Orthodontic FAQs - Macomb Township MI

To assist you in finding out more about our practice and orthodontics in general, we have listed some questions we get asked from time to time, and have provided the answers we offer to these questions:

Why is orthodontics important?

Having a great smile gives you the confidence to convey to others your inner beauty. Self confidence is crucial to success in life, and what better way to be your best than to obtain that smile you have always envisioned having!

An attractive smile and improved self-image are just two of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to gum disease or bone loss, tooth decay, chewing and digestive problems, speech impairments, tooth loss or excess wearing down of the teeth, and other dental injuries.

Why should malocclusions (bad bites) be treated?

According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more difficult to brush and floss properly, which may contribute to tooth decay and/or gum disease. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavorable growth and uneven tooth wear. Openbites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than make a great smile—it creates a healthier you.

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow or will my bite problem self-correct with time?

Usually not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In fact, most of the time, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age. In addition, facial and jaw growth usually continue the existing pattern and tend not to change on their own without orthodontic or orthopedic intervention.

What are the early warning signs of a bad bite?

Early or late loss of individual baby teeth
Difficulty chewing or biting into food
Crowded, poorly positioned, or blocked-out teeth
Frequent biting of the cheeks, lips, or roof of the mouth
Teeth that do not meet at all
Finger-sucking or thumb-sucking habits
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the face

Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Dr. Bieszki spent an additional two years after dental school studying only orthodontics, in a full-time graduate program accredited by the American Dental Association. He wrote a master’s thesis, and earned a master’s degree in orthodontics after treating many orthodontic patients in his residency to state dental board quality.

Dr. Bieszki is State of Michigan board-certified orthodontist, and because he graduated from an accredited graduate program, and passed the rigorous orthodontic state board examination, was granted a state license to have a specialty practice in orthodontics, exclusively.

At Macomb Orthodontics, we have all of the advanced training and specialized equipment necessary to treat a wide variety of cases of all levels of difficulty, including you or your child’s. Experience the difference seeing a specialist can make, and call Macomb Orthodontics for your orthodontic consultation today!

Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with Dr. Bieszki?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves. Unlike with medical insurance, no referral is necessary to see Dr. Bieszki, and the lack of a referral has no bearing on receiving all your orthodontic insurance benefit.

How do I schedule an appointment for a complimentary initial orthodontic consultation with Macomb Orthodontics?

If you or your dentist feel that you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office at 586-226-BRACES, and we will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you. If you wish, you may download the new patient forms from this website’s homepage, and fill them out prior to your visit.

What will happen at the initial consultation appointment?

At your initial visit, you or your child will be given a thorough orthodontic examination by Dr. Bieszki. The doctor will review with you any treatment that may be needed at this time or in the future. Any questions you may have will be answered in full.

What will I learn from the initial consultation?

There are five essential questions we will cover during the initial examination:

Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
What is the best time to correct the problem, if it exists?
What must be done to correct the problem?
How long does Dr. Bieszki estimate the treatment will take to complete?
How much will the treatment cost?

When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result and the least amount of time and expense.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age seven, and Dr. Bieszki agrees. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment.

What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, and prevents serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal (or determine that no treatment is necessary at all).

In addition, at Macomb Orthodontics, we have Team Mo Junior Varsity for patients that aren’t quite ready for treatment: the fun continues even if the patient is not in active treatment!

Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?

By the age of 7, the first adult molars erupt, which establishes the back bite. During this time, an orthodontist can evaluate front-to-back and side-to-side tooth relationships. For example, the presence of erupting incisors can indicate possible overbite, open bite, crowding, or gummy smiles. Timely screening increases the chances for an incredible smile.

What is Phase-One (interceptive) Treatment?

Phase-One treatment (also called interceptive treatment), if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase-One treatment lasts about 12 to 18 months, but it can be less. The primary objective for Phase-One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

In cases that are candidates for two phases of treatment, without Phase-One treatment, the case will become very difficult if not impossible to achieve an ideal result once all the permanent teeth have erupted. Dr. Bieszki only performs two phases of treatment when the case dictates that it is absolutely necessary.

What are the advantages of Phase-One (interceptive) treatment?

Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
Preserving space for unerupted teeth
Reducing the need for tooth removal
Improving self-image
Reducing treatment time with braces

Does everyone need Phase-One treatment?

No. Only certain bite or eruption problems require early orthodontic treatment. The most critical problems that should be started with treatment early are underbites and significantly constricted (narrow) arch forms.

The problems of each patient must be assessed individually to determine the specific treatment options and the appropriate timing of the treatment.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

What is Phase-Two treatment?

Phase-Two treatment (the final stage involving active tooth movement and bite correction) involves the use of braces on all the adult teeth to guide them into their most optimal positions. Aesthetics, function, and stability of the final tooth positions are all key components in determining each patient’s treatment plan.

Will my child need Phase-Two (full braces) if he/she has Phase-One treatment?

It is best to assume your son or daughter will need full braces even after Phase-One treatment. The period following Phase-One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Phase-One treatment prepares the way for a great result to be achieved when all the permanent teeth are erupted in Phase Two. Phase-Two treatment involves detailing the bite and harmonizing the smile with the face.

How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until Dr. Bieszki has evaluated your specific needs. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your orthodontic benefit (which is distinct from your dental benefit in most plans).

How often will I have appointments?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every four to eight weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment. We will provide an excuse slip if necessary.

Can I still play sports?

Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for all sports.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (for example, caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day: after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to brush and floss his or her teeth with braces.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

No. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces! All adults must be cleared of periodontal (gum) disease from their dentist prior to starting orthodontic treatment.

Are retainers necessary following orthodontic treatment?

A retainer is a removable device that is worn after the braces are finished. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from shifting out of their final positions while the bone around your teeth stabilizes. The positions of the teeth are constantly affected by lip, tongue, and chewing forces, and therefore wearing retainers is the only sure way to prevent unwanted shifting of the teeth.

At Macomb Orthodontics, the type of retainer we use is only to be worn at night, which makes it convenient and effective to keep that great smile we give you looking great for the rest of your life!