Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does my dentist need to refer me to the orthodontist?
  2. Unless your insurance requires this step, you do not need a referral.

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  3. When should I have my child see the orthodontist?
  4. Children should see the orthodontist for the first time around their seventh birthday. If your child is seven or older, schedule their appointment today.

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  5. How can I schedule my first appointment?
  6. You can call us, email us, or fill out our convenient online request form.

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  7. What can I expect from my first visit?
  8. We will complete diagnostics and an exam. Based on this, we will formulate a treatment plan. To learn more, visit our first appointment page.

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  9. Will I need to have teeth pulled?
  10. That varies from person to person. However, we work to avoid tooth extraction whenever possible.

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  11. How long will I be in treatment?
  12. This depends on the exact circumstances involved, so we cannot say until we complete the initial exam. Some people finish treatment in six months, while others remain in treatment for three years.

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  13. How much will treatment cost?
  14. The exact cost of treatment will depend on the needs of the patient and the type of treatment chosen. We can detail the cost of treatment at your initial exam.

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  15. How often will I need to see the doctor?
  16. This all depends on the type of treatment chosen. It may be as little as every ten weeks or as often as every four.

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  17. Can all my appointments be scheduled after school or work?
  18. In some cases, we can. However, not all appointments will be able to be scheduled outside of school and work hours. We will always do our best to accommodate your schedule.

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  19. Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
  20. Depending on the age of the child, yes, this is possible. We will need to speak with the parent after the appointment though.

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  21. Do braces hurt?
  22. No, hurt is not the right word. After they are placed, there is soreness for a few days, and after each adjustment, it returns for about one day. Salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain medications will help.

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  23. Can I still play sports?
  24. Yes, but you will need a special mouthguard, which we can make for you.

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  25. Should I still see my dentist twice a year?
  26. Yes. Dentists and orthodontists do different jobs, so you need to see both during treatment.

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  27. Are there foods I cannot eat when wearing braces?
  28. Yes, some foods will be off limits. We detail these at your appointment when braces are placed and on our website.

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  29. Do I need to do anything special to take care of my teeth while wearing braces?
  30. Yes, your oral hygiene will change a bit. Read about this on our Oral Hygiene page.

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  31. Can young children receive orthodontic treatment?
  32. Some children require this to avoid surgery and tooth extractions later on. This is called early treatment, or two-phase treatment.

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  33. Is it too late to get braces if I am an adult?
  34. No, braces work on patients of all ages. Some things may be more complicated, but treatment is still possible.

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Do you still have questions? Schedule your appointment so we can answer them.