Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do to get started?
Call us at 773.772.2545 as soon as possible for a complimentary initial consultation appointment!
When should I bring my child to see a dentist?
By their first birthday, mainly for counseling and advise.
How concerned should I be about a cavity in a primary tooth?
Definitively, cavities can not be ignored, but let your pediatric dentist determine the importance of getting it fixed or not. All the decision process will depend on age, size of the cavity, incidence of decay in your child, etc.
Braces, when is good time?
Depending on the dental condition, sometimes certain appliances or retainers can be worn before braces time to minimize the length of the procedure.
What if my child has a toothache?
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water of used dental floss to dislodge trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take Tylenol, Advil or Motrin for pain and see us as soon as possible.
How do I care for a cut or bitten tongue, lip or cheek?
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to a hospital emergency room.
What if my child has a knocked out permanent tooth?
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but do not clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth in place by biting on clean gauze or cloth. If u cannot reinsert the tooth, transport it in a cup containing cold milk. *( The milk must be kept cold.) Call the office immediately! Time is a crucial factor in saving the tooth.
What should I do if I have a broken tooth?
Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.
What do I do if I have broken braces and wires?
If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheeks, or tongue, do not remove it. Bring the child to our office immediately. Loose or broken wires that don’t bother the child don’t usually require emergency attention.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has attended a specialty educational program for advanced dental specialty training for a period of two or three years. This additional training gives us a thorough understanding of growth and development, and of the fundamentals of orthodontic treatment planning.
What is the appropriate age for a child to begin orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all patients be seen for an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Many severe problems can be prevented from fully developing by initiating early orthodontic treatment (age 7-9 years old).
What happens if a patient is not ready for treatment?
We place all patients who are not ready into our “Orthodontic Guidance Program.” This allows patients to be recalled to our office periodically in order to assess their status in terms of orthodontic development.
What is Phase I Treatment?
Interceptive or early treatment is initiated at 7 to 9 years of age for sever bite problems. Some problems must be treated at a younger age to produce the best orthodontic result. If a severe problem is delayed to a later age, a complete correction may not be possible. Early orthodontic treatment can sometimes avoid extractions of permanent teeth and may produce a more stable result. Phase I treatment typically lasts for about 12 months followed by retainers for several years until all permanent teeth erupt. Most patients require comprehensive treatment at approximately age 12 to finish the correction of the bite problem.
How long do I have to wear braces?
Many factors determine the length of treatment, such as the severity of the bite problem, the patient’s response to treatment and the patient’s cooperation during treatment. You may be surprised to hear that age is not a major factor. Although some minor problems may be resolved in less than a year, most orthodontic cases require approximately two years for completion.
Do braces hurt?
Technological advances in orthodontic care have made treatment more comfortable for our patients. The orthodontic braces are smaller and smoother, plus gentle wires provide continuous light forces over a long period of time. Typically, you will not experience any discomfort while you are in our office, but will experience some discomfort for two or three days after each adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken for sore teeth.
How long do I have to wear my retainers?
Throughout your life your teeth are always moving, even if you never had braces. It happens more in some people than in others. For this reason, we usually recommend wearing retainers for as long as you can. Usually we have our patients wear retainers full-time for six to twelve months and then on a night-time basis.
Can a retainer correct the alignment of my teeth?
Retainers are used most commonly to hold teeth in place following orthodontic treatment. In cases of mild tooth malpositions, removable retainers can be used to align the teeth. We will determine if you are a candidate for a retainer treatment at your initial consultation.
My dentist said that she can do Invisalign for me - why should I come to see you?
Whether you're considering clear aligners or traditional braces, our orthodontists have the training, experience and treatment options to make sure you get your best smile. Dr. Eltink and Dr. Schwartz have three years of additional education and training beyond dental school to treat all of our patients to the very best orthodontic results. More information about the differences between a dentist and an orthodontist can be found here: https://mylifemysmile.org
Am I too old to have braces?
Absolutely not! Over 15% of our patients are adults, and that percentage is growing. Many people think that teeth cannot be moved in adult patients. This is definitely not true. In fact, in many cases they move even better, as adults tend to be more cooperative than some of our younger patients.
How much will treatment cost?
Costs for orthodontic treatment vary according to the severity of the problem and the length and complexity of the treatment. All treatment fees as well as the payment options will be explained thoroughly at the initial consultation appointment.
Will insurance pay for orthodontic treatment?
Many patients have orthodontic benefits as a part of their dental plan. Orthodontic insurance generally differs form regular dental insurance in that each insured individual usually has a lifetime maximum benefit for orthodontic treatment. We will be happy to help you with your insurance needs.
Will the Medical Card pay for orthodontic treatment?
Patients who have dental coverage through Public Aid in the state of Illinois may be eligible for coverage with the Medical Card.
What are your infection control policies?
You will notice that our doctors and staff wear rubber gloves and protective masks while treating patients. This is done for your protection and to minimize the risk of disease transmission. All of our instruments are fully heat sterilized between all patients. Our heat sterilizers are tested weekly by an independent testing service to assure that the equipment is functioning correctly.
Have any questions?
