LakePointe Orthodontics Answers Your Questions
Got questions about braces or aligners? You're not alone. Dr. Krieg, Dr. Jezdimir, Dr. Frenchi, and Dr. Daabous are here to help. We've gathered answers to the most common questions from families in St. Clair Shores and nearby communities.
Don’t see your question? Give us a call at 586.772.6090. We're always happy to give you more information.
Common Questions & Answers About Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is more than just aligning your teeth. It involves medical advantages that ensure safer, more effective, and personalized treatment, protecting not just your smile but overall health.
Dr. Jezdimir and Dr. Frenchi are board-certified doctors, while mail-in systems lack diagnostic x-rays and records along with ineffective treatment, which leaves you with the potential to be misdiagnosed
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a check-up by age seven. Early visits to LakePointe Orthodontics help us catch small issues before they become big ones. Most kids won't need treatment right away, but we'll keep an eye on things as they grow.
Dr. Jezdimir and Dr. Frenchi evaluate the growth and development of the patient's teeth and screen for airway issues. Our doctors are open to seeing children prior to age seven if needing treatment for sleep apnea or habit counseling such as finger or thumb sucking
In most cases, your child's teeth will not straighten out on their own. As baby teeth fall out, misalignment can often get worse, especially if adequate space is not present. As permanent teeth grow in, crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, and bite problems usually persist or get more complicated over time. Seeing one of our orthodontists early can prevent more complex treatment later on.
It all depends on your needs. Our LakePointe Orthodontics team will give you a clear timeline at your free consultation. Some smiles in comprehensive treatment take about a year; others may take up to two years. Interceptive treatments with expansion are about six months in duration.
Appointments depend on your specific needs, ranging anywhere from five to 12 weeks. We offer DentalMonitoring, which is a way to do virtual scans from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. This allows our orthodontists to watch your treatment more closely, making sure your treatment is as efficient and effective as possible.
Absolutely. We offer flexible scheduling and DentalMonitoring to fit your busy life. DentalMonitoring allows you to scan from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. This takes less time away from work and school. Just let us know what works best for you.
We recommend you come in for an update on your child's progress, but we understand if you're unable to make it to an appointment. We'll keep you updated and let you know if we need to chat afterward or at your next visit.
Dr. Jezdimir often describes it as a muscle that's sore after running in gym class when you haven't run in a while. You might feel some soreness and awareness after adjustments, but it usually fades in a day or two. That is because when teeth move positions, there is remodeling of the bone and tissues. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Most visits with Dr. Jezdimir and Dr. Frenchi are quick and painless.
Yes! We recommend using a mouthguard during sports to cushion any contact to the face or jaw. A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your teeth, braces, and surrounding soft tissues. If you play a wind instrument, using bumpers and wax can help with comfort, along with giving yourself a little time to adjust.
Costs vary based on treatment type, length, and difficulty. Our team at LakePointe Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans through OrthoFi and works with many insurance providers to make care affordable.
They can be inherited or developed over time. Habits like thumb-sucking, early or late loss of baby teeth, mouth breathing, or injuries can all play a role. It can be as simple as inheriting larger teeth with smaller jaws, which is a common reason why we need to use expansion appliances.
Straight teeth are easier to clean and less prone to cavities and gum disease. A good bite helps with chewing, speaking, and jaw discomfort, which can prevent abnormal wear on your teeth. Normalizing the width of jaws can be essential to making space for teeth and opening the airway to promote healthy tongue posture and nasal breathing.
Your job is to keep your teeth clean, stay current with your general dentist for teeth cleanings, make diet modifications to decrease sugar and hard foods, wear your appliance as instructed, and come to your appointments. We'll handle the rest.
Yes! Dr. Jezdimir, Dr. Frenchi, and Dr. Daabous still recommend regular cleanings and check-ups with your dentist. They're important during orthodontic treatment.
Brush after meals and before bed, so a minimum of three times a day. We'll show you how to take care of your braces at your appointment, making sure you're confident with your orthodontic care before you leave.
Retainers are an important part of orthodontic treatment. In most cases, nightly wear will be efficient to hold your smile in place. Our motto is "nighttime for a lifetime."
Yes. Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can damage braces. Our team here at LakePointe will give you a list with some food and snack suggestions, along with tips on enjoying your favorite meals without issues.