Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
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- HomeWelcome to Edelen Orthodontics! Our focused intention is to make you feel entirely comfortable from your first visit with us through the completion of your treatment, providing outstanding customer service that exceeds expectation. Through efficient teamwork, a sense of compassion and the latest in technology, you’ll find an environment that provides quality patient care while creating a lasting, positive impression. We provide orthodontic care in a setting that both children and adults can enjoy. Our ultimate goal is clinical excellence in both function and esthetics. Using our precise mix of cutting-edge technology and time-proven methods, we will work to give you a smile you can be proud of. We know what a significant difference in health and self-esteem a beautiful smile can make, however, treatment results are only one part of the success of a practice. Patient care is a very important part of our success as well. Orthodontic treatment occurs over many years and we realize the importance of choosing an office that sincerely cares for you as a person and strives to provide the highest quality care, while taking the time to get to know you on a personal basis. It is our stated goal to provide the…
- About Our PracticeBrace yourself for a moving experience! Welcome to Edelen Orthodontics! Our focused intention is to make you feel entirely comfortable from your first visit with us through the completion of your treatment, providing outstanding customer service that exceeds expectation. Through efficient teamwork, a sense of compassion and the latest in technology, you’ll find an environment that provides quality patient care while creating a lasting, positive impression. We provide orthodontic care in a setting that both children and adults can enjoy. Our ultimate goal is clinical excellence in both function and esthetics. Using our precise mix of cutting-edge technology and time-proven methods, we will work to give you a smile you can be proud of. We know what a significant difference in health and self-esteem a beautiful smile can make, however, treatment results are only one part of the success of a practice. Patient care is a very important part of our success as well. Orthodontic treatment occurs over many years and we realize the importance of choosing an office that sincerely cares for you as a person and strives to provide the highest quality care, while taking the time to get to know you on a personal basis. It is our…
- About Our Doctor About our Doctor… Dr. Edelen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1979 after completing four years of study in their Department of Preprofessional Studies. He then returned home to study dentistry at the University of Louisville where he was elected into several honor societies for various academic and clinical achievements. He is a member of the Delphi, Phi Delta, Beta Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi honor fraternities. He graduated with honors in 1983 with a Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. Upon graduation he was awarded the L.D. Pankey Scholarship Award for continued studies of dental occlusion at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, Florida. He completed his 2 year residency in Orthodontics at the University of Louisville and graduated in 1985. Soon after his graduation, he was appointed an Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville in the Department of Orthodontics. His research works have been published in the Americal Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. In 1988 he was awarded the prestigious Harold Kesling Award for orthodontic achievement as a junior faculty member, a national award given annually to a single recipient…
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.
Posted in: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who furthers his education by attending a 2 or 3 year residency program in orthodontics at an ADA accredited dental school or hospital. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
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Why is orthodontics important?
An attractive smile and improved self-image are just a few of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Alleviating and preventing physical health problems is just as important. Without treatment, orthodontic problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction, chewing and digestive difficulties, speech impairments, tooth loss and other dental injuries.
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At what age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take interceptive corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. Most patients, however, are treated during adolescence between the ages of 11-15.
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Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
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Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
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How long will it take to complete treatment?
The amount of time spent in braces can vary depending on the individual patient. Treatment may take between 9 to 30 months or longer, depending on the age of the patient, the severity of the problem, the patient’s cooperation, and the degree of movement possible. Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem.
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Will I have to have any teeth removed?
Removing teeth is sometimes needed to get the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are always the goal. However, we are very conservative when it comes to requesting that teeth be extracted. Today’s technology has resulted in advanced orthodontic procedures, which have greatly reduced the need for removing teeth.
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How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 6 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
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Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
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Will braces hurt?
Most orthodontic patients experience some discomfort the first week after their braces are put on. After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days This results from the teeth moving through the bone to their new position. Pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen will ease the discomfort. Advances in technology have provided much gentler forces, which greatly reduce soreness.
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Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment
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Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
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Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, popcorn and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel, taffy and chewing gum). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
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What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
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What if the emergency occurs after normal office hours?
Our office is available after normal working hours. Simply call the office and wait for the answering machine to answer. The recorded message will give you the number where we can be reached in the event of an emergency that will not wait until the next working day.
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Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least three times each day: after breakfast, lunch (or as soon as they get home from school), and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces on and will provide a prescription for a special fluoride toothpaste to help protect the enamel against decalcification and decay.
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If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.
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Will my braces interfere with my school activities; like sports, playing an instrument, or singing?
Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.
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Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to 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.
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What is Phase One (early) treatment?
Phase One treatment is usually initiated for children between the ages of 7 and 10 and typically takes about 12-16 months. Objectives of Phase One treatment include the development of space to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, correcting the skeletal relationship (“overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite,”etc.) between the upper and lower jaw, and to improve a child’s psychological self-image and self-esteem, both very important during their formative years.
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Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
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Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
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Are retainers necessary and how long will I have to wear one?
A retainer is a device worn full or part-time after braces have been removed. The retainer is designed to prevent your teeth from drifting or moving while the bone around your teeth hardens and stabilizes. The longer you wear your retainer, the better your chances that you teeth will not relapse. Retainers provide assurance that your teeth will stay in favorable alignment while your jaw continues to grow or develop.
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How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
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