Orthodontic FAQs

Thornton Orthodontics is a trusted orthodontic practice located in Eugene, Oregon, dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art orthodontic care for patients of all ages. The practice focuses on creating beautiful, healthy smiles through advanced treatments and compassionate care.

Orthodontics, sometimes known as dentofacial orthopedics, is a distinctive branch of dentistry that extends past the general education and practice obtained in dental school. It concentrates on identifying, preventing, and addressing irregularities in the teeth and facial structure.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who undergoes an additional two to three years of training and experience beyond dental school. With this advanced expertise, an orthodontist can align teeth, adjust misaligned jaw structures, and enhance the overall functionality of your smile.

An Orthodontist is a dentist who spends 2-3 years beyond dental school in a residency program to learn how to provide orthodontic treatment.

Specialty training is required to be able to safely and predictably move teeth within the jaws.

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and regularly use a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• When you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and antibacterial hand soap. You may also soak it in a denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, ribs, taffy, etc.).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

Simply call our practice! Our friendly front desk team will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.

Have more questions? Email our team at: info@thornton-ortho.com.

Generally, untreated orthodontic problems may become worse. Lack of orthodontic treatment can be a factor in tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone that holds teeth in place, tooth loss, chewing/digestive difficulties, or abnormal wearing away of tooth enamel. Ultimately, orthodontic treatment may cost less than the restorative treatment that could be needed to treat decayed, worn or lost teeth, or gum disease.

Your dentist is probably recommending orthodontic treatment so that you can reach optimal dental health. Many complicated tooth restorations, such as crowns, bridges and implants, can be best accomplished when the remaining teeth are properly aligned and the bite is correct.

Moving teeth is a complex biological process and there is a lot that goes into it. That’s why orthodontists must go to school for so many years to be licensed to practice this specialty. Many AAO orthodontists offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Isn’t your dental health worth a consultation with an orthodontist?

If overlooked, crossbites can trigger jaw misalignment, uneven jaw growth, premature wearing of the tooth enamel, facial asymmetry, and improper chewing, among other dental issues.

The prominent indication of a crossbite is when the upper teeth fit inside the lower teeth in the back and/or the front when biting down normally. Should you suspect a crossbite, seeking a professional evaluation from an orthodontist is imperative to ensure treatment is started at the optimal age.

For parents considering braces for their children, it’s essential to prepare them for this journey. Speak positively about the experience, emphasizing the benefits. Let them know the orthodontist and their team will do everything possible to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Books and videos about getting braces can also make the transition easier for young ones.

Contrary to popular belief, braces are not purely cosmetic. They can significantly improve oral function. Also, braces are no longer as intrusive or uncomfortable as they once were, thanks to technological advancements.

Keep supplies on hand to address possible situations. Here are six suggestions:

Orthodontic wax.

Dental floss.

Tweezers.

Interproximal brushes.

Topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel).

Over the counter pain relievers (such as one taken for a headache).

A warm salt water rinse can be soothing, as well (1 tsp. salt to 8 oz. warm water).

Teeth move throughout one’s lifetime, making it important to wear retainers as prescribed by your orthodontist to maintain your healthy, beautiful smile.

Retainers are prescribed for two reasons: first, to allow the bone that holds teeth to rebuild after teeth have moved, and second, to maintain the healthy new positions of teeth after active orthodontic treatment ends. Your body changes your whole life, and your teeth change too. The only way to keep your teeth in the ideal position created by your orthodontic treatment is to wear retainers for life!

It is recommended to take out removable retainers while eating to prevent potential damage. For fixed retainers, avoid biting into foods that could potentially break wire loose such as apples and carrots.

If lost or broken, contact your orthodontist immediately. Getting a replacement or fixing it is crucial to avoid teeth shifting.

Many people have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, usually provided by their employer. Such insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee for orthodontic treatment, many times there may be a specific dollar amount or lifetime maximum. If your dental insurance is through your employer, your human resources department may be able to provide coverage details. The information can also be obtained directly from the insurance company. With your permission, the orthodontist may be able to confirm your insurance benefits for you, such as:

The amount of coverage or the percentage of the fee covered

If there are limitations to your coverage

Whether you are required to choose from the insurance company’s network of providers

Not all providers used by insurance companies to provide orthodontic treatment are orthodontists. To ensure any provider you are interested in using is an orthodontist, check the Find an Orthodontist service, where you will find members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). The AAO only admits orthodontic specialists as members.

It depends on your plan. If they do cover orthodontic treatment, most of the time they will only pay for it if it is considered medically necessary AND by an in-network provider. This would require going to an office that takes OHP and having them send a preauthorization to the insurance company where they will determine case by case who would be covered.

You can obtain a list of offices that take OHP by calling the number on your insurance card or going to their website. Our office is not in network with any OHP plans.

We accept all insurance plans that have orthodontic benefits with just a few exceptions. We file claims on behalf of our patients, and our team is here to help you navigate the insurance process.

Yes, funds from flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for orthodontic treatment. Talk to your orthodontist about how to make the best use of your benefits.

Yes, Thornton Orthodontics offers Invisalign clear aligners as a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is ideal for many patients seeking effective orthodontic treatment without the appearance of metal brackets and wires. Dr. Thornton has
more than 20 years of experience with Invisalign aligners.

Absolutely! Thornton Orthodontics offers comprehensive orthodontic treatments tailored for children, teenagers, and adults, ensuring optimal care suited to each stage of life.