Frequently Asked Questions
Answers From Dr. Pedersen
Read on for answers to commonly-asked questions that Dr. Pedersen hears from patients like you in York and all over Pennsylvania.
About the Free Consultation
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or Invisalign without charging a fee
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients between the ages of 6 and 8 if you or your dentist feel that a problem exists or there is a potential future problem.
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe; not necessarily to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A percentage of young patients may benefit from early intervention. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed, and an observation schedule is arranged, if appropriate.
The first visit will last approximately one hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. In the case of a very young patient, we might just do a visual exam and explain the situation. However, for the majority of our patients, we take photographs, X-ray(s), and a digital scan of the patient’s teeth.
Yes, we do! We treat a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.
Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.
An orthodontist is a dentist that has had at least 2 additional years of full-time training in orthodontics at an accredited institution resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits his practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
Dr. Pedersen attends many continuing education courses and seminars to further their knowledge. They have also taken the additional step of becoming board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patients, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9am and 3pm. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family’s needs.
Yes. If you have an emergency, please call the office and we will help you or give you instructions on who to call. Someone is always available to handle emergencies.
Mechanics of Tooth Movement
Complete treatment can usually be accomplished in 2 years of active tooth movement. Sometimes, this active movement is divided into two or more periods of time. (See phase 1 and 2 treatment above).
Quite simply, crooked teeth are gradually moved into desired positions by taking shaped wires and attaching them to brackets on the teeth.
Many times Invisalign treatment can be completed in less than two years.
Invisalign uses sophisticated computer software to engineer a series of custom-manufactured clear aligners. These aligners are used in conjunction with strategically placed, tooth-colored attachments to apply forces to the teeth in order to move them into the desired positions.
Impact on Health
Orthodontics helps to improve the comfort of the bite, make it easier to brush and floss your teeth for good dental health, and many times, helps to balance the facial musculature. The positive self-esteem benefits are immeasurable.
Mouth breathing, as a result of enlarged adenoids or tonsils or allergies, may cause your upper and lower jaws to grow apart and elongate facial form during growth, resulting in crowding and often narrow arches. This is not true for every patient and an evaluation by an ENT physician, in addition to an orthodontic evaluation, may be needed to determine this.
The effects are similar to enlarged adenoids. Plus, the pressure on front teeth from the tongue thrusting can aggravate protrusion and spacing.
Finances & Insurance
Yes! Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for necessary services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.
Our financial office will prepare your insurance claims in order to ensure that you obtain your maximum orthodontic benefit.
Yes, we accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover cards.
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit from a checking or savings account.
No, our in-office plan is interest-free.
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
Types of Treatment
Phase 1 treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later.
Phase 1 treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics done during adolescence. Examples of phase 1 treatment include correcting:
- tooth or jaw crossbites
- underbites
- overbites
- and like issues which present functional, aesthetic, or psychological concerns.
Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12-year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts between 2 and 3 years.
An early visit is suggested. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from Phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care.
TMJ
Scientific literature has documented that there is not a direct connection between orthodontic treatment or occlusion and TMJ disorders. Problems with TMJ can be present or absent in the presence of all types of good and bad bites.
Retainers
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over your lifetime.