2013
AcceleDent: An Overview
Tags: acceledent, children's orthodontists, dentistry, tooth movement
ST. PAUL AND MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA — We recently wrote here on our blog about having introduced AcceleDent into our practice. Today, we’re going into greater depth on this orthodontic appliance that has been shown to speed treatment.
AcceleDent is a hands-free device used while a patient has braces that encourages tooth movement.
How, you ask? You use the device 20 minutes per day. During that time, it creates gentle vibrations that stimulate bone biology and help your teeth move into position up to 50 percent quicker.
“It’s quite an exciting piece of technology that I learned about at the American Association of Orthodontists annual conference in Honolulu,” says Mendota Heights or St. Paul orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth.
Dr. Eisenhuth invisalign teen provider began using the technology in our office last spring after reading research about AcceleDent’s effectiveness. Developed by OrthoAccel Technologies, Inc., Dr. Sharon Orton-Gibbs of Walpole Specialists in Surbiton, United Kingdom was among the first orthodontists to evaluate the technology by including it in her patient treatment plans, according to a press release on AcceleDent’s website. She used the device on 65 patients. At the time the press release was published, nine had completed their treatment and eight of those completed treatment 46 percent quicker. The ninth patient had already begun treatment before AcceleDent use was prescribed, and that patient finished treatment about 16 percent faster.
OrthoAccel, which was founded in 2007, also conducted a clinical trial in the United States, which found that tooth movement in patients increased between 38 percent and 50 percent.
The makers of AcceleDent introduced the device in the U.K., Australia, France, Italy and about a dozen other countries in 2010 and 2011. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval to sell the device here in November 2011. Today, AcceleDent is available in 15 countries throughout the world.
AcceleDent is based on the research of scientists including Dr. Jeremy Mao, professor of orthodontics and Zegarelli Endowed Chair at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York. Dr. Mao has published information on accelerated bone remodeling in the growth of craniofacial structures in a variety of animal models, according to the company’s website. His worked has played a key role in establishing that there is a therapeutic effect in pulsatile forces that accelerate bone modeling and remodeling in the face.
We’ll set aside the scientific jargon for a moment to wrap up with this: regardless of whether they are from Shakopee, Minneapolis, St. Paul or Mendota Heights, pediatric orthodontics and adult orthodontics patients have one thing in common, says Dr. Eisenhuth, an invisible braces and Invisalign provider. Once they get braces, they all want to know how quickly they can be done with orthodontic treatment.
“To be able to tell a patient that we offer a device capable cutting their treatment time nearly in half is an amazing thing,” she says. “I continue to be amazed by the technological advancements made in the field of orthodontics.”
2013
What is the Harm in Having a Deep Bite?
Tags: braces, Eagan pediatric orthodontics, Enver Grove orthodontist
EAGAN AND ENVER GROVE, MINNESOTA – There are many terms used to describe malocclusions (bad bites) in patients.
Today we’re addressing the condition “deep bite” by explaining what it means, describing some common complications that are associated with a deep bite, and explaining how we correct this condition.
A deep bite is a condition that causes the teeth to line up improperly. If you have a deep bite, it means your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth and your lower incisors make contact with gum tissue in the upper arch of your jaw. It is one of the most common malocclusions we see in children and adults that occur along with other associated malocclusions. It often is thought of as among the most difficult to successfully treat.
“Minor cases of deep bite can be just a matter of aesthetics,” says Enver Grove orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. “But extreme cases of deep bite can cause serious issues with the dentition.”
The constant contact of the lower teeth with the gum area behind the upper teeth ultimately can cause gum recession and lead to damage to the upper teeth’s roots, says the expert who offers invisible braces treatment such as tooth-colored ceramic braces and Invisalign.
We prescribe treatment based on each patient’s specific needs, but a deep overbite can be corrected via a variety of methods.
“We always want surgical correction to be the treatment of last resort,” says Dr. Jennifer, who also treats Eagan pediatric orthodontics and adult orthodontics patients. “This is one of many reasons why we, along with the American Association of Orthodontists, recommend children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7.”
