Orthodontic FAQs

Most orthodontic problems are inherited. Examples of these genetic problems are crowding, spacing, protrusion, extra or missing teeth and some jaw growth problems.

Other oral problems are caused by dental disease, accidents, thumb- or finger-sucking, losing baby teeth early or late, or even other causes.

It’s crucial to find an orthodontist in Hot Springs who can help you achieve your smile dreams.

Orthodontists like Dr. Hall are dental specialists who diagnose, prevent and treat dental and facial irregularities.

This means they're better qualified to give you the smile of your dreams than you could get from aligners ordered from the internet that come in the mail.

They receive specialized education beyond dental school for an additional two to three years to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth.

Only those with this formal education like Dr. Hall may call themselves “orthodontists,” and only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

The doctors here at Hall Orthodontics have achieved this specialization and is are active members of the AAO.

Patients who need orthodontic treatment generally have one to three years of active treatment.

This can be determined through a free consultation at our Hot Springs office.

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on many factors, including the severity of the problem, how complex the problem is, and how long treatment lasts.

Dr. Hall will be glad to discuss the cost of treatment and your financing options with you before your treatment begins.

The good news is that braces are more affordable today than ever. Our team also works with insurance companies and offers payment plans that meet your family’s budget.

Crooked and crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain.

A bad bite can wear down teeth, make it hard to chew and talk and create stress on supporting bone and gum tissue.

Without treatment, many problems become worse and can require additional dental care later in life.

The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Hall all recommend an orthodontic screening at age seven. By this age, most children in Hot Springs have several permanent teeth that have erupted, allowing us to evaluate their orthodontic needs.

By this age, Dr. Hall can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

That’s important, because some orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they are found early at Hall Orthodontics.

Most orthodontic patients at our Hot Springs office begin active braces treatment between ages 9 and 14.

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at almost any age. In fact, about one in every four orthodontic patients today is over age 18.

Thanks to today’s smaller, less visible and more comfortable orthodontic appliances (including metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign), adults find treatment much more appealing.

Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between you and Dr. Hall or Dr. Koppel.

Dr. Hall & Dr. Koppel provide custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions.

Your job is to follow the instructions given by Dr. Hall or Dr. Koppel, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments, and maintain excellent oral hygiene to get the best results.

You will also need to see your general dentist around Hot Springs as recommended to continue your general dental care.

If you notice an unwanted change in your smile or bite, contact us for a free consultation.

You might need Dr. Hall to give you an orthodontic tune-up to regain proper alignment.

Not necessarily. Research suggests that wisdom teeth don’t always cause teeth to shift.

In most cases, wisdom teeth are removed for general dental health reasons rather than for orthodontic health.

Your family dentist or Dr. Hall can help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Dr. Hall will recommend how long to continue wearing your retainers, whether they are removable (the kind you put in and take out) or fixed (bonded behind your teeth).

Wearing your retainers as prescribed is the best way to keep your teeth from moving after your orthodontic treatment.

There are many reasons teeth may move following orthodontic treatment. Teeth are not set in concrete, they’re in bone.

Since the bone around your teeth is continually changing (breaking down and rebuilding), your teeth may shift after your braces are removed.

By wearing your retainers, your teeth are more likely to remain where Dr. Hall has placed them through braces treatment.

The small changes that happen after braces are removed are due to settling in as you use your teeth for biting and chewing.

The best way to keep your teeth from shifting is to wear your retainers as prescribed. If you notice movement after your braces are removed, please contact Hall Orthodontics.

The fact is that throughout your lifetime, even though you have had orthodontic treatment, you can expect changes in tooth position.

Many factors at work may cause teeth to shift. Such changes are different for everyone, and most of the time, they are hardly noticeable.

However, on occasion, changes can occur that are disappointing to both you and Dr. Hall. Changes in tooth position are not a failure of your orthodontic treatment.

They are a natural process. We expect changes in our bodies as we grow older, and teeth are no exception.

To help control and limit these changes, retainers are prescribed after your braces are removed at Hall Orthodontics.

No. Retainers stabilize and preserve the alignment of teeth and jaws that your orthodontic treatment achieved at Hall Orthodontics.

Many people wear removable retainers nightly for the rest of their lives. Ask Dr. Hall for guidance about your long-term retainer use.