Frequently Asked Questions

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Some problems can be solved by using the advice provided at an orthodontic consultation. A good starting point for determining the extent and nature of your problem is with your family dentist. If he or she feels that you have a true orthodontic problem they will probably refer you to an orthodontist. Consultations are complimentary for patients who are receiving regular care from a family dentist. Beyond that, the fee for treatment is directly related to the nature and degree of your malocclusion (bite problem).

Do we accept insurance?

We accept insurance from most insurance companies. If you care to contact our office with the name of your carrier and your insurance codes, we can usually determine the extent of coverage within minutes. And for those cases where your insurance company is a non-fit with our system, we will still fill all of the customary forms needed for you to be able to obtain full reimbursement. We pledge to do everything possible for you to be able to maximize your insurance benefits.

Do braces hurt?

Most patients experience a mild form of pain following the placement of appliances and after most wire adjustments. The pain most closely resembles the feeling of bruised teeth. Consider the fact that we are asking those teeth to move through bone. In order for that to happen, the bone goes through some plastic movements (remodeling), very similar to that of a typical healing process. The tenderness usually lasts for two to three days and is almost always completely alleviated by taking the appropriate dosage of Tylenol. If Tylenol alone fails to make the patient comfortable, we will sometimes have the patient take Ibuprofen as well. This combination is almost always completely successful at relieving the kind of pain that accompanies orthodontics.

How long will I have to wear braces?

As with the question about how much treatment will cost, duration is usually directly related to the degree of malocclusion - more difficult cases usually take longer to treat and, therefore, cost more to treat. We are proud to be able to say that we are on the cutting edge in terms of treatment efficacy. Dr. Northway was trained by Dr. Charles Burstone, perhaps the preeminent authority in biomechanics; and Dr. Northway has taught biomechanics at graduate orthodontic programs. His mechanical approach is second to none. But, most importantly, he places special emphasis on treatments that will safeguard stability.

For those patients who are interested in significantly shortening their treatment duration, Dr. Northway has taken special courses that avail him the use of Corticotomy Assisted Orthodontics. COA involves a periodontal procedure that has reduced treatment time by more than 60%. For more information about this vastly shortened approach, visit the webpage, www.Wilckodontics.com. Examples of accelerated treatment can be seen in the section entitled "Treatment" on our webpage.

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a practitioner who has already achieved a degree in dentistry and has gone on in study, attending an American Dental Association accredited program of extended study. Orthodontic graduate programs last from 2 to 4 years and result in a diploma, a Master's degree or a Ph.D.

Dr. Northway achieved his Masters at the University of Montreal. His Master's thesis, entitled "Changes in arch form of French Canadian children due to premature loss of primary teeth," has been published in the Angle Orthodontist, 1980. He has lectured extensively on this subject and has published numerous articles related to the premature loss of primary teeth.

An orthodontist is a dentist who deals with problems of tooth and jaw alignment, the function of the dentition and aesthetic problems of the teeth and face. Sometimes their treatment simply involves the modification of a habit; it can involve the movement of one or more teeth with either removable or fixed appliances (braces), or the placement of an orthopedic appliance capable of causing growth in the midpalatal suture or attempting to influence the growth of the jaws; sometimes it involves working as the architect in a case of facial reconstruction (with an oral surgeon or plastic surgeon), or as a member of a team with complex problems of esthetics and alignment; but always orthodontic treatment is a dynamic component of the form and function that allows people to chew properly and provide a favorable display of their teeth.

I have heard of expansion; what is expansion?

