Here at Badger & Spiller, we believe that first impressions are very important. That's why we've been providing professional orthodontic solutions to the Southern Indiana area for over 20 years: beautiful smiles create fabulous first impressions. It's also why we strive to create a comfortable, professional atmosphere for our patients and their family at each appointment.
We are constantly incorporating new technologies that make orthodontics a safer, more affordable, and more effective practice. Our staff is professionally trained and continuously educated so that treatment is not outsourced in any way and your medical records stay private. To minimize treatment time, all of our offices are fully equipped to place, remove, and even craft orthodontic appliances. Also, our policy of non-extraction ensures that surgical measures are not taken unless absolutely necessary.
We strongly believe that communication between patient and doctor is the key to a successful treatment. Drs. Badger and Spiller approach each case as a team to determine a treatment plan that is sensitive to our patient's orthodontic and financial needs. By working together, we can make a good first impression last a lifetime.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with the positioning
of the teeth, jaw bones and joints, and chewing muscles. An orthodontist
will determine the most effective way to correctly position the teeth and
jaws to achieve the following:
Orthodontics is also concerned with the treatment of dental or facial irregularities, or malocclusions. Malocclusions can be genetic or aquired, and are corrected by the patient wearing small orthodontic appliances (like braces, for instance), that apply small forces to the teeth and jaws over time.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have an orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Some problems are more difficult to correct once all of the permanent teeth have erupted or facial growth is complete.
We believe that orthodontic treatment does much more than change one's appearance: it can change a person's life. In our 32+ years of experience as orthodontists, we have seen increased confidence in both children and adults alike. With the use of space-age wires and smaller braces, treatment is quicker, less noticeable and more hygenic. Ultimately, our goal is to elevate a person's self-image while creating a great smile.
Welcome! Our office is dedicated to providing excellent orthodontic care in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If you have any questions concerning our practice, please do not hesitate to ask. Communication is the key to success.
LocationWe maintain three offices for your convenience. The location, phone numbers and office hours can be found by selecting "Location" from the left column. Each office has the all of the equipment necessary to provide full treatment.
AppointmentsAll treatment is done by appointment. Being punctual is very important; if you are late for an appointment, we may not be able to accomodate you without resceduling. Appointments are scheduled every 4-6 weeks and may vary from ten to sixty minutes. The initial placement of braces is usually done at 9:00am on the second or third visit. Additional appointments to repair breakage, place additional braces, remove braces, etc. will be scheduled at 9:00am, 11:00am, or 2:00pm.
Length of TreatmentOrthodontic treatment involves a gradual alignment of the teeth within each jaw as well as coordination of the jaws. The length of time required to complete this process depends upon several factors and varies considerably from one patient to the next. Factors most likely to affect treatment time are the severity of the problem, the number of missed appointments and the degree of patient compliance. It should be noted that regular appointment attendance and compliance with patient instructions is strongly encouraged and is necessary to achieve the desired result without delay.
Progress ReportsQuestions regarding any aspect of treatment including progress, compliance, oral hygiene and other instructions are encouraged. Attendance by parents at each visit is not required. However, if present, you are welcome to come in at the end of each appointment for a progress report.
Cleaning and DietThe teeth and braces must be cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis with fluoride toothpaste. Stay away from hard, sticky, or sweet food, especially soda pop. These may result in tooth decay, appliance breakage, and prolonged treatment time.
Electric Toothbrushes:Most electric toothbrushes are effective in cleaning braces; the key is to use them for the appropriate amount of time and reach all areas. You will still need to floss. Manual toothbrushes will clean teeth and braces just as effectively and are cheaper. We will give thorough hygiene instructions when you receive braces.
Dental SupervisionIn addition to orthodontic treatment, regular visits to your dentist are required. Orthodontic treatment is specialized care and does not meet your need for dental check-ups.
