Orthodontic FAQ

An orthodontist is a "SPECIALIST" in dentistry. After graduating from Dental School and becoming a dentist, they must apply, be accepted and graduate from a university accredited by the American Dental Association. This is two or more years of specialized post-doctoral training in the art and science of moving teeth. Only orthodontists are uniquely qualified to perform orthodontic services. Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists guarantees they are certified in the specialty of orthodontics.

The highest obtainable level of education in the orthodontic specialty is to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Only one third of all practicing Orthodontists attain Diplomate status. This designation indicates that Dr. Mark has completed rigorous testing, including oral defense of case reports and the ability to prove superior clinical reasoning.
This board is the only recognized board organization by the American Dental Association.

General dentists are not specialists in orthodontics but are not limited by law from placing braces on teeth. Some attend “non-specialist weekend courses” and provide orthodontic services in their office. Your assurance in receiving the best care possible for yourself or your child is to see a university trained, certified orthodontic specialist.

For further information, see Binghamton Moms Like Me, Dec 2009, "Metal Works".

No, you do not need a referral from your dentist in order to see the orthodontist. You may call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Hatala yourself.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening by age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate their orthodontic condition. Tooth alignment or jaw growth problems are best treated early, avoiding a more serious problem later or eliminating braces as a teenager altogether.

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right to begin treatment.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

The initial consultation at our office is complimentary. You will be greeted by our Treatment Coordinator who will give you an office tour. She will introduce you to Dr. Mark Hatala who will then conduct an extensive evaluation of your teeth and gums. To read more about your first visit, see our Initial Visit Page.

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment. We emphasize non-extraction treatment.

No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Treatment time obviously depends on each patient's specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every eight to ten weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled eight to ten weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. Upon return, we will request to speak with you, so we ask that parents check in with the receptionist before picking up their child. We may ask you for a cell phone number before you leave.

Yes. There is no reason to miss school or work because of an orthodontic appointment earlier in the day.

It is painless to have your braces placed! It usually takes a few days to get used to having braces on your teeth. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days, as the teeth begin to move. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all!

Your appointment is approximately an hour, but the actual placement of braces takes only a few minutes. Dr. Mark uses a technique called “Indirect Bonding” to apply the braces to your teeth. This procedure first involves placement of the braces by Dr. Mark onto your diagnostic study models in his on-site lab. Then transfer trays are made to carry all of your braces to your mouth. This allows for the greatest accuracy of placement.

Typical braces are made of metal and are silver in color. There are options for gold, ceramic, and at times lingual (braces on the back side of the teeth) or Invisalign (a series of plastic trays that move the teeth).

Braces on the front surface move teeth basically the same. Both lingual braces and Invisalign have their limitations and are not intended for use in certain bites.

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

Yes. We will be glad to provide a mouth guard for all types of sports.

Yes, you can play the instrument of your choice with braces on your teeth. It may take a few days getting used to playing with the braces on.

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. We recommend that you continue to see your dentist for cleanings and other primary dental care at least every six months during and after the completion of your orthodontic treatment.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss his or her teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

No, braces will not damage your teeth and gums if you care for them properly and stay on schedule with your appointments. Lack of proper brushing and extended treatment can damage the teeth.

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Retainers are designed to hold the teeth in their corrected positions after braces until the bone & ligaments remodel to the new tooth position. This takes a couple of years to occur.

There is a natural tendency for teeth to move throughout a lifetime whether you had braces or not. Patients need to be committed to wearing retainers long term to minimize these natural changes.