faq's

1. Why should I get orthodontic treatment?

   • Aside from having an aesthetically pleasing smile, orthodontic treatment is necessary to create a healthy bite. With orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene will be improved which leads to long-term benefits.​

2. How long will my treatment be?

   • Orthodontic treatment varies from patient to patient. While some patients may require two phases of treatment, others will only need one phase. Some may need very little treatment! For personalized recommendations, ​a consultation would be necessary to determine length of treatment by an orthodontist.

3. Why do I have to wear my retainer full time?

   • After the removal of braces, it is extremely important to wear your removable retainer full time until being told otherwise by your orthodontist. This will prevent shifting of teeth and maintain that beautiful smile that you waited for!​

4. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

   • Orthodontic treatment is a long-term investment that is very important for your overall health. The cost of orthodontic treatment is based off of individual needs, as determined by your orthodontist in an initial consultation. For further, personalized cost of treatment it is important to schedule an consultation with an orthodontist.​

5. Will my insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

   • Insurance coverage varies from office to office. If you are unsure if your insurance plan has orthodontic coverage, a phone call to your insurance company's customer service line would clarify what kind of coverage you have. Additionally, after scheduling an initial consultation, our office checks insurance benefits for each patient.​

6. How early should I bring my child in for an evaluation?

   • It is important to see a general dentist for routine exams, where they may recommend an initial consultation with an orthodontist if they feel it is necessary. Regardless, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that patients be seen by an orthodontist by at least age 7. However, if a patient is seen at age 7 and does not need treatment right away, they may be placed on observation until ready for intervention.​

7. What do I do about a broken bracket or appliance?

   • When a patient has a broken bracket or appliance, it is extremely important for the family to call their orthodontist's office and schedule a repair. Regularly scheduled appointments do not allot time for repairs, so if patients come in with broken brackets or appliances, they will have to be rescheduled for a later time.​

8. Will I be sore after getting braces?

   • Actively putting on braces is a painless process. However, a patient may be sore for the next few days. However, it is a short-term adjustment period that can be eased through over the counter pain relievers.​

9. Will I be able to resume activities and sports with my braces?

   • Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment would not interfere with sports or activities. The only change that needs to be made after initiation of orthodontic treatment would be to get a new, orthodontic friendly mouth guard for sports.​

10. Do I have to continue routine exams with my general dentist?

    • Yes! It is more important than ever to routinely see your general dentist while having braces or other orthodontic appliances. This is because your general dentist and his/her team will be able to provide a more thorough cleaning than a patient would be able to give themselves at home.​

​

If you have any more questions regarding orthodontic treatment or care, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office!