Insurance and your college-bound student

It’s that time of year – summer is almost over and your young adult is heading off to college. Along with getting them ready for dorm life, you need to be thinking about their dental insurance.

Insurance companies are very strict about covering your children that are over the age of 18. They require proof that your young adult is now in college so they will continue their coverage. Most insurance companies are satisfied with a copy of their full-time class schedule but some insurance companies require additional information. Your insurance company will send out a letter detailing what they require after each visit to the dentist.

You may want to keep on hand a copy of their class schedule so that you can easily respond to the insurance companies requests.

Jamie Nadalsky...Insurance Coordinator

Dietary Practices for kids!!

Dietary practices appear to be established early. Probably by 12 months of age development of eating habits and childhood food preferences start and are maintained throughout early childhood.
High-risk dietary practices such as frequent bottle feeding or nursing at night, extended and repetitive use of a no-spill training cup (sippy cup) are associated with early childhood caries. Frequent consumption of between-meal snacks and beverages containing sugar (juice, milk, formula, soda) increases the risk of caries due to prolonged contact between sugars in the consumed food or liquid and bacteria on the teeth.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended children 1-6 years of age consume no more than 4-6 ounces of fruit juice per day, from a cup (not a bottle or covered cup) and as part of a meal or snack.

Dr. Eeman Dajani...Pediatric Dentist

BRACES

There’s more than one way to straighten teeth

Today, there are several different ways to straighten your teeth.

Standard metal braces are the easiest to work with and the least costly. The newer brackets are very small which makes appearance generally acceptable and more comfortable. The average treatment length is 20-28 months.

Ceramic braces work like metal braces. Even though the brackets are a little larger than the metal brackets, they are less visible. These are generally recommended for older teens and adults since breakage and discoloration can occur. The fee and treatment length is the same as the standard metal braces.

Gold braces are also very easy to work with. The newer brackets are very small which makes appearance generally acceptable and more comfortable. The average treatment length is 20-28 months. However, the fee is a little more than the metal braces.

Invisalign are thin, clear removable appliances. Since they are clear, appearance is terrific. They are very comfortable to wear and easy to remove to eat and clean. The treatment length is dependent upon patient cooperation. If you don’t wear them, you teeth won’t straighten. This is the most expensive approach.

Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Khan and he will help you decide which choice is best for you.

Amber Morrett-Secretary/Orthodontic Co ordinator