FeesThe fees charged for like services rendered are equal for all patients regardless of insurance coverage status. A payment schedule may or may not coincide with treatment time. If treatment is longer than the payment schedule, no additional fees will be charged; likewise, if treatment is completed early, continued payment is expected. Most fees are all inclusive unless stated otherwise. There will be additional fees for lost or broken appliances.
Emergency Information and InstructionsIt is not unusual for patients to experience some discomfort after certain adjustment appointments. However, if discomfort persists or is greater than expected, please see the Emergency Information portion of this website, or call one of our offices for help. After hours, call our Clarksville office (812) 288-6681 for automated emergency instructions.
Welcome to our Office! We are confident that this will be a pleasant and rewarding experience and we extend a warm welcome from all of us.
General Treatment Information
At your first appointment, our New Patient Coordinator will get some basic information from you, and you will recieve a free panoramic x-ray and preliminary assesment. We will discuss some of the appliances that might be used in your case (braces being the most common), and work out a tentative financial plan. If treatment is necessary, at your next appointment Drs. Badger and Spiller will finalize your treatment plan. This usually requires more specific x-rays and impressions being taken of your teeth. Impressions and x-rays provide the doctors with a model of your mouth that they can use to plan your treatment.
Drs. Badger and Spiller prefer to give patients the expertise of both doctors by planning each case together. At any point in the treatment process, please do not hesitate to ask questions or to get our help. Communication is important if we are to work together to achieve the best possible result.
Payment Options
Our office offers three payment options: Option 1:
Payment in full with a 5% discount on the amount the patient pays.
Option 2:
In-office financing, which consists of a down payment and monthly payments.
There are no interest charges.
Option 3:
Third-party financing with no down payment. You deal directly with Capital
One Bank and must qualify for the Orthodontist's Fee Plan (OFP).
We will file insurance and our office accepts VISA and Mastercard.
Braces are the most widely used orthodontic appliance; around 90% of our patients wear them. Braces have three major parts:
The archwire is terminated at the bands in the back of the mouth. Small, colored rubber bands hold the archwire in place by attaching to each bracket. The average time to wear braces is 2 years, with adjustment appointments every 4-6 weeks.
Tooth-colored Braces: We can apply ceramic tooth colored braces instead of metal ones if desired. (See above right)
Instructions: You should brush your braces well with a soft toothbrush
twice a day and after each meal. Brushing after meals is important because
it is very easy for food to become lodged in the brackets and bands. Soft
rubber toothpicks are great for this.
Please floss around your braces every day. When you get your braces on,
we will supply you with a tool that makes this easier.
Do not eat sticky or hard candy; brackets are not invincible! They may get
ripped off your teeth, requiring extra appointments.
Concerns: A little soreness after application or an adjustment appointment
is expected. Tylenol or Advil should be sufficient to dull the pain. Pain
should only last a day or so.
Sometimes an archwire may begin to poke out of one of the bands in the back
of your mouth. Please see the Self-Help Guide on this website for instructions.
If a rubber band or bracket becomes loose or falls off, please call our
office immediately.
The purpose of the rapid palatal expander (RPE) appliance is to widen the upper jaw to uncrowd the teeth and broaden the smile.
Instructions: The expander should be turned once every morning and night. If you miss a turn it can be turned twice the next time. You can clean the expander with a toothbrush or by rinsing vigorously. You may use a pipe cleaner to get underneath the expander, if you wish. The RPE usually stays in for about 10 weeks.
Concerns: One of the major effects of this appliance is a large space between the front teeth (seen at left). This is OK, and actually tells us that the appliance is working. The space should go away in about a month. Other possible side effects are soreness around the bridge of the nose, cheeks, or roof of the mouth. You may even hear a crack or pop when turning the appliance. These are all OK.
A bite plate is a small, removable acrylic appliance that fits on the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth. It should feel secure and fit snugly. The bite plate helps open the bite and allows the teeth to move faster. It will also protect your front teeth from touching any lower brackets you may have.
Instructions: Wear your bite plate at all times. (You may remove it for meals and brushing). You can clean your bite plate by brushing it with toothpaste. Always use your case when you take it out! If it is wrapped in a napkin it may be mistakenly thrown away.
