Frequently Asked Questions

If your question isn't answered below, please feel free to call our office at 631-727-2655.
We strongly recommend a second opinion.  See how here.

Are all Doctors are the same?
Unfortunately, I think we all know the answer to this. Not only can Doctors vary in their education and ability to treat, but in their self-driven desire to do the best for their patient as opposed to the best for themselves. Their office staff can also vary greatly in education and concern for the patient. Everyone on our staff is certified for their clinical abilities through education and examination by State and National boards. Some doctors just hire someone "off-the-street" and they are not actually supposed to be working in your child's mouth, but they do it and can pay them less. Always feel free to ask about who's working on your child. We are proud that our practice conforms to the highest standards.

Braces are braces... there's no difference ...right?
Not only is there a difference between the quality of Doctors and their concern for how pleasing a patient's face changes are after treatment, but there is also a difference between the braces a doctor uses and their effect on the forces exerted on the teeth and the bone and gums supporting the teeth. (See our section on Damon System).

When should a child have their initial consultation with an Orthodontist?
Although most children do not start Orthodontic treatment until sometime between 10 and 13 years old, the American Dental Association recommends that a child have an initial Orthodontic evaluation at about 7 years of age.

Why do some children start Orthodontic treatment earlier than others?
As is true with most things in life, everyone is not the same. There are conditions that are more easily treatable at an earlier age and/or may make the long term treatment goals more attainable and stable if treated sooner. Obvious problems would be thumb habits or tongue thrusts that if left alone can lead to permanent skeletal changes. Other less obvious problems would be narrow palates and cross-bites that cause a jaw deviation.

Is there an advantage to early treatment at 7-9 years old?
Simply put, there's hardly an 8 year old that I couldn't put braces on and make the four front teeth look better. The point is.... if early treatment (Phase 1) is only doing something that can easily be done later at the start of full Orthodontic treatment then it is a waste of time and money. BUT, if the consequence of NOT treating the patient at that age would be damage to the teeth, jaws or facial structures OR to reduce the chances of attaining a fully corrected final result THEN "interceptive" treatment should be started earlier than the average child would start treatment.

Do I need to answer every health question on the consultation form?
You betcha! Even if you don't see the reason for the question or think you are "protecting" your child from being pre-judged. We have spent a LOT of time deciding exactly what to ask and why, and we would appreciate not working with our eyes closed. AFTER you fill out the form, feel free to ask why a certain question may be applicable.

Are Parents allowed in the treatment rooms?
Not only are they allowed, we encourage them by installing "parent benches" in all our treatment rooms. They are YOUR children and we are very open about what we are doing and feel you should see how we treat your child. Nothing worse than getting home and hearing "Hey mom, I forgot to tell Dr. Bach about that sore molar.... we should go back and have him check it again!"

Does Dr. Bach ever make a mistake?
When he does, admits it and you watch him correct it.... weren't you glad you were there in the room? A mistake is not a problem; ignoring, covering-up or repeating a mistake is a problem.

How do I know a doctor isn't just "selling" me extra treatment?
Whew! That's a tough one to answer here. I think the best answer is that if you can't see the problem on the records the doctor shows you and you are unsure, or uneasy, then ask to take the X-rays, photos and study models for a second opinion. In short, go with your gut instinct.

Do you accept insurance?
Yes. Please click here for a more detailed answer.

How to get a Second Opinion:

A second opinion should be the opinion of another professional in the field.  This would be a doctor's strong opinion or suggestion, without persuasion or influence of one obtaining it.

WRONG WAY TO GET ANOTHER OPINION:
" Dr. X we are very unhappy with Dr. Y's decision to do (this procedure)
on our child. What do you think we should do?"
This way a doctor who is 'less than totally honest' can't just agree to (the procedure) to entice you to stay in his practice.

RIGHT WAY TO GET ANOTHER OPINION:
"We dropped the records off to your office last week, Dr. X and we'd like to know your opinion of our child's possible Orthodontic needs either now , or in the future." The doctor has had plenty of time to see the X-rays or records and won't be swayed (even unintentionally) by your feelings and bias.

Thomas Jefferson : Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.