Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions you would like to see answered on this page, please e-mail us at rbedette@maine.com

*Is an orthodontist a dentist ?*	Yes, orthodontists are dentists. A certified specialist in orthodontics is a dentist who has attended a two year or longer residency in Orthodontics after graduating from dental school. While any dentist can legally do orthodontic treatment and many family dentists have furthered their education in orthodontics through continuing education courses, a certified specialist in orthodontics has attended one of these residencies. These programs must be recognized and accredited by The American Dental Association. Dr. Bedette is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics which requires completion of a stringent series of tests and presentation of treated cases.
At what age should my child first see the orthodontist?	Most often it is your family dentist who suggests visiting an orthodontist. In general it is helpful if a child can be seen by age 6 or 7. While it is not often that treatment is initiated at this age, it is a good time to start following development. Sometimes a simple step early can prevent major work later. Other times future needs can be predicted and timed correctly with the growth and development of the child both minimizing the extent of treatment and maximizing the health benefits and results. Often at this age it is apparent that future treatment is unlikely. This is a great comfort to many parents. We frequently will see a growing child on a regular recall basis to watch an area of concern, at no charge to the family. Our advantage is often we can avoid unnecessary treatment, but if treatment proves necessary, the timing can be ideal simplifying the procedures.
*Why should I or my child have orthodontic care? Is it just for appearance or cosmetics?*	It is a relatively common problem for teeth or jaws to fail to grow into a good bite. Sometimes this is of little importance as it is not very severe. However, in some cases it is severe enough to cause health problems. In the big picture, poor bites can lead to poor nutrition due to inadequate preparation of food for the digestive system, or by forcing the individual to avoid certain foods because they cannot bite or chew well. More specifically, poor bites can lead to diseases or damage to the teeth, mouth, gums, cheeks, and jaw joints. Teeth are designed to fit together in a very exact fashion. This not only makes for efficient chewing it protects the teeth and tissue during chewing, swallowing, speech, and even when at rest. Poor bites can lead directly to loss of teeth from extreme wear or gum disease. They can also cause speech problems, cheek and tongue biting, and damage to the jaw joints (TMJ). Fortunately, most dental bite problems can be corrected through orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (changing bone growth) which is the specialized area of training of an orthodontist. And yes, appearance is a part of this. If teeth are in good functional positions, they also look good. Personal image is an important reason by itself to seek orthodontics. Extremely crowded or protruding teeth can often give a person poor self esteem and effect how others view them
As an adult, is it too late for orthodontics?	No. While it is true that many cases are best treated in a growing child, most adults can be treated very nicely and take no longer than a child. Improving the bite can be crucial to preventing or stopping gum disease (periodontitis), reducing tooth wear, or taking stress off the jaw joints (TMJ). Treatment may involve compensating dentally for problems due to jaw growth, or in extreme cases, surgical intervention (orthognathic surgery). In all cases, it is up to the patient to determine the extent of treatment they are comfortable with.
What will happen at the first appointment?	We call the first visit an "exam" and it is free. The purpose of the visit is to see the patient clinically and discuss potential benefits of orthodontic care. We then explain how treatment would be done, when, why, and expected expenses. Our goal is to educate the consumer on the benefits and risks of orthodontic treatment. While we try to give you as much information as possible, orthodontic records are needed before any active treatment is started. These would be scheduled at a future date.
How long does treatment take?	Many cases take only a few months. The average full case takes 24-30 months active treatment, followed by retainers.
What about the expense?	Expenses for orthodontic care can run from very minimal to significant, depending on the needs of the case. Whenever possible, we try to give the patient/parents choices on the extent of treatment. Usually we can work out a plan that will fit your budget. Standardly, on cases of significant expense, payment plans are offered at no interest which spread the cost over months or years. We also have fee reductions for prepayment on cases over $2000, and personal line of credit loans available at great rates through Androscoggin Savings Bank.
What about Insurance?	Most dental plans have some coverage for orthodontic treatment. Some do not. Typical plans pay a percentage of the total cost, up to a maximum lifetime benefit. This is payed or reimbursed at each step. For example, if your insurance coverage is stated as "50% of costs with a $1500 lifetime coverage" and your expenses with us total $3200, it means that they will pay 50% of each step until they have paid $1500. In this example your portion would total $1700. Which would be spread out in monthly payments.
How do I find out about my Insurance?	Check with your personnel office or wherever you would pick up the insurance forms for dental visits. If this is not possible, our office can submit a pre-treatment estimate on one of your forms. This will usually mean that you will receive a response from your insurance stating IF you have coverage, how much, and how it is to be issued. This process does not commit you to starting treatment or to treatment at this office.
Does your office take Medicaid?	No, we have found the system to be unworkable. We are sympathetic with those people that by necessity are eligible for the program, but the state system has become a nightmare to work with, often resulting in non-payment or repeated filings. Even then payments are pegged at fees that were current in the 70's. We can tolerate not making a profit from these cases, but we cannot operate at a loss which is the case with the current program. In cases such as Cleft Palate or other special needs children, we make exceptions.