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EMERGENCY CARE

Our goal is to provide you the best facility with the most advanced techniques using the highest quality equipment. Our diverse and flexible payment plans and insurance support will allow you to take advantage of the area's best dental care.

Cosmetic Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics

Dr. Reiss ~ Dental Emergencies

During the course of orthodontic treatment brackets and wires may loosen. We call this a broken bracket or wire. This usually does not constitute an emergency unless you are in pain. You can contact us if you need assistance or advice by calling the main phone number and following the instructions given for emergencies if it is after office hours. We usually can advise you on how to cut the wire yourself so you are no longer in discomfort. If you need further assistance we will meet you to cut it for you. This is a very easy process and one that most patients can do themselves. We are always available to talk to you if you need to.

Informed Consent:

David H. Reiss D.M.D.
Member American Association of Orthodontists

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is an exciting treatment that can provide better health and comfort, improved appearance and enhanced self-esteem. As a rule, positive orthodontic results can be achieved by informed and cooperative patients. The following information is routinely supplied to all who consider orthodontic treatment. While recognizing the benefits of healthy teeth and a pleasing smile, you should also be aware that orthodontic treatment has limitations and potential risks. These are seldom enough to avoid treatment, but should be considered in making the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment usually proceeds as planned; however, like all areas of the healing arts, results cannot be guaranteed.

Benefits

Orthodontics plays an important role in improving overall oral health, and in achieving balance and harmony between the teeth and face for a beautiful, healthy smile. An attractive smile enhances one’s self-esteem, which may actually improve the quality of life itself. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush, and thereby may decrease the tendency to decay, or to develop diseases of the gum and supporting bone.

Because of the individual conditions present and the limitations of treatment imposed by nature, each specific benefit may not be attainable for every patient. The unknown factor in any orthodontic correction is the response of the patient to the orthodontic treatment.

Nature and Purpose of the Procedures

Orthodontics strives to improve the bite by helping to direct the forces placed on teeth, thus protecting them from trauma during ordinary everyday activities, such as chewing and grinding. Orthodontics distributes the chewing stress throughout the mouth to minimize excessive stress on bones, roots, gum tissue and temporomandibular joints.

Through orthodontic treatment, potential dental problems may be eliminated, including the problem of abnormal wear. Treatment can facilitate good oral hygiene to minimize decay and future periodontal problems. Also, orthodontics can provide a pleasant smile, which can enhance one’s self-image.

Potential Risks and Limitations of Orthodontic Treatment

While a pleasing smile, more balanced face, and healthier bite are widely appreciated, orthodontic treatment is an elective procedure. And like any other treatment of the body, it has inherent risks and limitations. Please read the following information carefully, and ask us any questions you have so that you fully understand these risks. Also understand that we feel the benefits of orthodontic treatment far outweigh the risks.

  1. Cooperation: Patient cooperation is the most important factor in completing treatment on time. Insufficient wearing of elastics, removable appliances, or headgear; broken appliances, missed appointments, and poor oral hygiene prevent the desirable results we all anticipate. Lack of cooperation is the most common cause of excessive treatment time, increased fees, and disappointing results.
  2. Decalcification and Cavities: Good oral hygiene is a must during orthodontic treatment. Tooth discoloration and decay can occur if patients eat foods containing excessive sugar and/or if they do not brush their teeth properly. Inadequate cleaning can also cause gum disease, and loose brackets and bands. Although gum problems can occur when not wearing braces, the risk is greater during orthodontic treatment.
  3. Periodontal Problems: Proper brushing and flossing can usually prevent swollen, inflamed and bleeding gums. Periodontal disease is most often caused by the accumulation of plaque and debris around the teeth and gums. However, unknown causes can also lead to progressive loss of supporting bone and gums. This most frequently occurs in patients with a tendency toward gum disease with or without braces. If periodontal problems become uncontrollable, orthodontic treatment may have to be discontinued prior to completion.
  4. Root Resorption: Some patients are prone to tooth roots shortening during orthodontic treatment. Under healthy conditions, shortened roots are no problem. However, combined with significant gum or supporting bone problems, the longevity of the involved teeth may be threatened.
  5. TMJ Problems: Patients with bad bites have a high potential for TMJ (jaw joint) problems, which may become evident during or after orthodontic treatment. TMJ problems may include jaw pain, ear pain, headaches, neckaches, etc. Orthodontic treatment may help remove the dental causes of TMJ problems, but has no effect on non-dental causes. An equilibration of the biting surfaces of the teeth, long-term use of an occlusal splint, or TMJ surgery may be necessary after orthodontic treatment. Remember, the majority of people with TMJ problems have never had orthodontic treatment.
  6. Root Canals: A tooth previously injured by trauma or a large filling can die over a period of time with or without orthodontic treatment, and may result in the tooth darkening. This condition, seldom due to orthodontics alone, may require root canal treatment.
  7. Relapse: Shifting or settling of teeth following treatment and retention often occurs in varying degrees. Some undesirable changes may include rotations, crowding of the lower front teeth, spaces at extraction sites, and spaces between upper front teeth. The eruption of wisdom teeth, previously rotated teeth, mouth breathing, and uncontrolled muscle habits are the most frequent causes. The best way to minimize undesirable changes is to wear retainers every night or a few evenings each week for an indefinite period.
  8. Digit Habits: Continued finger or thumb sucking and incorrect swallowing may extend treatment time. Uncontrolled muscle habits may also cause undesirable tooth shifting following treatment. If significant, retreatment involving an additional fee may be necessary.
  9. Undesirable Jaw Growth: Occasionally, insufficient or excessive jaw growth can limit the desired results. On rare occasions, we may need to recommend a treatment plan change to include extractions or jaw surgery. If substantial undesirable growth changes occur after active treatment, retreatment at an additional fee may be needed.
  10. Impacted Teeth: Various problems may be encountered during attempts to move an impacted tooth, and may lead to periodontal problems or the loss of the tooth. Occasionally, the tooth becomes trapped under another tooth and the extraction of one of the teeth becomes necessary. Rarely, the impacted tooth fails to move even when there is room and it must be extracted, which may require a bridge or implant replacement.
  11. Oral Surgery: Sometimes, tooth removal or oral surgery is necessary in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, especially to correct severe jaw imbalances. Oral surgery presents rare life-threatening risks and potential disabilities. Discuss these risks with your oral surgeon and family dentist before deciding to proceed with surgery.
  12. Headgear: If a headgear is pulled out with the elastic force still attached, the metal part may snap back and injure the face, eyes, etc. Safety devices have been developed to prevent this, but injury may still be caused by careless or improper use.
  13. Ceramic Brackets: Ceramic brackets may cause excessive wearing of tooth enamel. Also, ceramic brackets are more brittle than steel and may break. These fractured brackets may be swallowed or inhaled, and since they do not appear on x-rays, are difficult for a physician to locate.
  14. Allergies: Allergies to orthodontic materials may occur during orthodontic treatment. Known allergies can be avoided, but if they are unknown to you, it is impossible to predict any reaction. People who have other allergies are more prone to have allergies to orthodontic materials.
  15. Unusual Occurrences: Unusual occurrences such as swallowing an appliance, bracket, band, or the end of an archwire; dislodging a restoration, or formation of an abscess or a cyst may occur. These occurrences are extremely rare.
  16. Treatment Time: The time required to complete treatment may exceed the original time estimate. Most often, treatment is delayed due to poor cooperation, poor oral hygiene, missed appointments, or unusual growth patterns. Occasionally it is in the best interest of the patient to discontinue treatment and place retainers even though treatment has not achieved the desired results.
  17. Necessary Dental Work: All necessary dentistry must be completed prior to starting orthodontic treatment. Also, the patient must maintain regular dental checkups every six months during treatment. Adults must visit their dentist for scaling and cleaning every three to six months during treatment, according to their needs.

