Feel Good. Look Good.

With care from an orthodontist, you have an expert who has been educated to understand how your teeth, your jaws and your facial muscles all work together. A healthy mouth contributes to your overall good health. Your appearance gets a boost, too.

DEHAAN ORTHODONTICS

FAQ’S

Hours

MONDAY 10AM – 6PM

TUESDAY 9AM – 5PM

WEDNESDAY 8AM – 4PM

THURSDAY 10AM – 5PM

Hours fluctuate slightly with the season and the school schedules. Please feel free to call (248-391-4477) and leave a message at any time or fill out the form and we will respond as soon as possible.

Payment Options

We are committed to providing quality affordable dental health care. We understand that no one payment option and/or plan will suit every patient. However, we are determined to make orthodontic care affordable through customized payment options. We participate with most major insurances and accept all major forms of payment, such as; cash, checks, money orders and major credit cards are accepted.

We also provide In-office interest FREE payment plans which are broken up over duration of treatment.

Please call our office prior to your first visit and we will be glad to answer any insurance related questions you may have.

Insurance

We participate with many insurances. If we do not participate with your insurances, then we will still help you fill out all the appropriate forms in order to maximize your insurance benefits for you.

We understand that unexpected dental bills can sometimes strain finances. If this happens, talk with us immediately by calling us at (248) 391-4477.

First visit

We always look forward to meeting new patients! Your initial examination is a very important appointment as we have a lot to talk about. In addition to understanding why you are seeking orthodontic treatment, we may also discuss treatment options, timing of the treatment, any teeth that may need to be removed, and fees.

If possible, please bring a recent panoramic x-ray from your dentist as well as your orthodontic insurance cards. To save you valuable time, we may also set aside time to complete diagnostic records (x-rays, photos, and impressions) following the initial examination.

is invisalign available?

Yes! Invisalign^® takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. These aligner trays are made of smooth, comfortable and virtually invisible plastic that you wear over your teeth. Wearing the aligners will gradually and gently shift your teeth into place, based on the exact movements your dentist or orthodontist plans out for you. There are no metal brackets to attach and no wires to tighten. You just pop in a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, until your treatment is complete. You’ll achieve a great smile with little interference in your daily life. The best part about the whole process is that most people won’t even know you’re straightening your teeth.

Appointment Reminders

Our digital system will text, email, or call you to remind you of your upcoming appointment. You can confirm your appointment through the system, so we know to expect you.

Missed appointments are very hard to reschedule given the popularity of certain appointment slots. It’s important to come see your orthodontist on a regular basis – and we love to see you too! If you are currently a patient and would like to update your cell number and email address – please give us a call. Also, we don’t want to bug you, so if you would like to opt out of the system, you are always welcome to do so.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Tools & Supplies

With these tools and supplies on hand in your clinic (most of which you already have), you will be prepared to handle the most common orthodontic emergencies.

- Non-medicated orthodontic relief wax
- Dental floss
- Sterile tweezers
- Small, sharp clipper
- Q-tips
- Salt
- Interproximal brush
- Toothpicks
- Non-prescription pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen supplied by the student’s parent/guardian—use only with written permission of the orthodontist and parent/guardian)
- Topical Anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel)

Food Caught Between Teeth

This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing for the braces-wearing student. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss. Try tying a small knot in the middle of the floss to help remove the food. Or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces.

Lost Wire or Ligature

Tiny rubber bands or small, fine wires, known as ligatures, hold the wire to the bracket. If a rubber or wire ligature is lost, notify the parents so that the orthodontist may advise whether the patient should be seen.

Ligatures Come Off

If a rubber ligature should come off, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers. If a wire ligature comes loose, simply remove it with sterile tweezers. If the wire ligature is sticking out into the lip but is not loose, it may be bent back down with a Q-tip or pencil eraser to eliminate the irritation.
Of course, when one ligature pops off or breaks, others may follow. Be sure to examine all ligatures before sending the student back to class. Missing or broken ligatures should be brought to the attention of the student’s parents, who should then inform the orthodontist.

Discomfort

It’s normal for a patient to have discomfort for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted. But it can make eating uncomfortable. Reassure the patient that the discomfort is both normal and temporary. Encourage soft foods. Have the patient rinse the mouth with warm salt water. If the patient is allowed to have over-the-counter pain relievers, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be effective.

