FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Request an Appointment

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Request an
Appointment

TIMING OF TREAMENT

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN ORTHODONTIC EVALUATION FOR MY CHILD?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your child’s orthodontic condition. After an orthodontic exam, we will be able to give you advice on how to properly treat your child’s orthodontic problems.

WILL MY CHILD’S TEETH STRAIGHTEN-OUT WITH GROWTH?

The answer is a simple no. Growth does not resolve crowding issues. Once the first permanent molars have erupted, the space available for the remaining adult teeth decreases with age.

INITIAL EXAM

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN INITIAL EXAM?

Simply call our office. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY FAMILY DENTIST TO SCHEDULE AN INITIAL ORTHODONTIC EXAM?

No, you do not. In fact, many of our patients are referred by family and friends, and those new patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE INITIAL EXAMINATION APPOINTMENT

When you arrive, you will be greeted by our new patient coordinator. She will review yours or your child’s health history and explain our office policies and procedures. Our doctor will then perform a complete and thorough orthodontic exam. The doctor will answer your questions, review your orthodontic options and customize a treatment plan for you or your child.

TREAMENT

WILL I NEED TO HAVE PERMANENT TEETH EXTRACTED FOR BRACES?

Some patients require the removal of teeth to achieve the best orthodontic result. However, many do not require the removal of permanent teeth to achieve that great result.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE TREATMENT?

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem whether it is, Phase I, Phase II, comprehensive or surgical orthodontic care. In general, average treatment times range from 12 to 36 months. Quality care takes time.

HOW DOES MY INSURANCE WORK? ARE FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

Most orthodontic insurance polices only cover a portion of orthodontic treatment and have a lifetime maximum benefit. This is a distinct difference from regular dental insurance. Since orthodontic insurance policies vary we will review your particular insurance policy to maximize your benefit. Then, based upon your insurance benefits we will review with you different financing options.

HOW OFTEN WILL I HAVE APPOINTMENTS?

Most of our patients are seen every five to seven weeks. Sometimes patients may be seen more frequently based upon that particular patient’s orthodontic needs.

DO BRACES HURT?

In general, braces may be uncomfortable after certain appointments, but they shouldn’t hurt. Over the counter pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol should relieve any discomfort. However, after most visits most patients do not experience much soreness at all.

CAN I STILL PLAY SPORTS WITH BRACES?

It’s a simple yes. We have patients playing all kinds of sports with braces.

ARE THERE FOODS I CANNOT EAT WHILE I HAVE BRACES?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of these foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid damaged or broken appliances by carefully following our instructions.

WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT? HOW ARE THEY HANDLED?

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

CAN ORTHODONTIC CORRECTION OCCUR WHILE A CHILD HAS BABY TEETH?

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child be seen by an orthodontist at age 7. However, if a child is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that child’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

A man with braces smiling and pointing at his mouth

FAQSE

Request An
Appointment E

WHY CHOOSE DR. BRAD EDGREN

Well, if you are looking for an experienced orthodontist in the Greeley area, you won’t find a more worthy candidate. Brad Edgren has nearly two decades of experience and has been an active member on the American Board of Orthodontics. Aside from being a certified and active member of major orthodontic associations, Dr. Brad Edgren has written many different published articles and studies on orthodontia seen in dental journals, such as the AJODO, Orthodontic Practice US, The American Journal Of Dentistry, and so much more.

Dr. Edgren is, hands down, the best orthodontist in Northern Colorado. He personally delivers/places each and every appliance (braces, retainers, splints, expanders…) and is at each and every appointment. It’s safe to say if you go anywhere else you will find that the assistants do most of the doctoring. Why go anywhere else?