FAQ

  1. Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?

While some of our patients are referred to us by their family dentist, it is not required.

  1. At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

As recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists®, children should see an orthodontist by age 7.

  1. Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

Unfortunately, since your mouth does not create extra room for the teeth past adolescence, they will not straighten with time.

  1. How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?

Contact Anna Patras Orthodontics at 973-729-5900, sending us an email or clicking on the “Request Appointment” button.

  1. What will happen at the initial examination appointment?

Our team will first ask for an insurance card, as well as a copy of your new patients forms. Our orthodontist will then examine your teeth and possibly take images of your mouth for diagnosis.

  1. What will I learn from the initial examination?

Dr. Anna Patras will cover several key questions. One, is there an orthodontic problem? What is the orthodontic problem, if there is one? What treatment must be used to treat it? Will teeth need to be removed? How long will treatment take?

  1. How long will it take to complete treatment?

Treatment time will vary from patient to patient. Most patients will take between 18 and 24 months, though treatment time can be a short as eight months or as long as 30 months.

  1. How often will I have appointments?

We schedule appointments according to each patient. Many patients should expect to see our orthodontist within four to eight weeks of their appointment.

  1. How much will treatment cost?

Cost will vary depending on the treatment type and the individual patient. Our orthodontist will examine your smile and give you an exact cost during your first visit. We also have options for financing available at our office, helping cater to many different people.

  1. Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

While a few appointments can be planned after school has let out, parents are not able to schedule all appointments during these times. We will do our best to meet your needs, but because these appointments only occur every four to eight weeks, young patients will only need to visit infrequently and can return to school after their visit.

  1. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes, young patients can be dropped off. Dr. Patras however may ask to speak with parents, so please check in with a member of our team before leaving.

  1. Do you give shots?

Our office does not need to give any shots to complete treatment.

  1. Can I still play sports?

Patients can still participate in sports, though we recommend getting a custom mouth guard to protect their teeth.

  1. Do I need to see my family dentist while undergoing orthodontics?

Yes, patients will need to regularly see their dentist for cleanings and exams.

  1. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

If you feel discomfort or a part of your appliance breaks, contact our office at 973-729-5900. Our office can resolve most problems over the phone or arrange your visit to our orthodontic office in Sparta, New Jersey.

  1. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes, though not every child needs early treatment, our office can provide this for patients who have severe issues.

  1. What is Phase One (early) Treatment?

Our orthodontist will suggest this treatment to treat children with orthodontic issues, usually between the ages of 7 and 10.

  1. Is it too late for orthodontics if I am already an adult?

Patients of any age can receive orthodontic treatment and about 25 percent of patients who receive orthodontics are adults, not children or teens.

  1. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?

Yes, even if you have a restoration or have lost a tooth, you can still receive orthodontic treatment.

  1. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?

Your teeth, jaws and other facial features can be permanently affected by orthodontics. So, it is essential that patients find a specialist they can trust for professional treatment.