Not at all. While many of our patients do receive orthodontic referrals from their regular family dentist, our office can also schedule your appointment directly. Just give us a call and we will be happy to arrange a time that is most convenient for you to come in.
We have several options available to accommodate your busy schedule. You can simply call our office, send us an email, or fill out an online request form through our website. It’s really that easy!
Both the Canadian and American Associations of Orthodontists recommends that children have their orthodontic screening around 7 years of age. By this time, a study from Dr. Olson, a dentist in Kennewick has shown that most children will have some permanent teeth erupting and many skeletal discrepancies become evident at this age. Older children and adults who have never had orthodontic screening can visit an orthodontist at any time.
Each new patient will be greeted warmly upon arrival. Our friendly staff will guide you through the needed paperwork and answer any questions you may have. The typical first visit will include taking necessary x-rays and dental photographs, as well as a comprehensive exam by the doctor. You can learn more about your first visit to our First Visit Page.
The doctor will determine if there is an orthodontic condition that requires treatment and what can be done to correct the problem. She will also discuss how long the treatment will take to complete and the cost involved.
Unfortunately, they do not. The space for teeth tends to decrease as permanent back teeth erupt, which causes further crowding and other conditions that require treatment.
Although Dr. Sileikyte prefers to treat patients without taking any permanent teeth out, in some cases, it may be necessary to remove one or several teeth in order to achieve the best results with braces. The newer technological advances and orthodontic procedures have reduced the need for removal of teeth. The doctor will discuss with you all the options available for your specific needs.
Each patient is unique. The time to correct an orthodontic problem can vary greatly from person to person. The average time for a patient to wear braces is about 20 – 24 months. At your initial visit, Dr. Sileikyte will discuss all your expectations and goals with you. Just remember that this investment in time will yield the most attractive results.
After your initial examination, the doctor will be able to assess your specific needs and provide more information. Until that time, it is almost impossible to provide an exact cost for braces and treatment. We do offer several financing options to suit your needs. Our staff can review these with you and help you with any paperwork to file your claims and maximize your benefits.
Patients with braces are usually scheduled for follow-up visits every six to eight weeks. In a few cases, patients may need to be monitored more or less frequently. The doctor can help decide what is best for your orthodontic health.
Since most patient appointments are several weeks apart, we make every effort for the student to miss the minimal amount of school. Our staff will make every effort to accommodate you and your child’s needs.
We realize that everyone is busy these days, so we do allow parents to drop their children off for appointments. We only ask that parents check in at our front desk prior to or immediately after any scheduled appointment. You are part of your child’s treatment and we want to ensure you are fully informed throughout all stages.
Usually, it is not. Most patients do not experience any soreness at all. However, some patients may experience some discomfort when the braces are bonded or during routine adjustments. This is usually minor and can be remedied with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Absolutely! In fact, we make every effort to accommodate school and work schedules for all of our patients.
No, these are not a necessary part of having orthodontic treatment.
Certainly not! Each patient will receive a brand new set of brackets and wires. This is our standard of hygienic care, and we will never reuse someone’s old braces on a new patient.
Regular visits for checkups and cleanings with your family dentist are just as important as your routine visits to the orthodontist. Your dentist can advise you on the best schedule for this while you have braces.
We recommend that all of our patients brush their teeth at least four times a day. This includes after each meal and right before going to bed. It is also important that you learn how to floss your teeth while wearing braces. Your orthodontist can give you a prescription for a special fluoride rinse to help maintain tooth strength.
Yes, you will be able to continue all normal activities. We do recommend that you wear a mouth guard for all contact sports.
There are some foods that are not good for your braces as they can cause damage. Things like ice and hard candy or very sticky foods like taffy and caramel can dislodge brackets and brake wires. Carefully following your orthodontist’s instructions and asking questions when in doubt will prevent emergency visits to our office.
If a wire or bracket becomes loose or breaks, you should call our office as soon as possible. Sometimes these minor problems can be resolved while you are at home. Cases of extreme pain, though highly unlikely, will also require a call to our office. We will do our very best to accommodate you if you have to see the doctor on short notice.
In rare cases, some orthodontic problems are severe enough to necessitate a doctor’s intervention at an early age. The doctor will discuss all options with the parents of the child and decide what treatment is suitable. In some cases, if a patient is not ready to receive treatment, the doctor may closely monitor the child while he or she grows and develops.
Not at all. You are never too old to improve your health, appearance, and self-esteem through orthodontic treatment. A surprising number of our patients are adults. Plus, new advances in orthodontics give adult patients more flexibility and choice if they need braces.
Yes. The brackets for your braces will still adhere to your teeth, regardless of whether or not they have received prior dental treatment. A tooth that has been crowned still behaves like a perfectly healthy tooth. Also, if you are missing one or more teeth, braces can help realign the remaining teeth and close gaps.
An Edmonton orthodontist will provide you the best healthy smile possible with improved facial structure and function. An orthodontic specialist, such as Dr. Sileikyte, has completed 3 additional years beyond dental school of extensive, specialized training and will be able to determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient, no matter the complexity.
