If you have questions, Igel & Chartrand Orthodontics has the answers! Orthodontics may seem complicated, but Dr. Igel, Dr. Chartrand and their team want to make sure that your entire experience with our office and your orthodontic treatment in Omaha, Nebraska, is a positive one. You may have questions about how to get ready for your visit, what will happen when you see Dr. Igel and Dr. Chartrand and what types of treatment we offer. You may also want to know more about the products that we provide and how you can make the most of them.

If you have a question that we have not answered here or would like to schedule a visit with Dr. Igel or Dr. Chartrand, call (402) 330-1152 to speak with a member of their team.

Before Your Visit

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?+

Free consultations can be requested in one of two ways — call our office at (402) 330-1152 to schedule an appointment or submit an online Patient History/Health Information Form.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening for my child? +

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

Do I need a referral from my family dentist to set up my first appointment?+

No, you do not.

Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?+

Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide you with professional, personalized treatments. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment.

 

Appointments

What will happen at the initial consultation appointment?+

Your first visit will include a thorough oral examination that includes a 3D image of your jaws and head as well as digital images of your face and teeth. We will discuss your customized treatment plan as well as financial and insurance (if applicable) considerations.

What will I learn from the initial consultation?+

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial consultation:

  • Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
  • What must be done to correct the problem?
  • How non-extraction therapy can prevent future airway issues, if at all possible?
  • How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • How much will the treatment cost?

How often will I have appointments?+

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

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?+

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

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?+

Yes. We are happy to help you make the most of your time. We ask that you let us know how to contact you while you’re away so we can reach you if we have any questions. We do request to speak with a parent after each appointment, so we ask that parents check in with a member of our team before picking up their child.

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?+

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

 

Braces

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?+

Dr. Dr. Igel and Dr. Chartrand will do everything in their power to avoid extractions that could restrict a patient’s airway. However, removing 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, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How long will it take to complete treatment?+

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months.

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

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial consultation. We have financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also help you maximize your insurance benefits and file your claims.

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?+

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.

Do braces hurt?+

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil will ease the discomfort.

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?+

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

Can I still play sports?+

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. If you need one, our orthodontists will provide one for you when you get your braces.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?+

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while wearing braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are wearing braces. However, we recommend cleanings every three to six months while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?+

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will review care instructions and provide a comprehensive list of braces friendly foods. Some foods to avoid include: gum, 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.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?+

Patients should brush their teeth at least three to four times each day — preferably after each meal and before going to bed.  Igel Orthodontics will provide each patient with an Oral-B electric toothbrush at the start of orthodontic treatment to promote great oral hygiene and show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?+

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 for treatment to begin.

What is Phase 1 (early care)?+

Phase 1 treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase 1 treatment lasts about 12 to 21 months. The primary objective for Phase 1 treatment is to open the airway and facilitate proper growth by making room for the permanent teeth. Early treatment can prevent numerous problems. Waiting for all the teeth to come in first can be very problematic. Early treatment can also improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will my child need full braces if he or she has Phase 1 treatment?+

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase 1 treatment. The period following Phase 1 treatment is called Phase 1 Retention (or the resting period), during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Will my child need an expander?+

At the completion of the initial consultation, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

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

A surprising number 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!

Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?+

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.

In the dentist office, I see advertisements promoting the possibility of getting straight teeth in a single visit. Is this an orthodontic treatment?+

No. Veneers, caps and other quick-fix solutions are designed to simply cover misaligned teeth. Often, to place these restorations the dentist must grind your teeth, removing healthy tooth structure. Orthodontic treatment correctly aligns teeth to improve the look, function and health of your smile for life.

 

Invisalign®

How often must I wear my aligners?+

You must wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment?+

No. Unlike braces, you may eat whatever you like as long as you remove the aligners before eating. Prior to placing the aligners back on, it is important to brush your teeth and the aligners.

Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?+

Like any orthodontic treatment, there is a short adjustment period. The more you speak with the aligners on, the quicker you will adjust.

Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?+

There will be some pressure and minor discomfort with each new set of aligners for a day or two. This is a sign that your teeth are moving into their final positions.

Can I chew gum?+

It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum, as the gum will stick to the aligners.

Can I smoke with the aligners in?+

We discourage smoking with aligners, as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.

How do I keep my aligners clean?+

Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.

How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign®?+

Regular office visits are every eight to 12 weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

What happens after my treatment is complete? Do I need retainers?+

Yes.  All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night, indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.

How long does Invisalign® treatment take?+

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can generally take about the same amount of time as when conventional braces (brackets and wires) are used. Some published reports suggest that the time needed may be less.

Does Invisalign® work for kids?+

Yes, if their teeth, including second molars, have grown in completely.