6 Month Braces vs. Regular Braces FAQ
Q: HOW CAN DR. GEORGAKLIS STRAIGHTEN MY TEETH IN 6 MONTHS WHEN OTHER OFFICES TOLD ME AT LEAST 1 – 2 YEARS?
A: Most orthodontists spend 1-2 years perfecting the molar bite into a prescribed pattern, the “ideal bite,” usually without regard to your main complaint. Dr. Georgaklis and those who practice his short-term orthodontic philosophy do little or no modification of the bite if it is functional and does not present a problem. Focusing on mainly the front teeth and not the molars accelerates treatment.
Doing more work per visit is another aspect. We see you for an hour per visit. We also use high-tech materials and innovative techniques such as bite planes, custom bracket modifications, and splinted retainers. That’s also why Dr. G schedules 1-hour visits with you and not the usual “10 minutes or less!” you will usually get in orthodontic factories that see 50-100 patients per day. We see only 8-12 patients, which tells you how different our adult braces treatment approach is.
Q: WHAT OTHER SERVICES CAN ENHANCE MY END RESULT?
A: We can resolve special problems like uneven, misshapen, or discolored teeth, white spots, uneven gumline, etc., that require someone with a good eye who can put all the pieces together for a superb end result. We also can splint (connect) your teeth, so they stay straight without retainers. Other offices almost never splint your upper teeth because they don’t leave space in the bite ahead of time.
Q: WHEN ORTHODONTIC SPLINTING VS. JUST ORTHODONTIC RETAINERS?
A: Teeth that are very crowded, twisted, or teeth way out of position are best kept in place with a splint connecting the backs of the teeth, so no retainers are necessary. This is similar to connecting two fingers together after one is broken so the bone grows straight over time.
Q: COST VS. TRADITIONAL DENTAL BRACES (OR INVISALIGN)?
A: We charge about 10% – 20% less depending on whether you choose metal, clear, or invisible braces, and we include orthodontic retainers (which others charge an extra $200 – $500 more for). Plus, you will be done in 6 months and can have your teeth reshaped, bonded, etc., some of which is included.
Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BITE PROBLEMS?
A: There are five different kinds of bite problems described here: A Class II bite, “overbite,” or more correctly- overjet, means the upper teeth are way ahead of the lowers, and the chin is back.
A Class III bite “underbite” means the lower incisors bite in front of the upper incisors, and the chin is forward.
A deep bite means the uppers’ incisors close deeply over the lowers, and the lips may protrude.
Crossbite means the lower teeth close outside the uppers. Often caused by airway problems, deviated septum, or mouth breathing.
Open bite means the upper incisors never overlap or touch the lower incisors, often caused by a tongue thrust habit.
Dr. Georgaklis in the Press
Click below to see articles about Dr. Georgaklis in Dentistry Today, the most widely circulated dental publication in the world.
- September 1999
- June 2001
- January 2002
- October 2007
- January 2008 – Page 1
- January 2008 – Page 2
- December 2009