| Orthodontics
Why choose Golden Kids for your orthodontics?
Treatment Planning Technology – From diagnosis to finish, we use the latest proven technology. We rely heavily on computerized treatment planning to ensure we undergo the most appropriate and highest quality treatment for your child (or you). All of our x-rays are taken on digital film. This requires ˝ the radiation of traditional film. A digitized image also allows a higher level of treatment planning than standard film.
Indirect bonding – This allows placement of your braces in 1/2 the time (and 1/2 the discomfort). It also ensures 100% accuracy in their placement (incorrect bracket placement is universal throughout orthodontics using traditional methods, and is one of the main causes of prolonged treatment time. Below is a synopsis of this method.
Using a computer for guidance, braces are set up on a model of your teeth in the ideal location. A rubber transfer tray is then vacuum-formed over the top. When you come in to get your braces, Dr. Lovell prepares your teeth, places the transfer tray in your mouth, and cures the cement with a high-speed 3-second plasma arc curing light. The rubber tray is then removed, and your braces are attached to your teeth!
State of the art Sterilization – All instruments are run through a series of steps equivalent to a hospital microbiology lab. The left picture shows a biological-grade Hydrim system, which uses enzymes and jets to blast all debris from the instruments. The right picture shows an autoclave capable of killing all living microbes, including spores. Both items are state of the art.
Comfort, Style, and Fun – Video games, beanbag chairs, and a pleasant, stylish, modern office make the orthodontic experience more enjoyable.
Value – Our prices are all-inclusive and cover everything from records to retainers. You won’t be “nickel-and-dimed”. Even though we provide a much higher level of technology than a typical orthodontic office, our prices are lower than the average for Denver.
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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: What is orthodontics?
A: Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Braces are appliances normally used to correct these problems.
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Q: Why is orthodontics important?
A: An attractive smile and improved self-image is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
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Q: What are the benefits of braces?
A: Having straight teeth that fit together properly improves function and your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively. Straight teeth make it easier for you and your dental team to keep them clean. If you ever need a filling, crown or bridge, your dentist can usually do better restoration if the teeth are aligned properly. The appearance of teeth and face is improved. Having a pleasing smile improves self-esteem, confidence and a feeling of acceptance in our daily activities.
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Q: At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?
A: Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child's physician.
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Q: What is a malocclusion?
A: Malocclusion literally means bad bite. Most malocclusions are inherited, however, it is possible to acquire a bad bite from habits such as tongue thrusting and thumb sucking. The premature loss of baby teeth or the extraction of adult teeth can also cause the development of malocclusion.
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Q: What are some early warning signs of a bite problem?
A: Early or late loss of primary teeth, Difficulty in chewing or biting, Mouth breathing, Finger sucking or other oral habits beyond age 5, Overlapped, misplaced or blocked-out teeth, Protruding teeth, Biting the cheek or into the roof of the mouth, Teeth that meet in an abnormal manner or do not meet at all, Jaws that shift or make sounds, Jaws that protrude, retrude or contribute to facial imbalance, Speech difficulty.
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Q: Will braces hurt?
A: Most patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on and immediately after their braces are tightened. Aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever or ibuprofen can be used to ease the discomfort.
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Q: What can I eat with braces?
A: Most foods can be enjoyed just as before you got your braces. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods can damage braces and should be avoided.
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Q: Why do baby teeth sometimes need to be pulled?
A: Pulling baby teeth may be necessary to allow severely crowded permanent teeth to come in at a normal time in a normal location. If the teeth are severely crowded, some permanent teeth will either remain impacted (teeth that should have come in, but have not), or come in to an undesirable position. To allow severely crowded teeth to move on their own into much more desirable positions, sequential removal of baby teeth and permanent teeth (usually first premolars) can dramatically improve a severe crowding problem. This sequential extraction of teeth, called serial extraction, is typically followed by comprehensive orthodontic treatment after tooth eruption has improved as much as it can on its own.
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Q: What about the wisdom teeth (third molars), should they be removed?
A: In about three out of four cases where teeth have not been removed during orthodontic treatment, there are good reasons to have the wisdom teeth removed, usually when a person reaches his or her mid- to late- teen years. Your orthodontist, in consultation with your family dentist, can determine what is right for you.
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Q: How long will I have to undergo orthodontic treatment?
A: It will vary for each patient and always depends on how much your jaw needs to change and how far your teeth must move. Early treatment usually lasts from 6-12 months. Full treatment with full braces will last from 18-36 months. Average time is 24 months.
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Q: Will I still be able to play sports?
A: Yes. It is recommended, however, that patients protect their smiles by wearing a mouth guard when participating in any sporting activity. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colors and patterns.
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Q: Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?
A: No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment. In addition, brace covers can be provided to prevent discomfort.
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Q: Can you be too old for braces?
A: No. Age is not a factor, however, there are advantages to treating young people while they are still growing. About 25% of orthodontic patients in the United States are adults. If you are an adult considering orthodontic work, that treatment has changed a great deal in the last few years. Braces are more comfortable and more effective today. You can get braces in the tradition silver color, or with much less visible clear brackets.
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Q: Why are retainers needed after orthodontic treatment?
A: After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers provide that stabilization and are designed to hold teeth in their corrected, ideal positions until the bones and gums adapt to the treatment changes. Wearing retainers exactly as instructed is the best insurance that the treatment improvements last for a lifetime.
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Q: Is orthodontic care expensive?
A: Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is often less costly than the dental care required to treat the more serious problems that can develop years later. After examining you or your child, we will review the costs involved with treatment. Financing is usually available and our office offers customized-flexible payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.
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Q: How often will I need office visits?
A: Once appliances are in place, routine office visits are at six-to-eight week intervals. Periodically, we may need to see you sooner or in case of any emergency we will probably need to see you that day.
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Cost
Orthodontic fees have not increased as fast as many other consumer products. When orthodontic treatment is implemented at the proper time, treatment is usually less costly than the dental care required treating the more serious problems that can develop years later. After examining you or your child, we will review the costs involved with treatment. Financing is available and our office offers customized-flexible payment programs that will meet your needs. In addition, many insurance plans now include orthodontics.
The following list will give you a rough idea of the cost of treatment. Keep in mind that these fees are “all-inclusive” and cover the entire cost of orthodontic treatment. Everything from diagnostic records, braces, and retainers are included.
Phase I – limited braces $2250 to $2750. If phase II is required later, ˝ of the cost of phase I is applied towards phase II
Phase II – This phase depends largely on how your child’s jaws are developing. If an “overbite” (protruded or buck teeth) is present, plan on spending $4800 for full treatment. If your child has an under-bite, plan on $5200 - $5500. If your child’s jaws are normal, but crowding is present, $4500 will be the likely fee.
Single jaw treatment – if only upper or lower braces are needed, $3000 is the fee.
Invisalign – This varies widely depending on length of treatment and the difficulty of your case. A simple mild-crowding case may cost as little as $3000, while a complex under-bite / severe-crowding case may cost as much as $6500.
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