When a problem such as deep bite can be identified early, typically it can be treated using methods that are less invasive than surgery. However, the determined correction method must take into consideration what would be most beneficial or improve the patient’s facial appearance and oral function the most, she says.
Sometimes we use a fixed or removable acrylic bite plane to correct the deep bite by extrusion of molars. The fixed version of this appliance is anchored into the mouth using bands on the upper first permanent molars, and it has an acrylic bite plane that rests behind the upper front six teeth. How long a patient must wear the appliance always depends on the amount of correction required, but results typically are achieved within three to six months.
Some patients initially complain that this appliance affects their speech, but they quickly get used to wearing the appliance.
When wearing your bite plate, it is normal for your back teeth to not meet all the way. It may take a few weeks to completely adjust to your new bite plate.
Because deep bite can be difficult to successfully treat, optimal treatment begins with a proper diagnosis. That is achieved through a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation that includes a full set of panoramic X-rays and digital photographs. Then we can develop a unique treatment plan and an efficient appliance design for you.
Because vertical facial growth continues into a child’s late teens, a maxillary removable retainer with a bite plane is often prescribed for several years after a patient’s orthodontic treatment is completed. This helps ensure the results we achieve are maintained.
© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2013
More Options Means More People Seeking Orthodontic Treatment
Tags: braces in Minneapolis, pediatric orthodontics in Minneapolis
EAGAN AND ST PAUL, MINNESOTA – Orthodontic treatment isn’t just an American phenomenon, and neither is the growing trend of adults seeking treatment.
But here’s something that we’ve not seen many studies on, yet we observe it in our adult and pediatric orthodontics practice all the time, more families are getting treatment.
“Sometimes it’s simultaneously, and sometimes it’s consecutively, but we have a lot of families who get treatment here in our office,” says Eagan orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth.
It makes sense, for a couple of reasons. First: A significant number of children stand to benefit from treatment because of bite or alignment issues. Second: Many children don’t receive treatment, and aesthetic options such as invisible braces make treatment more palatable when this demographic reaches adulthood.
A 2003 study on children’s dental health in the United Kingdom reported that about one third of children stood to benefit from orthodontic treatment, according to a British Orthodontic Society report. Other orthodontic studies claim as much as 70 percent of the U.S. population could benefit from treatment.
It should come as no surprise that the American Association of Orthodontists has studied those who undergo orthodontic treatment, and they have found that between 1982 and 2008, the number of U.S. children and adults who underwent treatment to correct some form of malocclusion grew by 99 percent. The number of adults who sought treatment grew by 24 percent from 1989 to 2008.
There is a 2011 AAO study that shows the number of people who got braces has surged by 103 percent since the 1980s, and adult patient numbers rose by 25 percent during that timeframe.
Here in our practice, we have a family of five children where all of them have undergone treatment, are in the process of getting treatment, or plan to get braces here.
“But in addition to that, we have parents who bring their children here for braces, and they end up getting braces or Invisalign themselves,” Dr. Eisenhuth , a Minneapolis braces provider, says. “Sometimes it’s because they learn of the true oral health benefits treatment provides. Others, it’s because they simply want to feel more confident about their smiles.”
A lot of parents take the approach that once they’ve provided treatment for their children, they feel they deserve treatment themselves. But make no mistake – technology also has played an important role. There are few adults who want beautifully aligned teeth badly enough that they’re willing to don the “brace face” look for a couple of years.
Ceramic braces that are the color of natural teeth, lingual braces that go on the backs of the teeth, and Invisalign, which looks like a clear plastic retainer, have helped make this decision an easy one for grownups.
We also like to think that our industry as a whole has helped spur the increase in parents undergoing treatment. The AAO estimates that about one quarter of orthodontic patients today are adults. People are more aware of orthodontic treatment’s oral health benefits these days. Teeth that are out of alignment can wear improperly, create crevices and corners for plaque and tartar to build, and be more susceptible to trauma. For example, a person with severe overjet is more likely have broken or damaged teeth if they get hit in the face while playing sports or suffer other types of facial trauma.
