Can Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster?

Can Lasers Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Faster?

Whether you had braces of your own when you were young or this experience is all new to you with your kids, you likely have an array of questions when it comes to the experience. Even after going to the orthodontist for the first time and presenting your initial inquiries, you may still feel as though you have a buffet of questions, especially when it comes to lasers and orthodontic treatment.

Why haven’t I heard of lasers for orthodontic treatment before?

If you had braces when you were a child or teenager, lasers were likely not in existence yet for orthodontic treatment. This method of treatment is fairly new on the scene in the world of braces and orthodontics.

Is enough information known about lasers?

Since this type of treatment is newer than many others, you may wonder about the long-term implications and the safety of it. What constitutes enough information is likely going to vary from person to person. Consider speaking to your orthodontist to ask specific questions but also to find out where you can discover research on the procedure. Reading some scholarly articles on the subject matter can help you to determine if this option is the right one for you.

How do the lasers work?

The lasers can help to fix the dental problems that you’re children are experiencing. Instead of having the old-fashioned wire-and-brackets model that you likely recall, lasers can be used to correct the problems and to give them the smiles that they crave.

Are my children candidates for laser treatment?

The answer to this question is one that only your orthodontist can answer. Many different treatment options exist when children are in need of braces. Generally, the right choice depends upon the specific condition that they are experiencing and the state of their teeth. In the event that your children are not candidates for laser treatment, your orthodontist will provide other options that work.

How old do my kids have to be?

While age can play some role in determining what type of orthodontic treatment kids need, the maturity of their teeth is usually a larger deciding factor. For example, if your children still have their baby teeth, they are probably then not yet ready for any type of orthodontic treatment because it is unknown how their adult teeth will grow in. Your dentist may recommend that you begin discussing plans with an orthodontist now, but you may need to wait awhile for a final determination.

Will lasers shorten the treatment time?

Using lasers to correct issues with teeth can shorten the amount of time that it takes to reach the final goal. Still, though, every person has a different situation when it comes to dental care. If you are looking into laser treatment instead of other methods of orthodontics, you should speak with the orthodontist about how long the process will take to correct your children’s teeth.

Will we get a definite timeline?

In many cases, orthodontists can provide you with a strong prediction of how long it will take to correct your children’s teeth. However, you must keep in mind that issues can arise. While it might not take several years if your orthodontist originally predicts a few months, the process could end up taking more time if unexpected issues arise. Also, aftercare is an important part of the process, and if your children do not follow the instructions, they may have to wait longer for their perfectly straight teeth.

How much does the procedure cost?

Getting a laser treatment can vary in terms of cost. As with virtually all orthodontic procedures, the treatment must be fashioned in accordance with the needs of the patient. Your kids may need a different treatment from their friends, which could very well change the price. When you’re concerned about the budget, asking questions early and checking in with your insurance provider are crucial steps.

Will insurance cover the treatment?

You are likely hoping that your dental insurance will cover the cost of treatment if you choose a laser plan. Before you even schedule an appointment, you should make sure that the practice takes your dental insurance. You may want to call the insurance provider too. While you will likely need to wait for a diagnosis and treatment to find out exactly what is covered, you can get a sense of where the expenses may fall.

Can I suggest laser treatment?

If your kids are candidates for this type of orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist will likely suggest it. However, it cannot hurt to ask. By doing so, you will at least know that you have done all that you could in procuring the best possible treatment for your children.

Do all practices offer laser treatment?

While not all orthodontic practices offer this type of treatment, some do. Therefore, if you think you might even be just slightly interested in exploring this option, it is best to select a practice that does offer it. Failure to do so now could mean that you just have to start all over again later on.

 

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics

900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200,

Larkspur, California 94939

415-459-8006