Concerns: A bite plate may affect speech and make your teeth sore for a short time. After wearing it for a few days, your teeth should feel more comfortable and your speech should be normal. If your bite plate becomes loose before your next adjustment, call our office immediately.
The Invisalign system is a relatively new alternative to braces in which a series of clear, plastic mouthpieces are designed using a computer and worn by the patient. Each moutpiece, or "aligner", requires no braces, so they are nearly indetectable. Only a small number of our patients meet the requirements for Invisalign treatment, but it remains an effective choice for some. The length of Invisalign treatment is usually comparable to the time spent wearing braces.
For more information, please ask at your next appointment or visit www.invisalign.com.
A lip bumper is a removable wire and plastic appliance. It fits in front of the lower teeth, behind the lower lip. It attaches to the bands on the back teeth. This appliance rotates the molars and expands the lower arch, relieving crowding. Usually this appliance is worn when permanent teeth are erupting. Although less common, lip bumpers may also be used to widen the upper arch (an RPE may also be used for this).
Instructions: Lip bumpers are to be worn 24 hours a day, but may be removed at mealtime and when brushing. Brush your lip bumper after meals, and be sure to protect it by using your lip bumper case. Do not wrap it in a napkin; it may be accidentally thrown away. Also, you should avoid eating sticky candy or chewing ice or gum.
Concerns: Lip bumpers may make your back teeth sore for a few days after placement and adjustments, but try not to remove it unless absolutely necessary. The pain will subside and your teeth will feel better in a short time. If you lose your lip bumper or it becomes bent or is not fitting properly, please call us.
Separators are small plastic discs or metal springs that we use to separate two teeth from each other so that we can accurately fit bands at the next appointment. Spacers are usually applied at the 2nd appointment, and will take 1-2 weeks to work. After spacers, braces or other appliances can be applied.
Instructions: Do not eat anything sticky and do not floss between the separated teeth. Purchase two soft toothbrushes (Butler, Oral B, etc) in two colors, one for morning and one for night. We will demonstrate brushing when you get your braces.
Concerns: Separators may cause temporary soreness. You may take Tylenol or Advil for the pain. If you lose a spacer, call us immediately so we can replace it.
CONGRATULATIONS! You finally got your braces off. The goal now is to KEEP YOUR TEETH STRAIGHT. This is done by wearing a retainer. Remember, your retainer is the only way to keep your teeth in the correct position for the near future. More good news: we can make retainers almost any color you want.
Instructions: Wear your retainer 24 hours a day except while eating. This will decrease to nightwear in about 10 months. Keep your retainer clean by brushing it with a toothbrush or with a denture brush in lukewarm water. Do not use toothpaste (this may cause cracking in the appliance)! About once a week soak your retainer in a denture cleaning solution. This will decrease any odor. Do not put your retainer in hot water; it will melt! If you lose your retainer there is a fee to have it replaced, so please be careful. Keep it in its case while you are eating-- leaving it in a napkin may lead to it being accidentaly thrown away. Do not let your dog eat it! This is a very common way of losing retainers.
Your lower retainer is bonded to your teeth and needs to stay there INDEFINITELY. Check it daily by placing a little pressure on it with your fingers. If it is loose, call for an appointment so we can re-cement it.
Concerns: Be sure to bring your retainer to each appointment so that we can check to see if it is still fitting correctly.
Self-Help Guide
It is normal (and common) for some orthodontic appliances to malfunction and need adjustment. Some adjustments can be made at home, and are listed below.
As a general rule, an emergency is defined by a loose band, broken archwire, something sticking you or trauma that you can't take care of yourself and is causing you pain or stops you from wearing an appliance. Please call our office if this occurs and we will help work the problem out.
Lost Separators:If a separator falls out and you know where it came from, take a piece of dental floss and attempt to pass it between the teeth. If it passes easily and it is only a couple of days until the banding appointment, then no action is required. If the floss is tight between the teeth, then you need to come in and have the separator replaced.