Mouth Sores

Some patients are susceptible to episodes of mouth sores. While braces do not cause them, they may be precipitated or exacerbated by an irritation from braces. One or several areas of ulceration of the cheeks, lips or tongue may appear. This is not an emergency, but may be very uncomfortable for the patient. Prompt relief may be achieved by applying a small amount of topical anesthetic (such as Orabase or Ora-Gel) directly to the ulcerated surface using a cotton swab. Instruct the patient to reapply as needed.

Irritation in Mouth

Sometimes new braces can be irritating to the mouth, especially when the patient is eating. A small amount of non-medicinal relief wax makes an excellent buffer between metal and mouth. Simply pinch off a small piece and roll it into a ball the size of a small pea. Flatten the ball and place it completely over the area of the braces causing irritation. The patient may then eat lunch more comfortably. Let the student know that if the wax is accidentally ingested it’s not a problem. The wax is harmless.

Protruding Wire

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patient’s mouth. Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth. If the wire cannot be moved into a comfortable position, cover it with relief wax. (See Irritation of Cheeks or Lips above for instructions on applying relief wax.) The patient’s parents will need to make the orthodontist aware of the problem.
In a situation where the wire is extremely bothersome and the patient will not be able to see the orthodontist anytime soon, as a last resort, you may clip the wire.
Reduce the possibility of the student swallowing the snipped piece of wire by using folded tissue or gauze around the area. Use a pair of sharp clippers and snip off the protruding wire. Relief wax may still be necessary to provide comfort to the irritated area.

Loose Wires, Brackets or Bands

If the braces have come loose in any way, the parents need to be notified, and they should call the orthodontist to determine appropriate next steps.

A Bracket is Knocked Off

Brackets are the parts of braces attached to teeth with a special adhesive. They are generally positioned in the center of each tooth. The bracket can be knocked off if the student has eaten one of those hard or crunchy foods orthodontic patients are instructed to avoid, or if the mouth is struck while at play. (Encourage all students, especially those with braces, to wear a protective mouth guard while playing sports.

If the bracket is off center, the adhesive may have failed. Call the parents—and recommend that they immediately notify the orthodontist, who will determine the course of action.

If the loose bracket has rotated on the wire and is sticking out, and the patient cannot immediately be taken to the orthodontist, you can do a temporary fix to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage. But take care to prevent swallowing or other injury.

To put the bracket back in place, use sterile tweezers to slide the bracket along the wire until it is between two teeth. Rotate the bracket back to the proper position, then slide it back to the center of the tooth.

For a printable version, please click here: Orthodontic Emergencies.

DEHAAN ORTHODONTICS

Orthodontics Today

To have the best and healthiest smile you can have.

Get it by relying on orthodontists’ expertise, which comes from their extensive education. After graduating from dental school, orthodontists go on for another two or more years of education just in orthodontics at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only after this formal education can one be called an orthodontist.

Orthodontists are dedicated to helping your teeth and jaws work in union so that you can speak, bite and chew comfortably and effectively. There’s a bonus, teeth and jaws that work well tend to look good, too.

To both feel good and look good.

To get the specialized treatment you deserve.

You trust your heart to a cardiologist, your skin to a dermatologist, your knees to an orthopedist. Like these specialists who study their specialty areas after their general medical education, orthodontists devote additional years of study to orthodontics after they graduate from dental school. And like their medical counterparts, orthodontists limit their practices to their specialty area. Orthodontists have in-depth experience in orthodontic care. They use their knowledge and skills to help you get the best results possible.

To get your bite right.

Your bite is a complex biologic system. Its components include up to 32 teeth, upper and lower jaws, gums and facial muscles. Your healthy bite is the orthodontist’s goal. The goal is met by making sure the separate elements are positioned for optimal performance. You enjoy the ability to bite, chew and speak well.

To solve the problem.

You may see six crooked front teeth. The orthodontist sees the cause of crooked teeth in three dimensions. Orthodontists use their education, experience and expertise to delve deep to discover the root of your orthodontic problem. Armed with a diagnosis that takes all factors into account, orthodontists can plan your solution—one that delivers a healthy, attractive smile and a lasting result.

To recommend the right treatment for you.

There are a lot of treatment options these days, from clear aligners to modern braces. They each have their uses, but only an orthodontist has the specialized knowledge to identify and plan for all the variables in your mouth. Orthodontists take your unique needs and wishes into consideration, too, when recommending the right treatment option for you. Orthodontists have knowledge of the full range of orthodontic appliance “tools.” They know what to use and when to use it because they work with these tools every day.

