The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by the family dentist or physician.
Treatment time depends on the patient’s orthodontic problem and their level of cooperation. In general, treatment times range from 12-30 months. The average time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22-24 months.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will need to be seen every 5-6 weeks.
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. By scheduling longer appointments during the morning and early afternoon hours, we are able to schedule most of the quick adjustment appointments during after-school hours so missed school time is kept to a minimum.
- A more attractive smile
- better confidence and self-esteem
- increased ability to keep teeth clean
- reduced risk of injury to protruded front teeth
- optimizing other dental treatment
- improved teeth function
- better long-term health of teeth and gums
Removing teeth is occasionally required to achieve the best orthodontic result. We work diligently to minimize the need for these extractions by using space maintainers and other techniques in our first phases of orthodontic treatment.
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will give you a rough estimate during the initial exam and an exact cost at the treatment conference appointment.
We have several interest-free payment options with low down-payment. We will accept insurance, and will help maximize benefits and file your claims. We provide a 10% prepayment discount for those who prefer to prepay their account. Our office accepts Visa and MasterCard.
Our office has three types of braces to choose from. Stainless steel braces (With color options), and clear braces (With an additional fee). We also offer Invisalign.
Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleaning and checkups.
No, but there may be a period of adjustment. Brace covers can also be provided to prevent any discomfort.
No, however once the braces are placed and connected you may feel some soreness for up to four days. Your lips and cheeks may also take a couple of weeks to adjust to the braces on your teeth.
About 30% of orthodontic patients today are adults, up to their 70s! Many adults are correcting problems that were never treated when they were children. As long as your supporting bone and gums are healthy, you can still undergo orthodontic treatment.
Most first phase patients will need a second finishing phase of braces. Usually this second phase is less complicated, and less likely to involve tooth extractions due to work done in the first phase.
Yes, please see our Foods to Avoid page to find out what foods you should avoid and instructions to follow to prevent most emergency appointments.
Yes, there may be some discomfort but it will not prevent regular school activities from being performed.