UFCD Orthodontics Clinics: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need orthodontics?
This is a very individual question with no one answer. Everyone wants a beautiful smile and everyone ought to have a healthy one. The orthodontist's goal is to achieve both for the patient.

Why should I choose a specialist?
Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment; therefore it is very important that the treatment be properly done. Orthodontists limit their practice to orthodontic treatment only. They have learned the special skills required for tooth movement and guidance of facial development by completing an advanced training program after receiving a dental degree.

What if I do not want metal braces?
There are many options today for those patients who do not want metal braces.  For an additional fee, clear ceramic braces and a new treatment option called Invisalign are available in our clinics.  University of Florida Department of Orthodontics is one of the leading research sites in the nation for this new treatment technology.  Click the link below to learn more about Invisalign.

 

When should treatment begin?
There is no one answer to this because each orthodontic problem determines it's own best starting time. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist at age 7. This allows the orthodontist to determine when a child's particular problem should be treated for maximum improvement with the least time and expense.

What about adult orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and about 25% of orthodontic patients today are adults. The biological process involved in tooth movement is the same in both adults and children.