Why Orthodontics?

Well aligned teeth and a properly fitting bite are easier to keep clean, function better in biting, chewing, and grinding, and help protect against traumatic wear of the teeth and harm to the supporting bone and gum tissue.

Your bite can affect the balance of your face from different perspectives, including profile, lip support, and lip closure. When your bite and face are in good balance, you can function more comfortably and feel more confident in your appearance.

Orthodontic treatment is an advantage that many people in today’s society are privileged to receive, giving them the clear benefit of an attractive smile. Your smile is the focal point of your face, and studies show a winning smile boosts self confidence and success!

What Can It Do?

There are many dental problems that benefit from orthodontic treatment. Some of these may be obvious to everyone, like severe crowding or spacing, and some may be better detected by an orthodontist.

Some common problems that orthodontic treatment can help:

Crowding
Spacing
Misalignment
Deep bite (teeth biting into roof of mouth)
Overbite (protrusion of the top over the bottom teeth)
Cross bite (mismatch of width between top and bottom)
Under bite (bottom teeth bite in front of top teeth)
Impacted teeth ( teeth stuck in the bone or palate)
Missing teeth (genetically missing or tooth loss)
Skeletal imbalances of the jaws
Muscular imbalances of the lips

Early Treatment

Sometimes treatment is recommended to begin early, when there is a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth. Early treatment may be indicated to help with:

Adjusting the width of the dental arches
Gaining space for permanent teeth
Avoiding the need for permanent tooth extractions
Reducing likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
Eliminating thumb or finger sucking habits
Addressing abnormal swallowing (tongue thrusting)
Guiding the growth of the jaws and erupting permanent teeth to help eliminate or minimize future orthodontic problems.

Dr. Andrew’s early treatment usually lasts about one year, followed by observation visits while the adult teeth erupt and the face and jaws grow. His goal is to treat to what will eventually become a beautiful smile in an adult face!

Treatment for all ages

Orthodontic treatment can benefit people of all ages. In fact one in five orthodontic patients is an adult.

Some adult orthodontic treatment is especially helpful for those who have compromised dental situations due to a poor bite, missing teeth, or gum disease. Excessive wear of the teeth, tipping or drifting of the teeth, and changes of the bite can result from unattended dental problems. Orthodontic treatment can help restore an unhealthy unattractive mouth into a healthy attractive one.

Adult orthodontic treatment can provide the same benefits it does to a child or adolescent, improving health, function, and appearance. Self esteem, confidence, and success can be enhanced when a person feels good about their teeth and smile, whatever their age!

Brushing & Flossing

Helpful brushing tips with braces:

Insert floss behind the archwire.
Gently clean sides of teeth and under gums with and up-and-down motion.
Floss between all teeth once a day.
Use a soft toothbrush.
Start brushing on the upper right.
Brush above and below the braces using a small circular motion.
Slowly work your brush toward the front teeth and over to the left side.
Then brush the insides and biting surfaces. Take your time.
Starting on the right side, brush the outside of the lower teeth. Using the circular brushing motion, brush above the teeth and braces are sparkling clean. Move the brush slowly toward the front and left side. Then brush the insides and tops of the teeth.

After braces:

Excellent brushing and flossing = healthy gums and beautiful teeth.
Poor brushing and flossing = decay, sore and swollen gums and white spots on permanent teeth.

