Ask Dr. Shao at Showtime Orthodontic Arts

“Don’t know how? Ask Dr. Shao!”

Q: Can my child still play sports with his or her braces or appliances?
A: Yes!! We love sports! Keep active and keep moving! We recommend a mouthguard to protect your teeth from any accident that may occur before, during, and after braces.

Q: Can I wear braces even if I have crowns, bridges, or missing teeth?
A: Yes! We will work closely with your restorative/general dentist to make sure that your treatment progress as planned for the best result.

Q: Do I need to have my cavities taken care before getting my braces?
A: Yes! It is important to have all cavities filled and have all necessary cleanings completed prior to starting your orthodontic treatment. We will coordinate with your general dentist to confirm that your oral health is in great shape prior to starting treatment. If you don’t have a dentist, we would be more than happy to recommend you to one in the area.

Q: Do I still need to schedule myself or my child for regular scheduled dental visits with a general dentist when the braces or an appliance are on?
A: Yes! It is very important for you to see your dentist every six months, or as recommended by your dentist.

Q: Do I need a referral to see Dr. Shao?
A: Nope! No referral is necessary. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation, exam, and records.

Q: Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
A: Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Following the completion of dental school, an orthodontic specialist has undergone two to three additional years of university-based postdoctoral residency training in order to learn the special skills required to manage the complexities of orthodontic treatment. After this, an orthodontic specialist will no longer do general dentistry and will only do orthodontics. Just as a heart doctor is a specialist in the field of medicine, an orthodontist is a specialist in the field of dentistry.

Q: Do you have any weekend or early morning or evening hours available?
A: Absolutely! We are open every Saturday, Sunday, and early morning on Fridays. Plus, on Thursdays and Saturdays we are open until 7 p.m. Here at Showtime Orthodontic Arts, we feel that having braces doesn’t always mean you have to miss school or work. We understand that life is busy, and we want to be here to make having a beautiful smile accessible.