Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need a referral to see an orthodontist. Please call or email us and we will be happy to set up an appointment that is convenient for you.
Children should usually see an orthodontist by age 7. After an initial exam, we will monitor your child’s dental development at regular recall appointments. These recall appointments can help reduce the chance of impacted teeth and help eliminate habits We will also monitor jaw growth so orthodontic treatment can be initiated at the ideal time if it is required. There is no charge for examination and recall appointments. Occasionally, early orthodontic treatment is required to create more space for eruption of teeth, or to avoid damage to teeth, or unfavorable jaw development.
If you recognize any of the problems above in your child, please see an orthodontist as soon as possible.
Many children begin around age 10–14 when majority of permanent teeth are in. Early orthodontic evaluation (by age 7) is often recommended to detect issues early. Adults are also excellent candidates; we routinely treat patients in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
We provide a full spectrum of orthodontic treatments, including:
  • Traditional metal braces
  • Ceramic / clear braces
  • Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign® or alternative brands)
  • Lingual braces (brackets behind the teeth)
  • Retainers and post-treatment maintenance

Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case, your teeth alignment, growth, and cooperation (e.g. wearing elastics or aligners).

  • Simple cases: 12 months
  • Moderate cases: 18–24 months
  • Complex cases: 24+ months
To keep your treatment progressing smoothly, please keep your aligners in while eating and drinking whenever possible. Removing them too often can slow down tooth movement. Even if you take your aligners out to eat, make sure to put them back in within 10–15 minutes so your teeth continue moving properly.
It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or pressure in the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted—or after switching to a new set of aligners. This usually subsides as your teeth adapt.
To prevent damage, we advise avoiding:
  • Hard and crunchy foods (nuts, ice, popcorn kernels)
  • Sticky or chewy sweets (caramel, taffy, gum)
  • Hard candies, biting into whole apples/corn on the cob (cut into pieces instead)
  • Biting pens, fingernails, or other non-food items
For the best results, aligners should be worn 23-24 hours a day ,preferably removing them only for brushing, and flossing.
You’ll usually switch to a new set of aligners twice a week or as recommended by your orthodontist. However, this schedule can differ based on your specific treatment needs. Our orthodontist can guide you on the exact time that’s right for you.
Aligners can be cleaned with tap water and a soft-bristle toothbrush or by using special Invisalign cleaning crystals. Avoid hot water as it can warp the plastic.
After your active treatment, you’ll be given retainers to maintain your teeth alignment. Retainer wear is essential to prevent relapses or teeth shifting back.
We’ll schedule follow-up visits and instruct you on retainer care.
If a bracket becomes loose or breaks, or an aligner cracks, contact us as soon as possible so we can schedule a repair or replacement.
Until then, avoid hard/chewy foods, and follow instructions we provide for temporary measures (e.g. using orthodontic wax).
  • Brush after every meal with a soft-bristle or orthodontic brush
  • Use interdental brushes or floss threaders to clean between wires
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and possibly a fluoride rinse
  • Avoid high-sugar, sticky, or acidic snacks
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on the complexity of the orthodontic condition. Because we believe that finances should not be a barrier to orthodontic treatment, we offer interest-free, flexible payment plans, and will work with you to determine the option that best suits your needs. You will be able to discuss fees and payment options with our treatment coordinator at the final consultation appointment prior to the start of treatment.
We accept Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Debit and Automatic Withdrawal
Our office is committed to helping you maximize any insurance benefits you may have for orthodontic treatment.
We can help you to determine your coverage for orthodontics by providing you with a complete predetermination form for you to send to your insurance company. Many dental and orthodontic insurance plans cover part of the cost—commonly 30 % to 80 %, depending on your plan.
Once treatment has started, we will also provide you with all of the necessary standard dental claim forms that you will require, in order to make your reimbursement from your insurance company as easy and smooth as possible.
Please let us know if you have any questions about your insurance coverage, or any other aspect of your orthodontic experience. Our team members are here to assist you in any way we can. We want to make your orthodontic experience the best it can be.