Often there is a disparity in the widths of the upper and lower jaw, the most common being where the upper jaw is narrow compared to the lower. When this happens, the upper teeth generally will not fit well with the lowers. The overt condition is known as "crossbite." Because this is a problem of the jaws, the muscles that attach between the upper and lower jaws are out of harmony as well; and, in fact, are a large part of the reason that the teeth do not fit well. Simply tipping the upper teeth out will predictably result in a relapse to or toward the original condition. Other side-effects of a constricted upper jaw (maxilla) can be inadequate space for all of the upper teeth - remember from geometry that the circumference is a function of the width. Many of the patients who have a constricted maxilla also have difficulty breathing well through their nose. When done effectively, widening their maxilla will often improve their ability to breathe through their nose. This is usually the best approach for patients who have mouth breathing problems; many of these will have anterior open bites - where the upper and lower front teeth to not touch when they bite.

The form of expansion intended as a treatment for this condition is also called orthopedic expansion. It is the intention to actually cause the halves of the upper jaw separate from each other. Technically, a fracture occurs between the pairs of the maxillary bone and palatal bone. This is typically not painful in prepubescent children. Once the expansion has been accomplished, the expansion appliance stays in the mouth for about 4-5 months to allow new bone to fill in between the halves. Sometimes, the space that is created between the two upper central incisors will close on its own; sometimes, no further treatment is necessary; but always, there is more room for the upper teeth and the display of a deficient maxilla is improved. Orthopedic expansion is the most significant development in orthodontic treatment since the application of the fixed bracket system that is attached individually to teeth and joined by a single, controllable wire (braces).

Palatal expansion can be painful, especially as the patient approaches maturity and as the midpalatal suture approaches fusion. For adults, there is a surgical approach that is similar to having four wisdom teeth removed; if it is done at the hospital, it is done on an out-patient basis. Usually, it can be done in the oral surgeon's office. The outcome is predictable and the patient is provided with an excellent result.

Do you use Invisilign?

No, we have many ways of accomplishing the same result more efficiently, more predictably, with more stability and at less expense. Invisilign is not new; we have been using "invisible retainers" for years. We do not send the impressions out to a laboratory that dictates the treatment and generates a series of "invisible retainers" at an unreasonable cost.

Why does a patient need a retainer at the end of treatment?

It is unrealistic to expect teeth that have taken one's whole life to achieve a certain position to remain in a new position after being moved for a short period of time (let's say 18 months). Most patients want their braces off as soon as possible - after they have been moved into acceptable positions. Ideally, we would hold teeth in their new positions, once achieved, for as long as it took for the teeth to erupt into the bad position in the first place. In stead, we use appliances that don't need to be on the teeth constantly, but continue to provide stable, reproducible maintenance of the new position long enough that we might have a realistic chance of having the teeth stay in their new positions. And the period of retention (wearing of retainers) must take into consideration the original cause of the problem; were the teeth put into wrong positions because of some problem that continues in the mouth, in spite of the fact that braces have provided a new position? Retainers are a way of artificially extending treatment in a way that is easier for the patient.

If you have further questions, we hope you will email Dr. Northway at northway@umich.edu. If your question is good enough that we place it in our "Frequently Asked Questions" section, we will give you a gift certificate for a meal for two at Dr. Northway's favorite local restaurant. Give us a call - or an e-call...

When is the proper age to start orthodontics?

In general, assuming the a child has no congenital problems or conspicuous growth difficulties, orthodontic concerns can be most effectively dealt with between the time that the lower four permanent incisors have erupted and before he or she commences her growth spurt, usually around age eleven. Orthodontics can be provided at any age, as long as there is viable periodontal support (the teeth are free of cavities and the gums are healthy). The American Association of Orthodontists advocates that all children should be seen by an orthodontist by age seven.

How much do you charge for a consultation?

We enjoy our relationship as being "part of a team" with general practitioners and other dental specialists. We believe in and encourage regular visits with your family dentist and will insist that you have had a thorough examination prior to beginning treatment. With that in mind, consultations provided in our Traverse City and Beulah offices are free when referred by your family dentist. If you do not have a family dentist, we would be pleased to suggest a dentist near you, assuming you live in our geographic region.

For a brochure, please contact:
When to Start
Northway Orthodontics
12776 S. West Bay Shore Drive
Traverse City, MI 49684

Always striving to perform to the best of our ability.