Dr. King Answers: Is There More to Orthodontia Than Just Braces?

Q: Is there more to orthodontia than just braces?

A: Although orthodontics is known for braces, there are many other aspects and types of care to help straighten your smile.

Invisalign® is popular among teens and adults.

One example is Invisalign®, which has become increasingly popular over the last decade. Patients really like the clear aligners and brace-free treatment options whenever possible.

Palatal expanders are another type of care used to widen narrow jaws, making more space for crowded teeth and improving the bite.

Habit appliances help patients stop sucking on fingers and thumbs. This often reduces the need for more invasive surgical care in the future.

Another aspect of care is retention. We make bonded and removable retainers that are very comfortable and effective. 

Last, but not least, I sometimes offer mouthguards for patients involved in contact sports, and even special mouthguards to protect teeth from clenching and grinding.

See you soon for a free consult -- maybe for something other than braces. Keep smiling.

Dr. King Answers: Do You Offer Treatment Options for All Budgets?

Q: Do you offer treatment options for all budgets?

A: Yes, at King Orthodontics, we offer all available treatment options.

I am a firm believer that our role is to educate patients and parents about their specific orthodontic problems, and the various possible solutions. An educated and informed patient is best equipped to apply their own values, priorities and budget to the situation.

At King Orthodontics, we feel the best patients are active participants in their care. The doctor may “know best,” but, in reality, there are many factors at play. We will work with you to provide great care within your financial framework.

Keep smiling, and see you soon!

Dr. King Answers: After I Get My Braces Off, How Soon Will I Get My Retainer?

King Orthodontics custom-makes all retainers in its in-house lab.

Q: After I get my braces off, how soon will I get my retainer[s]?

A: Great question! At King Orthodontics, your retainers will be placed the exact, same day your braces are removed. We have an in-house lab and we custom-make all retainers.

This is important for two reasons. First, there is no delay between braces removal and retainers, resulting in no adverse shifting of the newly straightened teeth.

Second and, perhaps, equally important, this maximizes the convenience for our patients. There is less missed school or work as both appointments are the same day and close together.

Keep smiling, and see you soon....maybe for a new retainer!
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SOURCE: Wikipedia [image]

Dr. King Answers: While Wearing Braces, Can Teeth Actually Get Worse Before They Look Better?

Q: When wearing braces, is it possible to have teeth get worse before looking better?

A: This is truly a great question -- and the answer, unfortunately, is yes.

One of the biggest misconceptions about orthodontic care is that, start to finish, it's a  straight-line path, with everything getting continually better with each passing day. The reality is that orthodontics is a complex, multi-step process in which some things get worse in the beginning before they get better.

For example, sometimes spaces form between teeth that were never there before. Also, as the occlusion, or bite, changes, it can collide in an uncomfortable manner for a period of time. In the end, though, it all comes together for a beautiful smile and healthy bite.

Keep smiling, and see you soon for a free consult.

Dr. King Answers: How Do You Charge Such Low Fees While Achieving Such Exceptional Results?

Q: You’ve won awards for “Best Orthodontist” in several publications [e.g., Minnesota Monthly, Post Bulletin, Southern Minnesota Scene Magazine], due to your low fees and exceptional results. How can you accomplish both, and what other factors make you and your team a reader’s favorite?

A: Thanks for a great question! We can accomplish the “Best Fee and Exceptional Results" guarantee due to a number of factors. 

First, and foremost, I focus on efficiency. I will never recommend treatment too early, or recommend treatment that is unnecessary. In fact, I will only recommend for your child what I would recommend for my own daughter.

Secondly, I place an extreme emphasis on precision. I personally place each and every brace. Also, I personally check every single tooth on every single patient at every single adjustment appointment.

By being “hands-on,” I can, in almost all cases, control the entire process. This leads to excellent results in a reasonable time frame. Yes, there are exceptions and unexpected circumstances. But, most often, my “high-touch” approach pays off for my patients.

Last, but not least, I offer the most high-tech, yet proven, treatment options. Fully digital x-rays, Invisalign, no headgear and fewer extractions all play a role in creating excellence at the best and lowest possible fee.

Keep smiling, and see you soon.