Frequently asked questions about Orthodontics

Of course! We have a full spectrum of colors to choose from. At each visit, patients can switch colors to suit their mood – some choose team colors, some prefer seasonal tones, other kids even opt for a different color on every tooth!

Learn more about different types of orthodontic braces

Proper dental care and hygiene is extra important while you have braces because it is harder to keep the mouth clean. We recommend frequent rinsing with water to remove food particles, brushing after every meal and daily flossing. Brush along the gum line of each tooth and then above, below and on top of each bracket. Our orthodontist will demonstrate the best techniques for brushing and flossing and will point out any spots that are being missed at each visit.

Yes, they can, but not for long. Braces, wires, and the elastics around brackets are adjusted regularly throughout the course of treatment. Normally soon after an adjustment, there can be some discomfort. This condition typically lasts for just a few days. We supply dental wax to cover up any protruding hardware that is causing discomfort. If you or your child is experiencing discomfort lasting more than a few days, you should contact your orthodontist to discuss.

Learn more about caring for teeth with braces

At your child’s first visit to the orthodontist, the doctor will examine your child’s mouth for indications of problems with spacing and alignment that could have negative consequences if not addressed with orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will be looking for problems with your child’s bite, or the relationship between their upper and lower jaws, and how the teeth are spaced along the jaws. They will take X-rays and discuss findings, treatment plans and payment options if applicable.

Yes. It is especially important to keep up with regular cleanings when you have braces. Even orthodontic patients who take great care of their teeth are likely to experience higher levels of plaque build-up. Kids with braces need to get dental cleanings and exams every six months or more as needed to keep the patients oral hygiene at its best.

Learn more about caring for teeth with braces

Hard or crunchy foods can damage the braces appliances, so things like ice cubes, nuts, hard bread crusts, popcorn and even carrot sticks should be avoided. Sticky and gooey foods like caramel, taffy and many candies are also not good at all for braces because they can pull and break a wire or a bracket. Generally, foods high in sugar, starch and acidity should be limited throughout the course of orthodontic treatment. These foods contribute to tooth decay and since it’s harder to keep the mouth clean with braces, it’s best to be extra careful about what you eat. Kids with braces should rinse with water frequently, especially after any sugary foods or drinks.

Learn more about caring for braces

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be screened by an orthodontist no later than age seven. Early screening affords the greatest flexibility for treatment plans.

First we’ll celebrate your winning smile and compare your before and after photos! Then, you will be custom-fitted for a retainer. Although finishing braces is very exciting, teeth have good memories, and they will attempt to revert to their former positioning. This is why we monitor the patient for one year after we remove braces. We call this the retention phase and the patient must wear their retainer’s as instructed by the Orthodontist.

We have competitive pricing with affordable payment options that work with most family budgets. Our payment plans start as low as 0% down, $125 per month with easy to qualify-for options.

Regular visits to the orthodontist are a part of every treatment plan. Patients will have appointments approximately once every four to six, sometimes 8 weeks. Appointment times vary, determined by the recommended procedure from the Orthodontist.

Medicaid covers the cost of braces for children if it is determined that orthodontic treatment is medically necessary. Most private insurance plans also cover a fixed portion of the cost of braces for children and adults. Our orthodontic team works directly with Medicaid and other insurance providers to ensure that patients can get the care they need. We also provide very competitive pricing and have flexible payment plans for those not covered by other insurance.

The best way to know for sure if your child will need braces is to have an orthodontic evaluation. Orthodontists are experts on teeth and jaw alignment. They are trained to identify bite problems, known as malocclusions that may have negative consequences if not addressed with orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic screening no later than age seven so that a professional assessment and treatment plan can be determined as early as possible in your child’s development.

Because their bones are harder and no longer growing, correcting alignment issues can take longer for adults than for children. There are a number of specific age-related issues that can impact adult orthodontic treatment such as bone loss, teeth wear, prior extractions, and pain in the jaw joint. Despite these concerns, more and more adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Schedule an orthodontic evaluation to determine the right treatment plan for you.

Many of our locations see adult patients for orthodontics! Adults love our friendly locations and our competitive pricing. To find out if a specific location takes adult patients in orthodontics, contact that location directly.