Category Archives: Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care

Custom Orthodontics: All Smiles Are Not the Same

Posted on June 4, 2016 by drrodgerdroel

A common practice in orthodontic offices is to use a “standard” preformed nickel titanium arch wire, “one size fits all.” An upper and lower archwire of this “standard” type is pictured above. The trouble is that no individual mouth … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Adjustments, Quality of Care in Orthodontics, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged adjustments done by trained orthodontist, Custom orthodontics, nickel titanium "standard" archwire, stainless steel custom arch wire | Leave a comment

Does Your Child Need an Orthodontic Expander?

Posted on October 10, 2015 by drrodgerdroel

At Droel Orthodontics, the answer is probably “No.” This article will explain why. The face and teeth exist in 3 dimensions: Side to Side (lateral) Front to Back (horizontal) Top to Bottom (vertical) An orthodontic expander works in only one … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged all-inclusive orthodontic fee, Best time for braces, child ready for full orthodontic treatment, free orthodontic "wait and see" appointments, palatal expanders on children, palatal sutures in orthodontic treatment, Phase One orthodontic treatment leads to wearing braces twice | Leave a comment

Orthodontic Phase 1: What About 12 Year Molars?

Posted on March 7, 2015 by drrodgerdroel

Have you been told that your 7, 8 or 9-year-old child needs a Phase 1 treatment? Before you go ahead, there is one important question you should ask the orthodontist: What are you going to do about the 12-year molars? … Continue reading →

Posted in Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Planning the Cost of Braces, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged 12-year molars in orthodontics, 2nd molars in orthodontics, Best time for braces, free orthodontic "wait and see" appointments | Leave a comment

How Much Do Braces Cost?

Posted on January 31, 2015 by drrodgerdroel

When you choose an orthodontist, cost is always a factor. Dr. Droel’s fees are reasonable and competitive. They are also ALL-INCLUSIVE. The fee quoted will include records, diagnosis, placing of braces, all adjustments (which are always done personally by Dr. … Continue reading →

Posted in Broken Orthodontic Retainer, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Orthodontic Retainer, Orthodontic Specialist, Planning the Cost of Braces, Quality of Care in Orthodontics, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged Add-on costs of braces, Extended treatment time for braces, How much do braces cost? | Leave a comment

Gap in Teeth of 7-Year-Old: Are Braces Needed?

Posted on March 17, 2014 by drrodgerdroel

I am frequently asked whether a gap in a child’s front teeth means that braces are always needed. My answer is, “Not necessarily.” Two years ago, a mother brought a 7-year-old girl into my office for an exam. The … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Snowboarding Dentists | Tagged Best time for braces, does child with gap in teeth need braces, free orthodontic "wait and see" appointments, Gap in child's front teeth, Phase I orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, removing baby teeth to treat gap in child's permanent teeth, treating gap in child's teeth without braces | Leave a comment

Best Time to Get Braces

Posted on January 28, 2014 by drrodgerdroel

Last week in my office, I saw two different 12 1/2 year old boys for their free initial orthodontic exams. Because every individual is unique in growth, occlusion and tooth eruption, I gave them completely different recommendations. One boy would … Continue reading →

Posted in Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged Best time for braces, best time to start orthodontic treatment, free initial exam for orthodontics, orthodontic free "wait and see" appointments, orthodontic free recall appointments, orthodontic treatment without headgear | Leave a comment

Orthodontic X-Ray Safety

Posted on March 16, 2013 by drrodgerdroel

When are orthodontic x-rays needed? Answers from Dr. Rodger Droel right here! We strictly follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association. The guidelines state that x-rays should be taken only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. At your first … Continue reading →

Posted in American Dental Association, Dental X-Rays, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Resources for Orthodontic Patients, X-Ray Safety | Tagged dental x-rays, minimize radiation exposure, orthodontic x-rays, x-ray safety | Leave a comment

Considering a new orthodontist?

Posted on October 30, 2012 by drrodgerdroel

I often see patients in treatment who are moving to our area. Patients also come in because they had previous treatment but need straightening because they have not worn their retainers in years. Others are concerned because the treatments they … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Braces and Expanders in Orthodontic Care, Dental Insurance, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Specialist, Phase One Orthodontic Treatment, Planning the Cost of Braces, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Resources for Orthodontic Patients | Tagged child ready for full orthodontic treatment, child ready for Phase II orthodontics, Dr. Rodger Droel accepts all types of insurance for orthodontic care, Dr. Rodger Droel on unnecessary Phase One Treatment in Orthodontics, free exams by Dr. Rodger Droel for opinions on orthodontic care, Lino Lakes orthodontic office, match or better orthodontic insurance plan, orthodontic treatment taking too long, palatal expanders on children, Phase One orthodontic treatment leads to wearing braces twice, second or third orthodontic opinion, work with all insurance | Leave a comment

When Will I Get My Braces Off?

Posted on September 9, 2012 by drrodgerdroel

Your braces will come off when you have achieved the best possible smile for you. Usually that takes about 18-24 months. With his years of experience, having treated over 12,000 patients in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dr. Rodger … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Braces and Expanders, Droel Orthodontics, Natural Smiles through Orthodontic Specialists, Orthodonitic Specialist, Planning the Cost of Braces, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care, Uncategorized | Tagged all-inclusive orthodontic fee, benefits of orthodontic braces, best smile right on schedule, cooperation in children with braces, length of orthodontic treatment, no extra charge for extended orthodontic treatment, when braces come off | Leave a comment

Who Will Do My Orthodontic Adjustments?

Posted on March 16, 2012 by drrodgerdroel

At Dr. Rodger Droel’s office, you will see Dr. Droel at each appointment. He will personally check your progress and make precise individual adjustments depending on your particular treatment. If you have a broken wire or some other problem on … Continue reading →

Posted in American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Rodger Droel, Droel Orthodontics, Orthodonitic Specialist, Orthodontic Adjustments, Questions and Answers about Orthodontic Care | Tagged orthodontic adjustments, see orthodontist at each appointment | Leave a comment