What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities, most known as "malocclusion," which means "bad bite." Orthodontics is one of the 8 specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. The practice of orthodontics involves the design, application and control of corrective appliances (braces, etc…) to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance.
Making an appointment
Anyone interested in seeking orthodontic treatment should contact the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic at 414-288-7271, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m.
Is the focus of the orthodontic treatment on health or esthetics?
The answer is: “On both”. It is difficult to clean and maintain crowded and crooked teeth healthy. This may contribute to the appearing of cavities, periodontal diseases, and dental loss.
Other orthodontic problems may cause abnormal wear of the dental surfaces and excessive stress on the bones and gingival tissues, which support the teeth.
The importance of an attractive smile should not be underestimated. A good appearance is a vital attribute for the self-confidence of a person. The orthodontic treatment may help social and professional success, as well as improve the general attitude of a person towards life.
Overview of patient care and services
Patients are treated by the orthodontic residents under close supervision of the part-time or full time faculty members in the program of Orthodontics.
The orthodontic residents are dentists who are being trained for two years in our school as specialists in orthodontics. Orthodontic faculty are dentists who have completed two to three years of specialty training in an accredited orthodontic residency program beyond their four years of dental school training.
Orthodontic treatment typically occurs in the following order (times of appointments may vary):
- Free initial consultation examination (10 to 15 min.) The consultations are offered by appointment only, during clinic hours, every day of the week and it is performed most of the time by a faculty member. Once patient/family selects the day/period of the week, the patient is then assigned to an orthodontic resident and a faculty supervisor according to the selected day, and the remaining visits, throughout the entire orthodontic treatment, will be on the same day of the week, ensuring coverage by the same faculty at each appointment, and thus, continuity of care.
- Initial records appointment. (1 to 2 hrs.) The resident will perform a thorough clinical examination, acquire x-rays, take photographs and makes impressions of the teeth for study models. This information will be used by the resident to develop a diagnosis and a treatment plan in conjunction with the attending faculty. Full or partial payment is due at this time; please consult with the staff for financial arrangements. Those patients who elect not to have treatment at Marquette Orthodontic Clinic after records are taken will receive a refund for their initial payment, except for the $235.00 records.
- Treatment planning session (30 min.) After gathering all required information (records), the residents discuss with the attending faculty to formulate a diagnoses and treatment plan options that is presented to the patient at this appointment. Following discussion of the treatment options, the patient (and family, if applicable) and resident determine a final treatment plan. The resident then explains clinical procedures and patient compliance issues, e.g., oral hygiene, elastic wear, headgear wear, TMJ problems, etc. The consent forms for treatment are also reviewed and signed. Separators may be inserted in this session. Separators are small rubber O-rings or metal springs inserted between specific teeth to create space for orthodontic bands. This takes only a few minutes. Patients typically come in one week later to have their braces placed.
- Initiation of Treatment (1 to 2.5 hrs.) Usually this appointment represents braces placement. However, in a few cases, it is necessary to start treatment using some auxiliary appliances, like Rapid Palatal Expander, Headgear, etc. Brackets may have to be placed in a future appointment.
- Routine appointments (15min. to 1hr) These appointments are required keep the case under control. Sometimes appointments may be short, sometimes may take longer than usual. The procedures performed during treatment are dependent upon patient cooperation, case progress, patient response to therapy, time for faculty to evaluate, etc.
- Removal of Braces and placement of retention appliance (usually 2 visits – 1 to 2hrs.) Appliance removal will be done when the attending faculty finds the case is completed. The removal of the braces may be performed all at once, or sometimes, it may be indicated to remove braces from one arch before than the other. A retainer is almost always recommended to maintain teeth in the final position or to allow for small movements after braces removal. Many different types of retainer are available. Each attending faculty will recommend whichever is best for the case.
- Retention appointments (10 to 15 min.) Retention is in itself another part of the orthodontics treatment. It is extremely important to maintain the results achieved with treatment. These visits are usually schedule 1-2 months after braces removal, 3 month visit is sometimes required too. After that, patients are requested to be seen every 6 months for about 2-3 years. Patients are dismissed from retention visit if the case remains stable. However, the retainers may need to be used for much longer than this period.
Insurance and payment
At this time, the Graduate Orthodontic Clinic does not accept Title 19 or Badger Care insurance. Patients wanting orthodontic treatment will have to make the necessary arrangements for payment. The Orthodontics fees do not include the costs for extractions, periodontal surgery, orthognathic surgery or other adjunctive dental procedures requested by the orthodontists.
Location
The Graduate Orthodontics Clinic is located on the second floor, Room 243, in the Marquette University School of Dentistry. 1801 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53233. Patients should go directly to the 2nd Floor when presenting for the initial consultation in orthodontics.
Infection Control
All modern techniques are practiced and the one best suited for your treatment will be recommended. For your protection we adhere to Infection Control Procedures known as Universal Precautions. We use the same infection control measures for each patient. Parents/guardians should remain in the waiting area while patients are being treated in the clinic floor.
Comments and Complaints can be made to ADA Accreditation Review Board
The program's compliance with accreditation standards is determined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs and will receive any complaints. However, the Commission does not intervene on behalf of individuals or acts as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students. A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission's policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1-800-621-8099 extension 4653.