orthodontic terms

Anterior-Front.
Appliances-Any device, attached to the teeth or removable, designed to move the teeth, change the position of the jaw, or hold the teeth in their finished positions after braces are removed.
Arch-Upper or lower jaw.
Archwire-The metal wire that is attached to the brackets and used to move the teeth.
Band-The metal ring that is cemented to a tooth for strength and anchorage.
Braces-A word commonly used to describe a fixed orthodontic appliance, usually comprised of brackets, bands and wires.
Brushing-Brushing the teeth is part of an individual’s daily home dental care. Patients with braces should follow the orthodontist’s instruction on how often to brush.
Bruxism-Grinding the teeth, usually during sleeping. Bruxism can cause abnormal tooth wear and may lead to pain in the jaw joints.
Buccal-The cheek side of the back teeth in both arches or jaws.
Buccal Tube-A small metal part of the bracket welded to the cheek side of the molar band. The tube may hold an archwire, lip bumper, headgear facebow or other appliances an orthodontist may use to move the teeth.
Cephalometric Radiograph-A lateral (side view) x-ray of the head.
Chain-A stretchable series of elastic o-rings connected together and placed around each bracket to hold the archwire in place and move the teeth.
Class I Malocclusion-A malocclusion with the proper molar relationship and teeth that are crowded together, spaced apart, an overbite, an openbite, a posterior crossbite or an anterior crossbite.
Class II Malocclusion-A malocclusion with the upper front teeth protruding or due to the lower teeth and/or jaw positioned back relative to the upper teeth and/or jaw.
Class III Malocclusion-A malocclusion with the lower front teeth protruding or due to the lower teeth and/or jaw positioned ahead relative to the upper teeth and/or jaw.
Closed Bite/Deep Bite-Also known as deep overbite, this occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth an excessive amount.
Comprehensive Treatment-Complete orthodontic treatment performed to correct a malocclusion.
Congenitally Missing Teeth-A genetic occurrence in which the expected number of permanent teeth do not develop.
Crossbite-Upper posterior (back) teeth are in crossbite if they erupt and function inside or outside of the arch in the lower posterior teeth. Lower anterior (front) teeth are I crossbite if they erupt and function in front of the upper anterior teeth. A crossbite can be individual teeth or groups of teeth.
DDS or DMD-DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are equivalent degrees, according to The American Dental Association. All orthodontists educated in the U.S. or Canada will have either a DDS or DMD after their names. Orthodontists have an additional two to three years of specialty education in an accredited orthodontic residency program after dental school to become orthodontists.

