FAQ

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.

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.

Yes, keeping your teeth and braces (or other appliances) clean requires a little more effort on your part. Your orthodontist will explain how to brush and floss, how often to brush and floss, and give you any special instructions based on the kind of orthodontic treatment you are having. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s dental hygiene prescription to get the best results possible. Check with your orthodontist about dental products and tools that might be helpful.

In general, patients with braces must be careful to avoid hard, sticky, chewy and crunchy foods. They should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, pencils and fingernails. And never chew ice. It’s much too hard on your teeth – even without braces.

Also be sure to see your family dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up at least every six months during your orthodontic treatment, or more often, if recommended.

In dentistry, no mouth is the exact same. In order for our professionals to assess your individual needs, an x-ray helps identify any underlying signs of bone loss or gum disease that can be undetectable from the naked eye. It is typical for new patients to undergo a full set of dental x-rays to assist with an image of their oral health status. In order to help with future comparisons, we may request additional x-rays during follow-up visits in order to determine what treatment will be needed as well as to identify any conditions that may require prevention.

Dental radiographs or x-rays are necessary in receiving the highest standard of care. The diagnostic benefits far outweigh the minimal risks involved in the use of dental x-rays. We are careful to limit the amount of radiation exposure for patients by using digital radiography which reduces radiation substantially. Without the use of x-rays conditions which include cavities, missing or extra teeth and pathology/diseases will go undetected. Digital x-rays have minimal radiation, crystal-clear images and unbelievable speed. With digital x-rays, the patient’s images appear instantaneously on a nearby monitor, giving us a convenient chair-side image to analyze and refer to throughout the dental visit. We are pleased to offer this dental technology.

Yes, you can use flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for part or all of your orthodontic treatment. If you have insurance, an FSA can bridge the gap to pay what insurance does not cover. If you do not have insurance, an FSA can be used to pay the entire fee (up to the annual cap of $2,500 that took effect January 1, 2013). FSAs are generally offered as part of an employer’s “cafeteria plan.” If you do not have an FSA, check with your employer about offering this tax-advantaged benefit.

We proudly accept most insurances. Call our friendly staff if you have any questions about financial policies.

Yes, but make sure you wear a protective mouth guard. Ask your orthodontist to recommend the right kind of mouth guard while you are having orthodontic treatment. Keep your smile beautiful after treatment and wear a mouth guard at every practice and every game.