Frequently Asked Questions
No, you do not. If you are concerned at all about the alignment of your teeth or your child's teeth or facial appearance, it best to call for an evaluation We will communicate with your dentist if an orthodontic problem is detected.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that orthodontic screening be done at age seven. By then, there are usually enough permanent teeth in the mouth to evaluate the potential need for orthodontic correction.
No! As long as your teeth and jaw bones are healthy, no age is “too old”. We have successfully treated patients in their 70's.
Simply call our office to set up an initial exam appointment. Our office will staff will be happy to assist you. They will request some basic information from you at that time in order to make your first visit as informative as possible.
No, there is never a charge for an initial exam at Kottemann Orthodontics. We will also take complimentary diagnostic records at the exam so that you can be informed about your treatment options.
You will be welcomed to our office. Our treatment coordinator will first get to know you and then take diagnostic records. Dr. Kottemann will then meet with you to go over your records together and apprise you of possible treatment options.
Once Dr. Kottemann has completed his exam, he will be able to tell you the cost for orthodontic treatment and the length of time the treatment should take. As you might guess, there can be a very wide range of costs and times, depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem. A number of financing plans, including discount options are available.
It does not cost any more for clear braces than metal braces at Kottemann Orthodontics. Dr. Kottemann has been very involved with clear braces for many years. In fact, he holds two patents for special esthetic wires designed to go with clear braces.
No they do not. We use only the latest ceramic brackets that will never stain, in contrast to the older plastic brackets that could turn yellow.
Invisalign is a computer-generated series of nearly invisible, clear aligners, (retainers) that are made from models of the teeth, starting from the initial, crooked position to a final, virtual, straight position. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, before moving to the next aligner. Please see the Invisalign link on our website for a much more thorough explanation.
Yes. As long as most of the permanent teeth are erupted, Invisalign will work just like braces for young patients. Dr. Kottemann has treated many patients as young as 10 years old with Invisalign.
There usually is a slightly higher cost for Invisalign. However, for treatments taking less than a year, the fee is the same as braces at Kottemann Orthodontics. Kottemann Orthodontics treats more patients with Invisalign than any other office in Minnesota. This experience level allows the fee for Invisalign treatment to be kept as low as possible.
When teeth first start moving, either with braces or Invisalign, they are generally tender for a few days. It is similar to having stiff muscles for a few days after doing a new exercise or sport for the first time.
Absolutely. For any sport that normally requires a mouth guard, one can be fitted over the braces or over the Invisalign aligners. We recommend the ones that you heat up at home and form yourself.
Yes you do! Your dentist will still be able to check for decay, provide fluoride treatments, as needed and keep your teeth healthy. We will only get to see you for a relatively short time. Your family dentist is there for your lifetime of dental care.
You will need to avoid sticky foods, such as caramels and very hard foods such as whole, raw vegetables. We actually do encourage you to chew sugarless gum while in braces to help “work out” any soreness of the teeth that might occur from time to time.
Orthodontic problems, like medical problems can be either very minor or very severe. For a minor medical problem, you might seek treatment with your family physician. For a severe medical problem, you would probably seek the expertise of specialist. Orthodontics is no different. Orthodontic treatment can potentially change facial features, jaw size and tooth position. It is important that you be treated by someone that has the training to provide the highest level of care.
- Q: Do I need a referral from my dentist to make an appointment at Kottemann Orthodontics?
- Q: What is the best age to visit the orthodontist for the first time?
- Q: Is there an age that is “too old” for orthodontic treatment?
- Q: How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam at Kottemann Orthodontics?
- Q: Is there a cost for the initial exam?
- Q: What can I expect from the initial exam?
- Q: How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
- Q: Does it cost more for clear braces?
- Q: Do clear braces stain?
- Q: What is Invisalign?
- Q: Can Invisalign be used for young patients?
- Q: Does it cost more for Invisalign treatment?
- Q: Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
- Q: Can I play sports with braces or Invisalign?
- Q: Do I still need to visit my regular dentist while I am in orthodontic treatment?
- Q: Are there foods that I can't eat while wearing braces?
- Q: Why should I go to an orthodontist instead of a general dentist for orthodontic treatment?
A: No, you do not. If you are concerned at all about the alignment of your teeth or your child's teeth or facial appearance, it best to call for an evaluation We will communicate with your dentist if an orthodontic problem is detected.
A: The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that orthodontic screening be done at age seven. By then, there are usually enough permanent teeth in the mouth to evaluate the potential need for orthodontic correction.
A: No! As long as your teeth and jaw bones are healthy, no age is “too old”. We have successfully treated patients in their 70's.
A: Simply call our office to set up an initial exam appointment. Our office will staff will be happy to assist you. They will request some basic information from you at that time in order to make your first visit as informative as possible.
A: No, there is never a charge for an initial exam at Kottemann Orthodontics. We will also take complimentary diagnostic records at the exam so that you can be informed about your treatment options.
A: You will be welcomed to our office. Our treatment coordinator will first get to know you and then take diagnostic records. Dr. Kottemann will then meet with you to go over your records together and apprise you of possible treatment options.
A: Once Dr. Kottemann has completed his exam, he will be able to tell you thecost for orthodontic treatment and the length of time the treatment should take. As you might guess, there can be a very wide range of costs and times, depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem. A number of financing plans, including discount options are available.
A: It does not cost any more for clear braces than metal braces at Kottemann Orthodontics. Dr. Kottemann has been very involved with clear braces for many years. In fact, he holds two patents for special esthetic wires designed to go with clear braces.
A: No they do not. We use only the latest ceramic brackets that will never stain, in contrast to the older plastic brackets that could turn yellow.
A: Invisalign is a computer-generated series of nearly invisible, clear aligners, (retainers) that are made from models of the teeth, starting from the initial, crooked position to a final, virtual, straight position. Each aligner is worn for two weeks, before moving to the next aligner. Please see the Invisalign link on our website for a much more thorough explanation.
A: Yes. As long as most of the permanent teeth are erupted, Invisalign will work just like braces for young patients. Dr. Kottemann has treated many patients as young as 10 years old with Invisalign.
A: There usually is a slightly higher cost for Invisalign. However, for treatments taking less than a year, the fee is the same as braces at Kottemann Orthodontics. Kottemann Orthodontics treats more patients with Invisalign than any other office in Minnesota. This experience level allows the fee for Invisalign treatment to be kept as low as possible.
A: When teeth first start moving, either with braces or Invisalign, they are generally tender for a few days. It is similar to having stiff muscles for a few days after doing a new exercise or sport for the first time.
A: Absolutely. For any sport that normally requires a mouth guard, one can be fitted over the braces or over the Invisalign aligners. We recommend the ones that you heat up at home and form yourself.
A: Yes you do! Your dentist will still be able to check for decay, provide fluoride treatments, as needed and keep your teeth healthy. We will only get to see you for a relatively short time. Your family dentist is there for your lifetime of dental care.
A: You will need to avoid sticky foods, such as caramels and very hard foods such as whole, raw vegetables. We actually do encourage you to chew sugarless gum while in braces to help “work out” any soreness of the teeth that might occur from time to time.
A: Orthodontic problems, like medical problems can be either very minor or very severe. For a minor medical problem, you might seek treatment with your family physician. For a severe medical problem, you would probably seek the expertise of specialist. Orthodontics is no different. Orthodontic treatment can potentially change facial features, jaw size and tooth position. It is important that you be treated by someone that has the training to provide the highest level of care.
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