When is the ideal time for orthodontic treatment?
The ideal time for orthodontic treatment varies with each patient. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child be evaluated by an orthodontist at age 7. The reason is that many of the problems that we treat are present at this age as the first permanent teeth begin to erupt into the mouth. Premature wear of the teeth, abnormal growth patterns, and abnormal eruption location and sequence of the teeth can usually be prevented by simple steps before all the permanent teeth are in the mouth. We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of early treatment for each patient and try to help each family decide what treatment timing, if any, would be best.

Am I too old for my teeth to move?
No. As long as there is not active gum disease present, teeth can be safely moved at any age. A large percentage of our patients are adults and this percentage increases every year as new technology such as Invisalign and Damon braces create exciting opportunities for adult treatment that were not available in the past. We specialize in complicated adult cases that require exceptional communication between various dental specialists. We have experience in neuromuscular dentistry and have helped many adults overcome debilitating headaches and joint and muscle pain. We encourage you to come in to see our comfortable, state of the art adult treatment clinic and ask us about esthetic alternatives to conventional metal braces. We would love to help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile that you have always wished for.

Will I be able to afford treatment?
Given the time and number of visits required to treat a complicated orthodontic problem and follow a patient while in retainers, orthodontic treatment remains as one of the best values in dentistry and medicine. Once your treatment options are determined, our office staff will be happy to discuss payment plans that include no interest in-office financing and third party financing options without a down payment and available extended payment schedules. Many of our patient families are on Medicaid assistance and we provide orthodontic treatment at no cost to those patients who qualify based on financial need and severity of the dental problems. We are usually able to structure a plan to fit most budgets.

Will it hurt ?
While it is probably not possible to move teeth without feeling any discomfort or soreness at all, we are committed to making your experience with us as comfortable as we can possibly make it. Recent innovations in wire technology and orthodontic bracket design have taken away most of the discomfort that many parents and grandparents remember with their orthodontic treatments. Today in our office, treatments require fewer extractions, less time, fewer visits, smaller appliances, and sometimes can be done without braces at all in the case of most of our Invisalign treatment. When braces are used, it typically takes about a week for the lips and tongue to adjust to rubbing against the braces and wires. The soreness of the teeth usually lasts a few days after the braces are placed or an adjustment is done. We feel that our patients have much better than average experiences with these issues because of our commitment to using the best, most comfortable technology available paired with the willingness to sequence individual treatments in order to make your experience as comfortable as possible (starting with upper teeth only, for example). We simply offer many more treatment options and techniques than the typical orthodontic office in order to ensure that you have a great experience with your treatment.