• Is orthodontic care expensive?

  • Orthodontic care often eliminates the need for other dental and medical treatment, thus reducing future health care costs.  Considering that the benefits of orthodontic care can last a lifetime, the cost is quite modest.

• Do I have to pay for orthodontic care all at once?

  • We are sensitive to your financial circumstances and try to provide a flexible payment plan that is within the comfort level of your budget.

• Do you accept my orthodontic insurance?

  • We participate in nearly all dental insurance plans and are eager to help you receive the maximum benefit from your plan.  Please remember that most plans pay only a portion of your fee.  You are, of course, responsible for any amount not covered by your plan.

• How long does orthodontic treatment take?

  • Treatment times can vary from 6 months to 36 months.  The length of treatment will vary depending on treatment goals, degree of complexity, patient cooperation, and a number of other factors.

• Should I continue to see my primary dentist while in braces?

  • Definitely!  It is very important to continue your regular dental checkups to prevent or detect dental decay and to monitor the health of the supporting structures.  Periodic professional dental cleaning by your dentist or dental hygienist will maintain overall dental health and prevent dental disease.

• When will my appointments be scheduled?

  • We share your concern about missing school or work and schedule appointments so that each patient receives a fair proportion of late afternoon appointments.  We try to minimize the number of appointments that are necessary in the morning and excuses are provided when needed.

• What happens if I have a problem with my braces after hours or on weekends?

  • Orthodontic emergencies do not often occur, but if you have a problem, we respond quickly.  Emergency care is provided at all times.  We are available when you need us.

• What can we expect from your practice?

  • We focus on personal attention and meticulous, state-of-the-art care in orthodontics.  Our mission is to provide the highest level of orthodontic therapy in the Acadiana area.  We intend to treat you so well personally and technically that you will feel comfortable in recommending us to your friends and family.

• Why see a specialist?

  • Many orthodontic problems are quite complex, involving the growth patterns of facial bones and soft tissue facial profiles as well as misaligned teeth.  Treatment of such problems requires the care of an orthodontist with lengthy specialty training.

• What specialty training has Dr. Hollis completed?

  • Dr. Hollis graduated Valedictorian from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in 1994 and has completed two full years of specialty training in orthodontics from LSU School of Dentistry.  Among Dr. Hollis' numerous awards, he received the Chancellor's Award for most outstanding graduate from LSU School of Dentistry.  Dr. Hollis is a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society and C. Edmund Kells Honor Society.  Dr. Hollis is committed to brining the very best that orthodontics has to offer to the people of Acadiana.  Dr. Hollis has graduated from the Roth/Williams Center for functional occlusion continuing education program in 2001.

• When should my child see an orthodontist?

  • Every person is a little different.  However, it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that about age 7 is an appropriate time for a child's first evaluation by an orthodontic specialist.  If you or your dentist suspect an orthodontic problem before age 7, an orthodontic specialist should be contacted for an earlier evaluation.  An early diagnosis and treatment by the orthodontist can help tooth eruption, guide facial growth, and therefore, prevent more serious problems from occurring.  Also, by lessening the problems, later orthodontic treatment may be reduced, made easier, and in some case more economical.

• Does my child need to see an orthodontist?

  • The following are indications that an orthodontic problem may be present:

    • unusual facial profile,

    • thumb and/or finger sucking,

    • overlapping and crowded teeth,

    • missing teeth,

    • under bite or protrusion of upper front teeth, and/or

    • mouth breathing.

  • These are just a few of the early indications that orthodontic problems may exist.

• How will my child benefit from straight teeth?

  • Properly positioned teeth are much easier to care for and clean.  Correction of the bite not only helps with improved chewing and speech, but also plays an important role in reducint future wear of the teeth and stress on the supporting bone and jaw joints.  Orthodontic care may also improve an individual's self-image.

• How does orthodontic care improve self-image?

  • Scientific research has repeatedly shown the mouth and face to be focal points of communications and social interaction.  Appearance has been related to interpersonal popularity, social behaviors, self-expectation, personality style, and self-image.  There can be little doubt that an attractive facial appearance and smile can improve the quality of life in many dimensions.  All factors of facial and dental appearance are considered by the orthodontist in planning individual treatment strategies.

• I see quite a few adults with braces.  Is this a growing trend?

  • Over 25% of our patients are adults.  Age is not a factor in orthodontic care.  This trend is expected to continue as adults become increasingly aware of the benefits of modern orthodontic therapy.  Many of our adult patients are being treated for orthodontic problems that were not corrected when they were children.  These individuals realize that improving the health of their mouth and the attractiveness of their smile and facial appearance often results in changes for the better in their personal, social, and professional lives.

• What will happen on my first visit to your office?

  • At your first appointment, a thorough and complete orthodontic examination will be performed at no charge.  This will include an analysis of facial and skeletal type, assessment of facial growth, and an examination of the bite, alignment of the teeth, health of the soft tissues, function of the temporomandibular joints and adjacent supporting structures.  If treatment is indicated, an appointment will be made for a complete set of orthodontic records.

• What are orthodontic records?

  • Orthodontic records usually include x-rays, photographs of the teeth and face, and models of the teeth.  Also, advanced computer imaging technology is used to predict the result of facial growth and orthodontic treatment.  These diagnostic records enable us to develop the appropriate treatment plan to correct your individual problem.  After orthodontic records are complete, you will be scheduled for a consultation appointment.

• What is a consultation?

  • After a thorough and complete individual diagnosis, a detailed course of treatment will be outlined for you.  This careful analysis allows us to also provide you with an estimated treatment time and an accurate fee quote.

© 2006 Hollis Orthodontics

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