FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.   Is my family dentist required to schedule my appointment with the orthodontist

A.   No, your family dentist is not required to schedule your orthodontic appointment. Few of our patients are referred by their family dentists. Many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves. 

Q.   At what age should I schedule an orthodontic screening for my child?

A.   The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your child’s orthodontic condition.

Q.   Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?

A.    No, your teeth will not straighten out as they grow. In fact, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Q.   How do I schedule an appointment for a consultation?

A.    Simply call our office at 303-730-7002 or email us. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your consultation, Stephanie or Kristie will request some basic information from you.

Q.   What will happen at the consultation?

A.    Upon arriving, you will be asked to fill out a new patient form. If you would like to save some time at this visit, please feel free to download our new patient form and bring the completed form to your appointment. We will take two x-rays to help Dr. Rocke diagnose your case. He will perform a thorough clinical exam and give you a copy of the treatment plan. Plan to spend about 45 minutes in our office for the consultation.

Q.   Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?

A.    Extracting teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. Because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, however, extraction is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Q.   How long will it take to complete treatment?

A.    Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment last from 6 to 30 months. 

Q.    How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?

A.    It is impossible to provide an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you and determined how long treatment will last. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the consultation. We will review your insurance information and help to maximize your benefit. Please have your insurance information readily available.

Q.   How often will I have appointments?

A.    Most patients in braces or Invisalign every 4 to 8 weeks.

Q.  Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?

A.   Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs. We have office hours during all weekdays.

Q.   Do braces hurt?

A.   Generally, braces do not hurt. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. Pain medications such as ibuprofen will ease discomfort. We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Q.   Do you give shots?

A.    No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Q.   Can I still play sports?

A.       Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Q.   Do I need to see my general dentist while in braces?

A.    Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments.

Q.   Are there foods I cannot eat while in braces?

A.    Yes. Once treatment begins, we will provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, Jolly Ranchers, raw vegetables, sticky foods and bubble gum.

Q.   How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

A.    Patients should brush their teeth at least twice a day: after breakfast and before bed.

Q.   What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

A.    If a brace breaks or a wire is poking, call our office at 303-730-7002. In most cases, we can address these issues over the phone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set time aside for you.

Q.   Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?

A.   It is almost never too late for orthodontic treatment. For adults, Invisalign has become an acceptable option for straightening teeth. Dr. Rocke will be able to determine if you are a candidate for Invisalign.

Q.   Why should I choose  Dr. Rocke as an orthodontist?

A.    Dr. Rocke trained an additional 2 to 3 years to become a specialist in moving teeth as well as using orthodontic appliances to change jaw relationships. As with most professions, experience is crucial.