records to prepare a complete diagnosis. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results of our study and answer your specific questions. If your child is not not ready for treatment, we will place him/her on "recall." This means we monitor the patient at six to twelve month intervals. When the most opportune time for treatment arrives, we will inform you and recommend records be taken for consultation as noted above. Are there any forms I need to complete for the care?
You will receive a patient history form in your introductory packet. This should be completed with the patient's information and returned to our office the day of the first appointment. If I have an exam, do I have to start treatment?
No - the orthodontic exam, records and consultation are done to provide the patient and parents with enough information to make an educated decision. If a patient chooses not to start treatment, the only fee charged is $95 or $145 if records are taken. | 
