What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

At what age should my child be examined to determine if they will benefit from orthodontics?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age seven - or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician.

What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age! Everyone wants a beautiful and healthy smile. About twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients today are adults.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment times vary on a case by case basis, but the average is from one to three years. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth, cooperation, and the severity of the correction necessary.

How much does treatment cost and what kind of payment arrangements are available?
Fitting orthodontic treatment in to a family budget can be quite simple and manageable today. We offer several payment options and accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. We also file insurance as a courtesy to our patients. See our Payment & Office Policies for more information.

What is TMJ or TMD?
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction known as TMJ or TMD, is commonly described as pain or clicking in the jaw joint. Symptoms may include headaches or soreness in the jaw area.

What kind of treatment is available for TMD?
Patients are instructed to refrain from destructive behavior that may aggravate or increase TMD pain. For example, patients should not chew bubble gum or bite their fingernails. Splints, a clear acrylic appliance made from impressions taken, may be used to reposition the jaw to alleviate stress.

How can I find out if my child or myself will benefit from orthodontic or TMD treatment?
Call our office for an initial examination appointment. There is no charge for this informative initial visit. Dr. Powell will determine what treatment (if any) is necessary, as well as provide an estimated cost and length of treatment if needed.

What kind of experience does Dr. Powell have in orthodontic and TMD treatment?
Dr. Powell is an orthodontist who has been in private practice since 1988. He was born in Augusta and graduated from Evans High School. He graduated first in his class from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. He served five years in the United States Navy Dental Corp, then returned to the Medical College to complete his two-year Orthodontic Residency.

He is a member of the Augusta Dental Society, the Eastern District Dental Society, the Georgia Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Georgia Association of Orthodontists, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics and the honorary dental fraternity Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU).

He received extensive training in the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of TMD during his General Practice residency at Camp Pendleton Navy Hospital, and during his Orthodontic Residency at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Powell has completed numerous courses on TMD since graduation and has helped many TMD patients find relief from their ongoing symptoms.