What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty concerned with alignment of teeth and jaws to create a functional and stable occlusion, while producing an aesthetically pleasing smile.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and dentist?

Every orthodontist is a dentist first. After completing dental school, your orthodontist invested an additional 24 to 36 months into learning everything there is to know about the bite – how teeth meet and function, how they are aligned, how they are set in the jaws, and the positioning and sizes of the upper and lower jaws.

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

There are many reasons a patient chooses to start orthodontic treatment. Some problems are more serious like problems with teeth growing in, under or overdevelopment of the jaws, in addition to many other issues. Other patients want to improve a simple cosmetic issue. Your dentist may refer you if they feel you need orthodontic treatment. However, a referral is not required, and we offer complimentary evaluations to help you understand if you could benefit from Orthodontics’s treatment.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

Below are some of the benefits of orthodontic treatment:

• Ensure proper teeth and jaw function

• Avoid unnecessary damage to enamel due to wear and tear from improper meeting of upper and lower teeth

• Create a healthy smile and facial structure

• Maintain a good bite for easier chewing and speaking

• Prevent tooth decay/loss by making teeth easier to clean

• Avoid expensive dental procedures that could result from untreated orthodontic issues

At what age should my child first see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a child be seen for their first visit at age 7. A screening visit for a 7 year old is used to evaluate growth and development and detect any abnormalities of the teeth, jaws, or future growth. At this age enough permanent teeth are present to start early intervention if needed. Often no treatment is needed and we will continue to monitor growth and development until treatment is needed.

What will my first visit be like?

On your first visit, we will give you a tour of the office, and make some diagnostic records (x-rays, photos, and digital models of the teeth). Dr. Sanders will evaluate all the diagnostic records and perform a thorough examination. You will be presented with a treatment plan and the cost of treatment on the first visit. If you are ready to start treatment, we may be able to place braces that same day or schedule you for a convenient day and time for you to start braces.

How long does treatment typically take?

Treatment time for orthodontic treatment is variable due to each patient's individual needs. For standard comprehensive treatment, the treatment time is usually 18-24 months. Some treatments are more complex and may take 30-36 months. If your teeth need only minor correction, often we can make a limited treatment plan that will take a year or less to complete. When you come in for your first visit, we will analyze your case fully and give you an estimated completion time.

Do braces or clear aligners hurt?

Braces and aligners work by placing pressure on the teeth to encourage the teeth to change position. Usually the teeth take a couple of days to become accustomed to new pressures after appointments, which results in some soreness. For the majority of your time in braces, there will be no pain

How often will I need to be seen for appointments?

Modern orthodontic materials allow patients to be seen less often. Most patients do not need to be seen more often than every 6-8 weeks. However, during treatment if there is a reason to be seen more or less than this, the orthodontist will schedule a shorter or longer interval between appointments according to your needs.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of the treatment required. To get a customized price to your needs, please schedule a complimentary consultation.

Do you offer payment plans or financing?

We offer payment plans to make the cost of braces more manageable for patients. We do not charge interest on our payment plans, and we will work with you to find a payment that works for most budgets.

Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

Some dental insurance includes coverage for orthodontics. Every insurance is different. If you provide us with your insurance information, we will verify whether you have orthodontic benefits and how much you can expect insurance to contribute.