FAQ
1. Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
2. What does “board certified” mean?
3. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
4. How often will I have appointments?
5. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
6. Do braces hurt?
7. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
8. Do you give shots?
9. Do you use recycled braces?
10. Can I still play sports?
11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
12. Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
13. What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
14. Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
15. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
16. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
1. Why should you 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. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
It is important to note that in the state of Florida, it is not required to be an orthodontic specialist to have an orthodontic office or practice orthodontics. However, it will give you great confidence to know that both Dr. Moricz and Dr. Varone are licensed specialists in orthodontics.
2. What does “board certified” mean?
Dr. Moricz and Dr. Varone have gone a step beyond and are Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics. This is a voluntary effort in continuing education culminating in presentation of treatment results for critical review by a panel of nationally-respected peers. Not all orthodontists are board certified.
3. 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 we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, such as 0% in house financing and Chase third party financing. (link to chase??) We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
4. How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen, on average, at 6 week intervals. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
5. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with our office coordinator before dropping off their child.
6. Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not "hurt", although some degree of discomfort can be expected from time to time. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, a pain medication such as ibuprofen will ease the discomfort.
7. Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
8. Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
9. Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
10. Can I still play sports?
Yes. We offer a mouth guard for all sports. A mouth guard will be provided to our patients, at no additional charge, if one is needed.
11. Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular check-ups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
12. 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. A general rule of thumb is to avoid foods that are sticky, crunchy or chewy. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, bagels and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
13. What is an emergency appointment? How are those 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 we need to see you to make you comfortable, we will set aside time for you. Please see the Emergency section under Patient Info on this website.
14. 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.
15. Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults, over 30%! Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
16. Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