Diagnostic Records-The material and information that the orthodontist needs to properly diagnose and plan a patient’s treatment.Diagnostic records may include a thorough patient health history, a visual examination of the teeth and supporting structures, plaster models of the teeth, a wax bite registration, extraoral and intraoral photographs, a panoramic and a cephalometric radiograph.
Ectopic Eruption-Term used to describe a tooth or teeth that erupt in an abnormal position.
Eruption-The process by which teeth enter into the mouth.
Extraction-The removal of a tooth.
Elastics-Rubber bands. During certain stages of treatment, small elastics or rubber bands are worn to provideindividual tooth movement or jaw alignment.
Facebow-A wire appliance used with a nightbrace, or headgear. Primarily used to move the upper first molars back,creating room for crowded or protrusive front teeth. The facebow has an internal wire bow and an external wire bow. The internal bow attaches to the buccal tube on the upper molar bands inside the mouth and the outer bow attaches to the breakaway safety strap of the nightbrace.
Fiberotomy-A surgical procedure designed to sever fibers of attachment around the tooth, usually performed to reduce the potential for relapse or post-orthodontic treatment tooth movement.
Fixed Appliances-An orthodontic appliance that is bonded or cemented to the teeth and cannot be or should not be removed by the patient.
Flossing-An important part of daily home dental care. Flossing removes plaque and food debris from between the teeth, brackets and wires. Flossing keeps teeth and gums clean and healthy during orthodontic treatment.
Frenectomy-The surgical removal or repositioning of the frenum, the lip and tongue attachment located between the upper and lower front teeth. A large frenum attachment can cause spacing between top front teeth or cause the tongue to be tied.
Functional Appliances-Appliances that utilize the muscle action produced when speaking, eating and swallowing to produce force to move the teeth and align the jaws. They are also known as orthopedic appliances with names such as orthopedic corrector, activator, bionator, Frankel, Herbst or twin block appliances.
Gingiva-Soft tissue around the teeth, also known as the gums.
Gummy Smile-Showing an excessive amount of gingival (gum) tissue above the front teeth when smiling.
Headgear-An appliance worn outside of the mouth to provide traction for growth modification and tooth movement.
Herbst Appliance-This appliance is used to move the lower jaw forward. It can be fixed or removable. When it is fixed, it is cemented to teeth in one or both arches using stainless steel crowns. An expansion screw may be used simultaneously to widen the upper jaw.
Impaction-A tooth that does not erupt into the mouth or only erupts partially is considered impacted.
Interceptive Treatment-Orthodontic treatment performed to intercept a developing problem. Usually performed on younger patients that have a mixture of primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth.
Interproximal Reduction-Removal of a small amount of enamel from between the teeth to reduce their width. Also known as reproximation, slenderizing, stripping, enamel reduction or selective reduction.
Labial-The surface of the teeth in both arches that faces the lips.
Ligating Modules-A small elastic o-ring, shaped like a donut, used to hold the archwire in the bracket.
Lingual-The tongue side of the teeth in both arches.
Lip Bumper-A wire appliance used to move the lower molars back and the lower front teeth forward, creating room for crowded front teeth. The lip bumper is an internal wire bow that attaches to the buccal tubes on the cheek side of the lower molar bands inside the mouth. The front portion of the bowhas an acrylic pad or bumper that rests against the inside of the lower lip. The lower lip muscles apply pressure to the bumper creating a force that moves the molars back.
Lip Incompetence-The inability to close the lips together at rest, usually due to protrusive front teeth or excessively long faces.
Malocclusion-The term used in orthodontics to describe teeth that do not fit together properly. From Latin, the term means “bad bite.”
Mandible-Lower jaw.
Maxilla-Upper jaw.
Mixed Dentition-The dental developmental stage in children (approximately ages 6-12) when they have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth.
Mouthguard-A removable device used to protect the teeth and mouth from injury caused by sporting activities. The use of a mouthguard is especially important for orthodontic patients.
Nightguard-A removable appliance worn at night to help an individual minimize the damage or wear while clenching or grinding teeth during sleep.
Open Bite-A malocclusion in which teeth do not make contact with each other. With an anterior open bite, the front teeth do not touch when the back teeth are closed together. With a posterior open bite, the back teeth do not touch when the front teeth are closed together.
Orthodontics-The specialty area of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis, supervision, guidance and correction of malocclusions. The formal name of the specialty is orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics.
Orthodontist-A specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are required to complete college requirements, graduate from an accredited dental school and successfully complete a minimum of two academic years of full-time, university-based study at an accredited orthodontic residency program. Only those who have completed this education may call themselves “orthodontists.” Orthodontists limit their practice to orthodontic treatment only unless they have training in another dental specialty. Only residency-certified orthodontists may be members of the AmericanAssociation of Orthodontists.
Orthopedic Appliance-A removable functional appliance designed to guide the growth of the jaws and face.
Panoramic Radiograph-An x-ray that shows all the teeth and both jaws on one film.
Palatal Expander-A fixed or removable device used to make the upper jaw wider.
Periodontal-Refers to the hard and soft tissue, or supporting structures, around the teeth.
Plaque-Plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria, food particles and saliva that constantly forms in the mouth. Plaque combines with sugars to form an acid that endangers teeth and gums. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease.
Posterior-Back.
Preventive Treatment-Orthodontic treatment to prevent or reduce the severity of a developing malocclusion (bad bite).
Removable Appliance-An orthodontic appliance that can be removed from the mouth by the patient. Removable appliances are used to move teeth, align jaws and to keep teeth in their new positions when the braces are removed (retainers).
Retainer-A fixed or removable appliance worn after the braces are removed. A removable retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth and holds them in their finished positions.
Rubber Bands-During certain stages of treatment, small elastics or rubber bands are worn to provide individual tooth movement or jaw alignment.
Safety Strap-The safety strap prevents the facebow of the headgear from coming loose and causing injury.
Separators-An elastic o-ring or small wire loop placed between the teeth to create space for placement of bands. Separators are usually placed between the teeth a week before bands are scheduled to be cemented to the teeth.
Serial Extraction-Selective or guided removal of certain primary (baby) teeth and/or permanent teeth over a period of time to create room for permanent teeth.
Space Maintainer-A fixed appliance used to hold space for an unerupted permanent tooth after a primary (baby) tooth has been lost prematurely, due to accident or decay.
Supernumerary Teeth-A genetic occurrence in which there are more teeth than the usual number. These teeth can be malformed or erupt in abnormally.
Tongue Crib-A fixed appliance used to help a patient stop habits or undesirable tongue forces exerted on the teeth and bone that supports the teeth.
Tongue Thrust-An individual’s tongue pushes against the teeth when swallowing. Forces generated by the tongue can move the teeth and bone and may lead to an anterior or posterior open bite.
Wax-Wax is placed on the brackets or archwires to prevent them from irritating the lips or cheeks.
Wires-Also known as archwires, they are held in the brackets using small elastic o-rings or stainless steel wire ligatures. Wires are used to move the teeth.