Possible Alternatives

For the vast majority of patients, orthodontic treatment is an elective procedure. One possible alternative to orthodontic treatment is no treatment at all. You could choose to accept your present oral condition and decide to live without orthodontic correction or improvement. The specific alternative to the orthodontic treatment of any particular patient depends on the nature of the individual’s teeth, supporting structure and appearance. Alternatives could include:

    1. Extraction versus treatment without extraction;
    2. Orthognathic surgery versus treatment without surgery;
    3. Possible prosthetic solutions and;
    4. Possible compromised approaches.

It is our intent to inform you of the potential problems that exist during orthodontic treatment. Most of these conditions occur rarely, and other even more rare risks may also exist. Quality treatment depends on a close professional working relationship: Patients should feel free to inquire about any aspect of treatment. Understanding and cooperation are essential for the results that we all see.

OFFICE POLICIES

Cooperation The doctor’s instructions regarding appliances and oral hygiene must be carefully followed. Oral hygiene must be perfect at all times. The diet must be restricted so hard, sticky, and high sugar foods are omitted. Use appliances only as directed. Your cooperation is the key to efficient treatment and best possible results.

Appointments are scheduled at intervals for the best treatment progress. Failed appointments or repeated excessive tardiness will interfere with the treatment and necessitate an additional charge. There is a charge of $20.00 for each failed appointment after the second broken appointment. A failed appointment is one that is not cancelled at least twenty-four hours in advance.

Dental Insurance Make certain your coverage assumptions are correct. Most companies pay only a portion of the fee. Professional services are rendered to a person, not the insurance company. The patient is directly responsible for payment. We will assist with the insurance claims, but do not accept any responsibility for changes in coverage. If insurance is lost, patient payment is increased so that the balance is zero by the date specified in this contract.

Transfer If a patient must transfer prior to completing their payment contract then adjustments can be made. There will be a charge for duplicating records and any balance must be paid in full before records are transferred.

Fee For Treatment The orthodontic fee covers all appliances ( braces, headgear, retainers ) and adjustments for the period of treatment specified. The fee does not include fillings, surgery, extractions, x-rays or special records, which may be necessary during the course of treatment. Budgeting of fee is for your convenience, not for services rendered. Monthly remittance is due regardless of appointment scheduling. If treatment is extended past the expected completion date due to patient neglect, such as, failed appointments, breakage, and lack of cooperation, the monthly fee will be continued until the patient is debanded.

Broken Appliances The appliances (brackets and wires) are costly and require great care. Excessive breakage is a problem that will effect the time and quality of care. In the course of treatment, a grace of two breakages will be tolerated, however, an appliance fee of $25.00 will be charged for each additional break after that. This charge must be paid at the time of repair and can not be budgeted. Any other appliances that are lost or broken will have a charge to repair or replace according to the lab fee required.

Return Checks The bank charges us for checks submitted with insufficient funds. This charge of $30.00 will be billed to the patient if such check is received.

Late Fee In order for us to keep costs as reasonable as possible, we must pay our accounts and staff on time. Therefore, we must receive our payments as scheduled. There will be a $10.00 late charge per month for payments that are received after the 1st day of the month.

AFTERCARE

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