Contact Us
Scripps Poway OrthdonticsChristopher Maulik, DMD, MDS
Scripps Summit Drive, Suite F
San Diego, California 92131
Phone (858 )527-0090
Frequently Asked Questions
- At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
- How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?
- What is the difference between an orthodontist and a regular dentist?
- Do you treat adult patients?
- Do you charge for an initial visit?
- Where are you located?
- How much do braces cost and what’s included in the fee?
- What are Orthodontic Records and how does the office bill for them?
- Do you do Invisalign (invisible braces)?
- Do you do lingual braces?
- Do braces hurt?
- How long will I have to wear braces for?
- How do you handle transfer patients? Is there a fee?
- Can I eat with my retainers in?
- How do you handle dental insurance in your office?
- Does every patient need to have Phase I/Early Treatment?
- What happens if I decide not to pursue Phase I/Early Treatment and wait until the patient is older to get braces?
- What are extraction and non-extraction therapy, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
At what age should my child see 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 early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later on.
How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?
It is usually difficult for you to determine if treatment is necessary, because there are many problems that can occur even though the front teeth look straight. Conversely, there are some problems that look intimidating and complex, but will resolve on their own. Asking your general dentist is good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do. Our initial exam is complimentary and we would be more than happy to see your child and make any recommendations necessary.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a regular dentist?
All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6 percent of dentists are orthodontists. An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists must first attend college, and then complete four years of dental school. They must then successfully complete an additional three-year residency program of advanced education in orthodontics. Through this training, the orthodontist learns the skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
Do you treat adult patients?
Yes, and we offer clear braces as well as Invisalign® (invisible braces).
Do you charge for an initial visit?
There is no charge for the initial orthodontic evaluation visit. The appointment usually lasts 1/2hr.
Where are you located?
Our office is located on Scripps Summit Drive, just off the Scripps Poway Parkway across the street from vons and next to Nokia.
How much do braces cost and what’s included in the fee?
It is not possible to determine how much your braces will cost until you are seen for an orthodontic evaluation by Dr. Maulik.
The fee includes:
- All Braces/Appliances
- All procedures performed and visits throughout the duration of treatment
- Retainers and retainer check-up appointment
The fee does not include:
- Orthodontic Records
- Replacement of appliances that are lost or broken due to patient negligence
- Any general dentistry, extractions, or other treatment performed outside our office
- Duplication of records
What are Orthodontic Records and how does the office bill for them?
If Dr. Maulik feels a patient can benefit from orthodontic treatment he will recommend that Orthodontic Records be taken.
Orthodontic Records Include:
- A full comprehensive Clinical Examination
- Digital Panoramic and Cephalometric Radiographs
- Upper and Lower Impressions of the teeth
- Digital pictures of the face and teeth
Dr Maulik then uses these records to formulate a detailed Treatment Plan for the patient. This plan will be presented and discussed in detail at the Treatment Plan Visit. Having records taken in no way commits a patient to receiving treatment. For this reason, the fee for orthodontic records is separate from the fee for braces.
Do you do Invisalign (invisible braces)?
Yes, Dr. Maulik is certified to provide Invisalign®. At the initial evaluation he will determine if you are a candidate.
Do you do lingual braces?
Yes. At the initial visit Dr. Maulik will determine if you are a candidate.
Do braces hurt?
While teeth may feel slightly sore and uncomfortable as they move, the braces themselves are not painful. The teeth will usually feel a little sore for a couple of days after the braces are put on, and after each subsequent appointment. Tylenol or ibuprofen will lessen the discomfort.
How long will I have to wear braces for?
The average time in braces is 2 years. However, it is not possible to determine how long you will be in braces until you are seen by Dr. Maulik for an initial evaluation.
How do you handle transfer patients? Is there a fee?
We welcome transfer patients to our office. The fee for treatment depends upon the stage of treatment the patient is in, and can’t be determined until you are seen for an evaluation by Dr. Maulik.
Can I eat with my retainers in?
No. It is very important that you always remove your retainers to eat or drink anything, as they will hold food particles and sugars against the teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay and/or gum disease.
How do you handle dental insurance in your office?
Yes we take many types of insurances and can discuss your benefits during your initial visit.
Does every patient need to have Phase I/Early Treatment?
Absolutely not. Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most if not all their permanent teeth erupt.
What happens if I decide not to pursue Phase I/Early Treatment and wait until the patient is older to get braces?
If your child needs Phase I treatment this usually means that he has a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no orthodontic action is taken, treatment options become limited, more difficult, and the long term stability may be compromised.
What are extraction and non-extraction therapy, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
Extraction therapy is a technique where some teeth are removed to make room for the other teeth in your child's mouth. This is in contrast to non-extraction therapy where one expands a patients' jaw and re-contour some teeth in order to make everything fit. Dr. Maulik will discuss all options at the treatment plan visit.