FAQs

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities. Typically, braces are placed and using light forces the teeth will move and align over time resulting in a beautiful healthy smile.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received 2 to 3 years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function and esthetics of your smile.

What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of 7; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself, or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist. Remember, no referral is necessary and the initial consultation is free.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile! There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

Clear braces
Ceramic braces
Gold braces
Lingual braces
Self-ligating braces
Invisible braces
Traditional metal braces

The braces are placed on your teeth by Dr.Kaufman and Dr. Roland. They are positioned very precisely and then literally glued to your teeth. Once the braces are adhered to the teeth then the archwires are placed which cause the teeth to move to their ideal positions. If you would like to see Dr. Kaufman actually placing them on a patient go to our youtube video at Kaufman Orthodontics and see it for yourself.

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Every patient has individual orthodontic issues that respond differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between 6 to 30 months depending on the severity of the case. However most standard treatments take about 20 to 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

When your braces are being placed you will only feel the doctor touching your teeth. However, after they are placed and the teeth begin to move (approximately 5-6 hours after) you will most likely have some mild discomfort. It is like having a headache in your teeth and if you take some ibuprofen or Tylenol and eat soft foods the discomfort will be minimized. The achiness that you experience after your appointment will last approximately 2-3 days and then will disappear.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces. We even have a special program that rewards you for your good dental check-ups.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities; like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance. We offer free mouth guards to use while you are in braces and we offer special wax for our instrument players. As you can see from our Office décor we encourage all of our patients to get involved in sports and the arts.

How do I brush and floss with braces?

Once your braces are placed you will be instructed how to floss and brush with your braces. It is only slightly different than what you are doing now; however there are special techniques we will be reviewing with you at your appointment.

Can I finance the orthodontics and do I have insurance benefits?

Our office will be as flexible as possible when it comes to financing the cost of the orthodontic treatment. We offer numerous payment plans and ensure that you will get your maximum orthodontic insurance benefits. There are no finance charges and we even offer discounts for those who would rather pay in full. We also have a very talented team to help you with your flexible spending accounts. All of your financing and costs will be discussed at your initial examination. It is our goal to help you find a solution that fits into your family budget to ensure you get the smile you have always dreamed about.

How do I schedule an initial appointment?

Simply call our practice at 585-424-6400. No referral is necessary and the initial examination is free of charge. When you call our office our helpful team will obtain all of the necessary information and schedule you an appointment at your convenience. We look forward to meeting you.