Don’t forget about the self-esteem benefits orthodontic treatment provides, either. Children and adults can be incredibly self-conscious of their overjet, overbite or underbite. We’ve seen patients visit us for the first time and refuse to smile and show their teeth because they’re so self-conscious.
“Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be like that,” Dr. Eisenhuth says. “We have a lot of options at our disposal that can get your teeth looking their best.”
© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2013
Is Phase I Treatment All My Child Needs? Parents’ Questions Answered
Tags: braces, Eagan invisalign teen, Rosemount pediatric orthodontist
EAGAN, ROSEMOUNT AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – Numerous patients visit us here at our Eagan and Rosemount practice annually who are excellent candidates for Phase I orthodontic treatment.
We are flattered that our practice comes to mind when parents think of orthodontics for their children. Understandably, many parents are curious if undergoing Phase I treatment eliminates the need for braces in the future.
Any kids orthodontist will tell you that every child’s teeth and smile are unique, so the answer isn’t a clear “yes” or “no.” We’ve compiled some information we trust you will find helpful regarding circumstances that would determine whether further orthodontic treatment could be required for your child in the future.
First, a little background on Phase I treatment. Also referred to as “interceptive” orthodontics treatment, Phase I treatment typically begins when a child is between 6 and 10 years old and her growth process is still ongoing, said Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an St. Paul Invisalign Teen provider. It rectifies dental developmental issues and prevents current dental or jaw development problems from worsening.
This phase of treatment may include partial braces, devices that resemble a retainer, or other orthodontic appliances.
“A cool aspect of Phase I treatment is that we can work with your child’s facial growth to accelerate the process, and get your child off an extraction path,” said Dr. Eisenhuth. “It allows us to make crucial adjustments when the jaw is still growing. Often, this can shorten future treatment times, or even negate the need for additional treatments.”
A variety of flaws with tooth alignment, crowding and spacing, gum health, jaws and facial development can be resolved through Phase I treatment. This includes crossbites, underbites, deep bites and jaw growth issues.
In some cases, failing to undergo Phase I treatment can lead to the need for future tooth extractions or orthognathic (jaw) operations.
“When possible dental issues are diagnosed and addressed at a young age, it typically streamlines the treatment process and allows for fantastic results in less time,” Dr. Eisenhuth said.
For example, the palate can be widened to adequately fit adult teeth, and jaw growth can be manipulated to correct underbite.
While Phase I treatment is capable of improving many dental faults, it can’t perfect every bite and alignment issue.
For this reason, Phase II treatment may be required. In situations where adult teeth cannot erupt properly, Phase II treatment comes to the rescue. It is in situations like this that we often place our Phase I patients on a monitoring track until the appropriate time for the adult teeth to be guided into their permanent position.
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they are 7 years old. Some adult teeth have erupted by the time the child reaches this age, and the bite is established. That enables us to identify whether a problem exists that should be addressed.
On many occasions, no orthodontic work is necessary at this young age, Dr. Eisenhuth said. But in those isolated cases where it is suggested, it is wise to have problems diagnosed and addressed as early as possible.
© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2013
Wisdom Teeth Often Falsely Blamed for Causing Tooth Crowding
Tags: Inver Grove Heights orthodontist, Invisalign provider, orthodontist Minneapolis
EAGAN AND MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA— Have you ever thought about all the information that we readily accept
as fact, and then we find out it’s actually just a myth or an old wive’s tale?
If you pull a gray hair from your head, several more will grow back in its place. Sitting too close to a
television screen will ruin your eyesight. These are “facts” we’ve long viewed as being, well, facts.
Here’s another to add to the list: wisdom teeth must be removed to prevent them from crowding your other
teeth.
Also called third molars, professionals have pointed the finger at wisdom teeth when seeking a
responsible party for incisor crowding for more than 150 years, according to an American Association of
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons white paper on third molar data. Besides being a concept widely accepted
by the public at-large, many oral surgeons and orthodontists even believe this to be true.
We are exploring this myth more closely, because it’s a concern patients sometimes raise with their
orthodontist, says Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an Eagan orthodontics specialist who treats patients from
throughout the greater Minneapolis area.
“At face value, the theory seems to hold water,” Dr. Eisenhuth says.
The bulk of our patient base consists of children and adolescents. Sometimes they have not lost all of
their baby teeth yet, and some patients have their full set of adult teeth except the wisdom teeth,
which haven’t yet come in. For those reasons, it might seem possible that if you’ve finished your
orthodontic treatment, your teeth are starting to shift back into their old positions, and your wisdom
teeth are beginning to erupt, they’re the culprit.
“To further frustrate things, research is out there that both refutes and supports this notion,” says
Dr. Eisenhuth, who offers treatment with traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign and
Invisalign Teen. “However, much of the supporting research suggests while wisdom teeth may play some
role in crowding, the role might not be clinically significant.”
Research conducted at the University of Iowa by professor Dr. Tom Southard, head of the Department of
Orthodontics, found that wisdom teeth do not exert enough pressure on the teeth in front of them to move
them out of alignment.
Those who wrote the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons white paper mentioned the
lack of evidence, due to a lack of studies designed in a fashion to isolate the wisdom teeth’s effect
from all other factors that could be associated with crowding.
“Therefore, a cause and effect relationship between third molars and dental crowding is difficult to
establish,” the paper states.
Wisdom teeth often are viewed as unnecessary and should be removed. But that belief might be shifting,
according to Dr. Ruben Cohen, a board certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He wrote an article for
Huffpost Healthy Living in 2011 that addressed the wisdom teeth extraction debate. He offered several
factors people might consider and ask their dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon when trying to make a
determination as to whether they should have their wisdom teeth pulled.
Those factors include:
- Second molar health; whether they are compromised by the wisdom teeth’s position.
- Pocket depth behind the second molars. This can make gum disease more probably.
- Patient age. Complications and recovery time rise as the patient ages.
While it is likely that third molars play some sort of role- even if it is minor- in causing crowding,
they are but a single factor to consider when determining whether the wisdom teeth should be removed,
the white paper states.
“Even once a patient completes their orthodontic treatment, sometimes he or she will experience shifting
teeth throughout their lives, particularly if they don’t wear their retainers periodically,” Dr.
Eisenhuth, Inver Grove Heights pediatric orthodontics says. “I would suspect that far more teeth come
out of alignment because of a failure to wear retainers than because of erupting wisdom teeth.”
© 2013 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the
stipulation that Sinai Marketing and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to
other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2013
Making A Case for Space with Expanders
Tags: Eagan pediatric orthodontics, Minneapolis invisible braces, St. Paul invisible braces
EAGAN AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA—Has an orthodontist told you that your child needs orthodontic treatment to correct his or her overlapped or crowded teeth, or other bite-related issues?
If so, you may find that your child’s treatment plan includes the use of a rapid palatal expander.
An expander is a device that we and many other Eagan and St. Paul pediatric orthodontics use to widen a child’s upper jaw so the bottom and upper teeth fit together better. Widening the palate helps create more room for crowded teeth. Once the palate is properly widened, we can begin treatment with ceramic or metal braces.
As baby teeth are replaced by erupting adult teeth, crowding can occur. Sometimes this is the result of early or late baby tooth loss. Other times, it is caused by improperly erupting adult teeth or genetic imbalances between the jaws and tooth size.
An expander is a metal appliance we place in the roof of your child’s mouth that widens the palate over time with the turn of a “key.” You can get an idea of what this appliance looks like here.
“The expander is an appliance we can use when we want to use a child’s growth to our advantage,” says Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an St. Paul orthodontist. “If the need for palatal expansion is identified early enough, we frequently can avoid extraction of adult teeth down the road.”
The older your child is, the longer it can take to achieve the desired result. Palatal expansion is just one reason why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends having children evaluated by an orthodontist by age 7. There is a chance palatal expansion may not work at all in older children if jaw growth already is complete.
“Prior to the advent of palatal expanders, the orthodontist’s only choice often was to pull some adult teeth to create more room,” Dr. Eisenhuth says.
An expander works by using a key to turn the appliance every day, which slightly widens the palate. Many parents express nervousness over turning the key for their children. We can assure you that although the procedure may seem difficult, it’s actually quite easy and painless. Our staff works closely with parents and patients to ensure they know how to do it properly.
How often the key must be turned varies according to your child’s unique needs. We recommend picking a set time of day to turn the key, and keeping it consistent. Many parents do this for their children before bed, in the event soreness is an issue. If you forget to make a turn, we stress to parents not to do two at one time to catch up. That could be painful.
Besides creating proper space for your child’s teeth, using a palatal expander also promotes appropriate facial shape for your child, says Dr. Eisenhuth, who also is an Invisalign and Invisalign Teen provider for patients from as far away as St. Paul. Your child’s teeth support his/her cheeks, as well as a variety of facial muscles. Although slight, changes occur in the way in which they provide support when teeth are pulled.
“Our goal is to provide conservative, effective
treatment that creates an ideal smile for each patient,” Dr. Eisenhuth says.
© 2012 Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth and Sinai Marketing. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2012
Living With an Impacted Canine
Tags: Eagan orthodontist, Mendota Heights orthodontist, Minneapolis pediatric orthodontics
EAGAN AND MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA – When we mention an “impacted canine” to patients or parents in our office, understand this: it has nothing to do with a dog.
We’re talking about your canine teeth, and today we’re bringing you information on what causes it, as well as how we properly address the issue.
Your canine teeth are located outside of your incisors and they tend to have the longest roots of all your teeth. An impacted canine is a term used to describe a tooth that isn’t able to move and erupt into its proper position, says Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth, an Eagan and Mendota Heights orthodontics expert.
An impacted canine can be caused by teeth that are too crowded, which results in the failure to make room for the tooth that is ready to erupt, according to the American Dental Association. This can prevent the teeth from functioning properly. The teeth most commonly impacted are the wisdom teeth.
Other causes of impacted canines include:
- Additional teeth that are in the canine tooth’s natural eruption path
- Abnormal growths in the mouth
- The jawbone is in the way of eruption
If your child has been diagnosed with an impacted canine, address it now.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child receive an orthodontic evaluation by his or her 7th birthday. Early detection of issues such as this is helpful when it comes to determining treatment options.
“In many cases, we can use a child’s growth to our benefit and correct the impaction naturally,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, who offers braces for children and adults.
The longer an impacted tooth goes without being addressed, the more complicated the uncovering procedure could be. One consequence of waiting includes the tooth/teeth fusing into place. When this occurs, surgery might be the only effective correction method.
In most cases, Eagan and Minneapolis pediatric orthodontics expert Dr. Eisenhuth works in cooperation with an oral surgeon to craft an appropriate treatment plan. Dr. Eisenhuth places braces on the upper teeth and a space is created for the impacted canine to erupt. Once the space opens up, she refers the patient to an oral surgeon who will lift the gum around the impacted tooth and place a temporary anchorage device. A small chain is attached to the tooth, which pulls the canine into the correct position. If the tooth won’t cooperate even with a guided path, it will need to be extracted surgically and a dental implant put in its place. This usually happens only in extreme cases or in cases where the patient prolonged corrective treatment.
A child’s canine teeth are among the last, most important teeth to erupt- normally by age 13, says Dr. Eisenhuth, who also provides Invisalign treatment for teens and adults.
“They complete your teeth’s alignment process naturally and help close the gaps that may be between some of the front teeth,” she says.
If you’re missing or have an impacted canine, it can greatly affect your smile’s function and overall appearance.
© 2012 Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth and Master Google. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2012
Why Doesn’t My Retainer Fit Anymore?
Tags: braces Inver Grove Heights, Inver Grove Heights orthodontist, Invisalign Teen, retainers
EAGAN AND INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA– Patients seem to be baffled when their retainers no longer fit.
Eagan and Inver Grove Heights orthodontist Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth wants you to know this problem doesn’t just happen overnight.
“There are several factors that may contribute to a patient’s retainer no longer fitting,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, an Eagan invisalign teen professional. “Being aware of these factors is beneficial for anyone who is currently or soon will wear a retainer.”
You Didn’t Get a Quality Retainer
Not all retainers are quality products. If the retainer is poorly made, once wear time is decreased, it may be unable to correct the minor movement teeth can make in as little as 48 hours, according to an article on the Dental Health Directory site. Whether it’s an invisible Essix style retainer, or a metal and ceramic Hawley style, a poorly made retainer won’t maintain your teeth’s alignment.
Don’t be more concerned about looks than retention. Some clear aligners made of thin, flimsy plastic may seem high tech, but won’t hold up to the demands of daily wear. What good is an “invisible” retainer if it doesn’t actually keep your teeth in their proper position? On the other hand, poorly crafted visible options can also offer poor retention.
Orthodontic treatment is a big investment, so choosing a quality retainer- whether visible or invisible- can help protect the fine-tuned alignment you invested in.
If you feel the retainer you chose is wearing abnormally or is not a quality product, inform your orthodontist so it can be evaluated and other options can be discussed if necessary.
You Didn’t Remove Your Retainer While Eating or Drinking
If you have a removable retainer, don’t wear it when eating or drinking hot liquids. Heat and hard foods can alter the retainer’s shape and cause it to no longer fit properly.
If you think the reason behind your retainer not fitting properly is due to damage, an appointment should be made with your orthodontist to have its condition assessed before wearing it and causing damage to teeth and tissues.
You Chose to Not Wear Your Retainer
If you lose your retainer or decide you no longer need to wear it, don’t be surprised when it doesn’t fit the next time you try it on.
Your teeth are more likely to shift out of alignment when your retainer isn’t worn as prescribed since the slightest pressure from the lips and tongue can cause them to move. Even if your teeth don’t look as if they have moved, it doesn’t mean they haven’t. If their movement is not addressed, the teeth may continue to move until misalignment issues are noticeable.
“At this point, patients may be required to repeat treatment using braces and be fitted for a new retainer,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, an Invisalign specialist. “Trying to use the original retainer to straighten teeth at this point could cause irreparable damage to tissues.”
A Final Thought
Retainers are for life. Gone are the days when your orthodontist would prescribe retainer wear for a couple of years and this discontinue its use.
“Even if it has been a couple years since treatment, we still recommend that our patients wear their retainers at least three times throughout the week,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, an adult and kids’ orthodontist. “If there is additional pressure when you first put on your retainer, that’s a sign that it should be worn until it feels comfortable again.”
Investing in, caring for and especially wearing your retainer ensure your teeth alignment will last a lifetime.
© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2012
Dr. Jennifer Celebrates 16 Years in Private Practice
Tags: braces, Dr. Eisenhuth, orthodontic treatment
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS AND EAGAN, MINNESOTA – There was a lot going on in October 1996. An election year, it was the first debate between Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton. The New York Yankees set a record by coming back from 6-0 in a World Series game to beat the Atlanta Braves 8-6. The Dow Jones closed at more than 6,000 for the first time.
Here in Eagan, braces expert Dr. Eisenhuth embarked on a milestone of her own in October 1996- she opened her private practice in White Bear. In October 2003, she opened her Eagan location.
Since then, the adult and pediatric orthodontist has worked diligently to improve patients’ oral health and give them something to truly smile about, one appointment at a time.
Our office remains a state-of-the-art clinic at the forefront of all the latest orthodontic technology.
