FAQs

Although rates of development may vary, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends age six as an appropriate time for a child’s first evaluation by an orthodontic specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help guide tooth eruption and facial growth, avoiding more serious problems. Addressing certain problems early on can make further orthodontic treatment more efficient and economical.

• Overlapping or crowding of erupting permanent teeth
• Flaring of front teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Thumb or finger-sucking after age six
• Open-mouth breathing
• Obvious abnormal bite or facial profile

Properly aligned teeth are both easier to clean and maintain. By correcting their bite problems you can improve speech, chewing, and swallowing. When you straighten teeth, you can also prevent excessive wear and stress on the teeth, gums and surrounding tissue.

Adults seek orthodontic treatment for many reasons:

• Years of frustration, not being able to resolve their smile concerns at a younger age
• Difficulty chewing
• Aiding in the repair of bones and gums
• Preparation for tooth restoration and replacement
• Improving self-esteem, self-confidence, and quality of life

Orthodontic problems can be quite complex, involving the growth and development of teeth, soft tissue, and facial bones. Teeth and sometimes faces are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists, like Dr. Skrobola, Dr. Frantz, and Dr. Cohen receive extensive specialty training and utilize the most advanced techniques available today. Specialists can apply the most cost-effective, time-efficient methods and materials, tailoring treatment plans to specific problems.

Dr. Skrobola and Dr. Frants are board-certified orthodontists specially trained during a residency program in orthodontics, following degrees in general dentistry. Their areas of concentrated study are in orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, biomechanics, and physics. They are a member’s of the American Association of Orthodontists.

At Skrobola, Frantz & Cohen Family Orthodontics, our practice focuses on always being responsive to your needs. We make orthodontic treatment as pleasant and convenient as possible. We continue to grow through the recommendations from enthusiastic patients and parents and never forget that the patient is the most important part of our practice.

At the initial visit, an orthodontic evaluation will be performed. Our doctors will evaluate growth and development, the facial profile, and the bite and alignment of teeth. If treatment is indicated, a set of orthodontic records will be obtained.

Orthodontic records usually include X-rays, photos, and models of the teeth. After a thorough and complete evaluation of these records, an appropriate treatment plan will be developed.

We strive to keep our fees among the most reasonable in the area. We also make every effort to provide flexible payment plans. There is no fee for the initial consult and, unique to our practice, there is no fee for the orthodontic records. We want all who are in need to share the lifetime of benefits orthodontics can offer.

We participate with most insurance plans and are eager to assist you with getting the maximum benefits available from your coverage. Please remember, most plans only cover a portion of the fee and are based on a lifetime maximum.

Active treatment time is approximately two years. This can vary depending on the difficulty of the case, treatment plan and patient cooperation. Patient cooperation can become one of the most important issues when determining the length of treatment time. After active treatment, all patients should expect some type of retention phase.

There is no discomfort associated with the placement of braces. Minor discomfort is sometimes felt for a short period of time after routine adjustments. The soreness is a result of the tooth movement that occurs. Whatever you take for a headache should be more than enough to handle any discomfort from orthodontic tooth movement.

No!! There are no procedures done at our office that require the use of needles.

Retention is a means of preserving the new position of the teeth and bite while the bone and gum stabilize. Retention is equally as important as active treatment.

We share your concerns about missing school or work. We try to minimize the number of appointments that are necessary in the morning and always provide written excuses when necessary.

On average, we like to see our patients every five weeks during active treatment. After the initial phase of the treatment and during retention, appointments are then progressively spaced farther apart.

Orthodontic emergencies seldom occur, but if they do, our doctors are always available to all patients.

Absolutely! While under orthodontic treatment, regular dental checkups become even more important to prevent and detect tooth decay. Healthy teeth and surrounding tissue make tooth movement more comfortable and efficient. Regular professional examinations and cleanings are critical to any successful orthodontic treatment plan.

Invisalign® uses clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth without traditional metal wires or brackets. Our office proudly offers Invisalign as a treatment option.

Using brand-new technology, we are excited to offer impression-free digital scans! This allows for more precise records with no discomfort and better serves our Invisalign patients.