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| Kai-Yak Newsletter Volume 1 June 2004Dr. Kenneth Y. Kai DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF ORTHODONTICS 250 Montclair Ave., #A San Jose, CA 95116 (408) 258-7141 www.kaiortho.com Staff: Juanita-Office Mgr., Anh-Lab Tech., Lorena & Shelly-Receptionist, Angel, Diem, Mui, & Christine-Chairside Assist. Summer is here: Boy how time flies; Remember not only are we getting older but also we are getting wiser. We would like to welcome all new patients and their families to our happy office. Also we would like to remind all of you how important it is to keep your orthodontic appointments and to see your general dentist at least twice a year. Dr. Kai will take care of your orthodontic needs but your General Dentist is the one who will clean and check your teeth for any cavities. Also if you have a change of address or insurance, please inform our front desk. It is very iimportant that we have all of your current information on file. From time to time, Dr. Kai goes to the hospital to work on severe cases or away to lecture and we have to contact you to reschedule or confirm an appointment. Please be sure if you have a loose or broken bracket that you call our office in advance so we can block off extra time to repair it: We thank you in advance. For those of you that have computer access, please log on to our website at www.kaiortho.com and give us your feedback: We would really appreciate it. From the Doctor: Hello to everyone. I would like to thank all of you for your confidence that you have in my practice. Once again I am off to lecture in Alaska, India, and Gualamala. I am very excited to share my love and knowledge of orthodontics. I am very pleased to help out other countries that are nnot as advance as we are in the orthodontic technology. I will be sure to see all of you before I leave and if there is any emergencies, someone will be covering the office for me. My staff will also be in for minor appointments and to receive your monthly payments. Sincerely, Dr. Kai  Questions patients ask: Do you take insurance? Yes, we accept insurance as long as it covers orthodontics, and does not restrict you to a listing of Doctors. Just give us your information and we will check it out for you. Why do I have this big gap? From time to time, you may develop a space, this occurs when Dr. Kai is aligning other teeth. In time, Dr. Kai will start adjusting that area and before the end of treatment most of the spaces will be closed. If you feel uncomfortable with this space, you are welcome to call for any emergency visit and Dr. Kai will consult you. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive their first orthodontic examination as early as age seven. An orthodontic examination and detection of prospective problems at a young age, allows treatment to begin early enough to take advantage of "Interceptive Orthodontics." Because Interceptive therapy utilizes the benefits of treatment during the primary growth period, orthodontic problems can be corrected before they had completely established themselves. For the reason an Interceptive treatment plan is typically less expensive, may avoid teeth extraction, surgery and produces more stable results. In growing children, this is also the best time to address concerns associated with not only developing crowding and disproportionate jaw growth, but undersirable habits as well. Other problems associated with tooth alignment or bite correction may best be addressed after most of the permanent teeth have erupted. If after examination your orthodontist deems treatment necessary, he or she will design an individual plan that best meets your needs. While perfect tooth alignment may not be absolutely necessary for sound oral function, orthodontics treatment can: *Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease *Maintain proper oral function related to chewing, breathing, and speech *Decrease the trauma to severely protruding teeth *Contribution to improved appearance and self-esteem Problem: Loose band or bracket. Solutions: If band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, wrap brace or bracket in tissue and bring to our office. Problem: Poking wire Solutions: Try to push poking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If not possible, put wax on it. Call us to schedule an emergency appointment. Problem: Soreness Solution: Take Tylenol or Advil. Rinse with warm salt water. Thought you would like to know: 2. Brackets: Small attachment cemented directly on the tooth's surface 3. Arch wire: Main wire that acts as a track to guide the teeth along. It is changed periodically throughout treatment. 4. Tie Wires (ligature): Fine wires that act as a track to guide the teeth around each bracket to hold the arch wires in place. 5. Elastic Ligatures: Tiny rubber band used like the wire to hold the arch wires in the bracket. 6. Elastic: Rubber bands of various sizes that are hooked between different points on the appliance to provide pressure to move the teeth. 7. Headgear Tubes: Round, hollow attachment on the back bands. 8. Buccal Tubes: Hollow attachments on the back bands which hold arch wires in place. Brass Pins: Tiny brass coloured pins used to hold wires to each bracket. Reminder:If you have a change of address or phone number, please inform us. Thank You!! SMILE AND THE WORLD WILL SMILE BACK! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