Teeth Soreness:It is common for separators, braces, or new wires to cause soreness. Taking Tylenol or Advil before or after an adjustment appointment is helpful. Normally, any pain only lasts for a day or two.
Irritated Cheeks, Lips, Tongue or Gums:Brackets and bands on the teeth are rough at first and may cause the soft tissue in your mouth to become sore. Usually the tissues toughen (like calluses) over time, but in the meantime, some soft wax smoothed over the offending bracket will help. You may also use warm salt water or OTC ointments like Orabase to help with irritation.
Poking Wires:If the back end of the archwire becomes too long, it may poke the cheek. If this is painful please call our office to get it cut off. If this is not possible (i.e., our offices are closed), you can try covering the end of the wire with soft wax. If this does not work then you may try to cut it with a pair of finger nail clippers. If a ligature wire (small twisted wire around the bracket) is poking you use a pencil eraser to bend it in toward the gums. Wax may help in this situation as well.
Injuries:We will be happy to provide a mouth guard to protect you against sports injuries. Mouth guards can also be worn while sleeping to protect your teeth from the damage caused by tooth grinding. If you have an accident and teeth are displaced please see the emergency section of this website or call our office for emergency instructions.
Loosening of Teeth:Loosening of teeth is necessary throughout treatment so they can move into their proper positions. This is normal and should not cause any distress. Teeth will become firm following the removal of the braces.
Loose band or Bracket:Occasionally bands or brackets become loose, but do not be alarmed. If the loose bracket hurts or bothers you soft wax can be placed on it. Usually there is no need for immediate repair if it is a bracket in the back of the mouth (behind the eye tooth) and you are near the end of treatment. If it is a front tooth you should call for an appointment. If an appliance attaches to the band (headgear, lip bumper or bite plate) please bring that appliance with you so we can readjust it at the next appointment.
Running out of Rubber Bands:If you run out of rubber bands or lose them we will be happy to mail you some, or you can stop by and pick some up. Please don't wait until your next appointment to take action.
If you have an emergency:
If you are very seriously injured - please call your doctor or go to the emergency room. The hospital may choose to contact us if there is damage related to your orthodontic appliances.
If you are injured - please call one of our offices for help. Office hours and phone numbers are located to the menu at the left under "locations". For automated emergency instructions, call our Clarksville office at (812) 288 6681.
If you are experiencing severe pain - first try taking either Tylenol or Advil. If pain is still severe, don't hesitate to call one of our offices.
If an appliance becomes loose or falls off - see the Self-Help guide link (to the left) on this website. Depending on the appliance(s) in question, you may or may not need to take action before the next appointment.
The documents below are available for download in Adobe Acrobat format. This is the information we will give you on your first visit to our office.
Before your first visit to our office, you can fill these forms out to speed up your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
The Orthodontists and Staff
Dr. Michael E. Badger, DMD
Dr. Badger has been in private practice since 1982. He is currently a part-time biomechanics lecturer at the University of Louisville Graduate School of Dentistry. Dr. Badger enjoys fishing and resides in Sellersburg with his wife Beth. He has four children: David graduated from Northwestern University in 2004 with a BS in Electrical Engineering, Ann is a Junior studying Sociology at Butler University in Indianapolis, Tyler is a Freshman at Trinity High, and Sara attends Collegiate.
Dr. Robert E. Spiller, Jr. DMD, MS
Dr. Spiller has been in private practice in 1992 and continues to serve in the US Army Reserves. Dr. Spiller is married and has two children, Robert, who attends OLPH, and Rebecca, who is currently enrolled at Miami University in Ohio. His hobbies include coaching his kids in their athletic programs and staying in shape by running and playing basketball (former Celtic).
Drs. Badger and Spiller are active members of the following:
Our staff is highly trained to provide you with the best possible care. To ensure that our office stays current with the latest trends and techniques, we send our staff to continuing education courses once each year.
Here are some links that may be useful:
