Basic Questions
• When should I be evaluated by Dr. Haskell?  
• Do I have to be referred to Haskell Orthodontics by my dentist for an evaluation?  
• My dentist wants to put braces on my child’s teeth. Is my dentist an orthodontist?  
• Why do I need braces? My teeth look straight.  
• What kind of braces will I wear? Do you have those “invisible” braces?  
• Is it going to hurt?  
• How will I know how to take care of my braces? What foods do I need to avoid?  
• How do I pay for orthodontic treatment?  
• How is my fee determined?  
• I have a flexible spending account. Can I use it for orthodontic treatment?  
• I have orthodontic coverage from my insurance provider.  How do I use it?  
• I don’t see Dr. Bruce Haskell on my Managed Care Insurance Provider’s list. Does this mean I cannot become a patient at Haskell Orthodontics?  

When should I be evaluated by Dr. Haskell?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends age 7 for a child’s first orthodontic appointment.  Although this age may seem young, having a check-up at this time will allow the orthodontist to determine any problems that may arise at an early age such as jaw discrepancies. Children with very crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, or other problems should be seen before the loss of all of their baby teeth. Addressing problems early can eliminate the need for more extensive and costly orthodontic treatment in the future.

Do I have to be referred to Haskell Orthodontics by my dentist for an evaluation?

No referral from your dentist is necessary to schedule a complimentary initial evaluation.

Age 7 is the recommended age for a child’s first orthodontic appointment. Adults are also welcome at out office and can come in any time for a complimentary initial consultation to determine the need for braces.

My dentist wants to put braces on my child’s teeth. Is my dentist an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialty trained professional who can best evaluate the complexity or difficulty of a specific bite problem. Dentists are not the same as orthodontists. Though your dentist may have taken courses in orthodontics, licensed orthodontists may not perform the services of a general dentist, such as cleanings and fillings.

Orthodontists complete dental school as well as at least two years of post-graduate study.  In Kentucky and many other states, the State Board of Dentistry requires orthodontists to pass an orthodontic specialty exam. Many orthodontists also elect to become certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. This voluntary certification requires the completion of approved graduate study, written examination, an extensive presentation of completed cases and a rigorous oral examination. Approximately one fourth of all U.S. orthodontists, including Dr. Haskell, are “Board Certified.” 

Why do I need braces? My teeth look straight.

There are many causes for orthodontic treatment. Although your teeth may appear straight, the teeth should fit together just like pieces of a well planned jigsaw puzzle! Due to genetics, or oral habits such as thumb sucking and tongue thrusting, the lower and upper jaw can sometimes be misaligned. If the bite is out of alignment, too much stress may be placed on the teeth and jaw joints causing additional problems and even pain.

The need for braces specific to your individual case is determined and explained in further depth at your no-charge initial evaluation.

What kind of braces will I wear? Do you have those “invisible” braces?

There are many different types of orthodontic appliances ranging from removable retainers to full bands to the “invisible” Invisalign® aligners.  We carry not only the “invisible” Invisalign® aligners, but also the “nearly invisible” Clarity brackets that are a very hard to notice form of traditional braces. Newer materials and advanced technologies are allowing orthodontists to offer patients an assortment of hard to notice appliances.  Dr. Haskell and our staff can help you determine the option that will best meet your individual needs.

Photo of ClarityTM Braces and Model above ©3M Company

Photo of invisalign® Aligners and Models above © Align Technology, Inc.

Photo of ClarityTM Braces and Model above ©3M Company

Photo of invisalign® Aligners and Models above © Align Technology, Inc.

Is it going to hurt?

Our goal is to make your orthodontic treatment a positive experience. The shifting of teeth that is the basis of orthodontics can cause slight discomfort. This should not be severe enough to prevent you from eating reasonably soft foods or performing other normal activities. Tylenol or Advil can be taken to ease any discomfort.  Usually, no stronger drugs are needed.

How will I know how to take care of my braces? What foods do I need to avoid?

Patient education is very important to us at Haskell Orthodontics.  Good oral hygiene is essential throughout orthodontic treatment. All patients with braces are shown a video addressing tooth brushing, flossing and general information about the care of orthodontic appliances.

Handouts are given illustrating the Do’s and Don’ts of eating during treatment. This handout is also available for viewing on this website.

All of this information is reinforced throughout treatment. Parents and the family dentist are consulted if problems related to oral hygiene become noticeable during orthodontic treatment. An oral hygiene kit and written instructions are also provided to you to assist with the care of your braces. If you have further questions regarding the care of your braces, please don’t hesitate to ask.

How do I pay for orthodontic treatment?

Haskell Orthodontics tries our best to make financial arrangements that fit your budget, because a beautiful smile is an important investment.  Thus there are many payment options available to you. These options include payment in full or more traditional plans that include a down payment. Another option is a payment plan where no down payment is required. Once your treatment needs are determined, our Treatment Coordinator will consult with you in order to customize a payment schedule that meets your monthly budgetary concerns.

A further list of different financial options is available on the website, right here. 

How is my fee determined?

Haskell Orthodontics is pleased to offer a no charge initial examination to determine your orthodontic needs. The fee is then determined according to the severity of your bite as well as the length of treatment time needed.

I have a flexible spending account. Can I use it for orthodontic treatment?

Yes, flex-spend accounts can be used for orthodontic treatment! And we are happy to work with you in order to determine how to get the most from your flex-spend account.  We will also provide you with any receipts necessary for you to be reimbursed.  

I have orthodontic coverage from my insurance provider.  How do I use it?

If you are unsure of your benefits, we will gladly contact your insurance company to verify the coverage available to you.  To assure proper handling of your insurance, please bring your card or the following information with you to your initial appointment:

  • Insurance plan name

  • Address and telephone number of the insurance plan

  • Employee’s name, birth date and identification number

Our office promptly files a claim after the initial placement of appliances. Payments are made according to contractual guidelines. Please understand that our primary financial relationship is with you, the patient or parent. We file your insurance claims as a courtesy to you. Please remember however, that it is you who are ultimately responsible for all fees regardless of insurance involvement.

I don’t see Dr. Bruce Haskell on my Managed Care Insurance Provider’s list. Does this mean I cannot become a patient at Haskell Orthodontics?

Managed care policies sometimes have rules that state you can go to a non-provider and still receive benefits. Each policy has specific rules and it is best to let us inquire about this option before committing to treatment.