What We Do to Optimize Your Treatment Time
1. Careful Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Selecting the best time for treatment as well as the most appropriate treatment plan can greatly affect time in treatment. Carefully considering all the treatment options helps each patient make a good decision about their orthodontic care. Current literature reviews, professional seminars, and peer contacts continually build our knowledge base.
2. Doctor Attention and Experience
Dr. Frick carefully evaluates every patient at every treatment visit to assure that treatment is appropriate and progressing as planned.
3. Individualized Treatment
No one "system" or treatment sequence is best for every patient. With that in mind, type of braces and wires, timing of treatment, and appointment intervals are dictacted by the needs of each patient, not an arbitrary routine.
4. Proven Technology - Appropriately Applied
Like most orthodontists, we use the latest in wire and bracket technology everyday. We also use custom made bonding trays that allow the most accurate and comfortable bracket placement on the teeth. Research and experience have clearly shown that there is no one "system" that creates better treatment results or shorter treatment times; despite claims to the contrary, the "newest technology" may or may not be the best solution for your particular problem.
5. Soft Tissue Laser
Somtimes gum tissue can interfere with placement of orthodontic brackets and increase treatment time. Our soft tissue laser comfortably removes gum tissue that is interfering with treatment progress and can help shorten treatment time.
6. Temporary Anchor Device (TAD)
We use mini screws inserted into the bone when indicated to help us move teeth more efficiently and in ways we could not without using these devices. TAD's can not only improve the quality of treatment but can also allow us to accomplish efficient, more timely tooth movement.
What You Can Do to Minimize Your Treatment Time
1. Follow Dr. Frick's instructions
Inconsistent cooperation is the single greatest cause of extended treatment time. If headgear and/or elastics are needed, consistent wear is essential for treatment progress. If elastics are needed full time, essentially no desired movement is accomplished with half time wear. Both the time of day and number of hours a headgear is worn affects it effectiveness.
2. Care of Braces
Damaged appliances are inconvenient for both the family and our office and can significantly increase treatment time. The braces are quite durable and damage should be minimal. Fingers in the mouth and biting hard objects are the most frequent causes of damage.
3. Keep Appointments
We prescribe specific treatment intervals to allow us to most efficiently accomplish the planned treatment.
4. Good Oral Hygiene
Inadequate time cleaning is the main cause of poor oral hygiene. Use of an electric toothbrush often makes cleaning easier and more effective. Special treatment required by the effects of poor hygiene can extend treatment time.