Dr. Scott McElroy is an experienced orthodontist who collaborates with patients to improve the aesthetics and health of their smiles. Below we will answer common questions about braces, tooth extraction, treatment times, and more. If you are looking for an orthodontist office in San Ramon or Danville, CA, call (925) 242-0180 or schedule an appointment online. We will help you find an orthodontic solution to your dental problems and cosmetic concerns.
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, can be permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that dental treatment, no matter how basic or complex, is appropriate for the patient. Dr. McElroy has extensive and specialized training that enables him to provide patients with professional and personalized treatment. We welcome children, teens and adults to explore treatment options and learn more about our services through a consultation.
Common Orthodontic FAQs
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, the space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. For most people, after their permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth can decrease as they grow older.
Do I need to have some teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. The goals of orthodontics are to straighten teeth and balance the bite for a healthier smile. Removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment, and depends on the severity of orthodontic problems. For example, patients with severely crooked or overcrowded teeth may require extraction or jaw surgery.
How much will braces cost?
The cost of treatment can only be determined after an orthodontic examination. Our office has financing options available to accommodate your needs. We will also review your insurance policy to help to maximize your benefits and file claims.
Do braces hurt?
Your teeth may feel sore after some orthodontic visits, but many patients may not feel sore. If you do feel pain, medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
This is dependent upon the type of orthodontic treatment you will receive. Our dental care team will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid including ice, hard candy, and sticky foods. Remember to avoid emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child still has baby teeth?
Yes, some orthodontic problems 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. This is often the case for a variety of bite disorders, including patients with an open bite.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Many orthodontics patients are adults. Even if the look of traditional or ceramic braces does not appeal to you, we offer Invisalign clear braces that are discreet enough to wear daily. Orthodontics is often a permanent solution to TMJ related disorders, bite problems and aesthetic concerns. We also work with adult patients experiencing orthodontic relapse after treatment years ago.
Can I wear braces even though I have dental crowns and missing teeth?
Yes, teeth that are capped off with a dental crown will move naturally. Even when teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.