Matthew Gaworski, D.D.S.
6140 Tutt Blvd. Suite 250
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
719.596.2477
FAQs
Learn More about Orthodontics
- Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
- At what age should my child have an orthodontic screening?
- Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
- What will I learn from the initial examination?
- Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
- How long will it take to complete treatment?
- You're treating my son/daughter with braces, and I want a straighter smile, too! But I don't want the immature look of braces. Is there a solution for me?
- How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
- How often will I have appointments?
- Can we schedule all our appointments after school?
- Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
- Do braces hurt?
- Do you use recycled braces?
- Can I still play sports?
- Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
- Insurance and financing are very confusing. Can your office administrator help me file?
Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic specialists like Dr. Gaworski have extensive, specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with personalized solutions. Unlike some general dentists providing comprehensive orthodontic treatment in their offices with minimal or no training, orthodontic specialists complete an additional two to three years of residency training after finishing four years of dental school.
At what age should my child have an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted in most children, so we can effectively evaluate your child’s orthodontic condition. Learn more about early orthodontic treatment…
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases.
What will I learn from the initial examination?
Dr. Gaworski will cover five essential questions during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- Will any teeth need to be removed?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the investment in treatment be?
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. We will never remove teeth unnecessarily, and we offer advanced orthodontic procedures that may prevent the need for extraction.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Your treatment time obviously depends on your specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. Patients usually wear braces for approximately 24 months.
You're treating my son/daughter with braces, and I want a straighter smile, too! But I don't want the immature look of braces. Is there a solution for me?
Absolutely. We offer a removable alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign clear braces use 3D imaging to design a custom set of aligners, then the patient wears a new aligner every few weeks. For big events, simply remove the aligner. This makes cleaning easy, too. If you aren't a candidate for Invisalign, consider traditional braces with clear brackets. This less obvious option is popular with teens and adults. Call us for an appointment to learn which treatment will suit your lifestyle best.
How can you straighten my smile without using metal braces?
Depending on your unique case, we may suggest Invisalign clear braces. Read more about this procedure in our services area.
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. We see most patients with braces every 5 to 10 weeks. If a specific situation requires more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Can we schedule all our appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. Because most appointments are scheduled 5 to 10 weeks apart, our patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off a child.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not hurt. After certain visits, your teeth may feel sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain relievers will ease the discomfort. With most visits, many patients do not feel any soreness at all!
Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! We believe that each patient deserves his or her own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Can I still play sports?
Certainly. Dr. Gaworski recommends a mouthguard for all sports to eliminate the chance of tooth loss or injury to the lips and cheeks.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are wearing braces. Most often he or she will want to see you every six months.
Insurance and financing are very confusing. Can your office administrator help me file?
We understand your confusion and our office staff can help you. Simply bring your card or claim into our Colorado Springs orthodontic office, visit our Financial Information page, or call us to speak with our friendly team members.