“I wake up every morning as excited about what I do as when I first started my practice,” says the Eagan and Inver Grove Heights orthodontics specialist. “We strive to make orthodontic treatment fun for patients, while also delivering excellent results.”
Whether it’s lingual, self-ligating or conventional metal braces, or more aesthetic options such as Invisalign, Dr. Eisenhuth and our staff here at her office continue to provide personalized treatment based on each individual patient’s unique needs.
In addition to providing orthodontic treatment, Dr. Eisenhuth’s practice stays involved in the community. Whether it’s holding candy buy-back programs to gather treats to send to military troops serving overseas, sponsoring community Independence Day celebrations, or participating in fundraising events for leukemia patients, we love to be a part of it all.
“It’s good to give back to the community that gives so much to us,” Dr. Eisenhuth says.
Dr. Eisenhuth completed her orthodontic residency at the University of Minnesota after graduating from dental school. She also earned a master’s degree in dentistry and a certificate of orthodontics.
She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google and Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.
2012
How Much Does it Cost to Get Braces?
Tags: braces, kind of retainers, orthodontist
EAGAN, MINNESOTA- How much do braces cost?
It’s one of the first questions asked of many Eagan children’s orthodontists, Dr. Jennifer Eisenhuth included. We’ll cut right to the chase and tell you, but stick with us for this article as we explain details that must be considered when understanding an orthodontist’s price.
From our experience, the cost of orthodontic treatment is between $5,000 and $6,500. Sometimes you might find treatment that costs even less- or more- and the reason is that there are numerous variables to consider.
Parents who visit multiple orthodontists while seeking treatment for their children may wonder why treatment plans and costs are so varied. To answer that, you as a parent might ask these questions of the orthodontists you visit:
• What type of brackets are you planning on using?
• Do you use recycled brackets?
• What type of archwires do you use?
• Are they robotically-bent wires, or hand-bent wires?
• How long will my child be in braces?
• What kind of retainers are you planning on using?
• Is this a boutique or a managed care practice?
• Are you a board certified orthodontist?
• Are you fresh out of college? A national speaker?
You also should ask friends, family members and coworkers about the orthodontist. What is this orthodontist’s reputation in the community?
“All of these things will impact the fee,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, a provider of traditional braces and Invisalign treatment. “We want parents to understand that the fee actually should vary from office to office, depending on the materials used and the doctor’s expertise.”
This notion worries some parents, but it shouldn’t. Think about the last time you planned home improvements. It’s likely that you got several estimates, all of which varied slightly.
Just as no two treatment paths or costs may be alike, also consider that even the end results are going to be unique based on the orthodontist you’re working with.
“All orthodontists have different standards,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, an orthodontist who provides treatment for children and adult patients. “And remember that paying more doesn’t guarantee better results.”
On the other hand, be careful not to slam the most expensive location. Choosing a more inexpensive option now could cost you more in the long run if that orthodontist isn’t providing the most effective treatment.
The message to take from this is that orthodontic treatment is a significant investment, so you owe it to yourself and your child to do your homework. Understand that there are different levels of expertise for orthodontists. And know that all dentists are not orthodontists.
An orthodontist is a dentist who proceeds to a graduate specialty orthodontic program accredited by the American Dental Association, according to The American Board of Orthodontics. Upon graduating from the program, the dentist becomes an orthodontic specialist who is eligible for board certification through a voluntary examination process of the ABO.
The path to certification includes a written exam that covers a variety of information on which an orthodontist should be knowledgeable. Successfully passing the exam paves the way for the orthodontist to present treated cases, which undergo evaluation by expert examiners of the Board during a clinical exam. Certification is awarded for a specific length of time, and the orthodontist re-examines periodically to retain that certified status.
“You need to consider that you’re going to have a relationship with this orthodontist for a considerable amount of time,” says Dr. Eisenhuth, who provides braces treatment for patients in Rosemount, as well as Eagan. “You’re also banking on them providing effective treatment. So in addition to cost, we strongly recommend that factors such as experience and certification be considered.”
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