Read answers to our practice’s frequently asked questions (FAQs) below:


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. Call our office to schedule an appointment today.

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the scape available for the front teeth decreases with age.

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or contact us online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. Our initial examinations are always complimentary.

What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Upon arriving, each patient will be asked for the new patient forms and insurance card. The doctor will then complete a thorough clinical exam. Additional information, such as x-rays, may be needed for a proper diagnosis.

What will I learn from the initial examination?
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial exam:
(1) Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
(2) What must be done to correct the problem?
(3) Will any teeth need to be removed?
(4) How long will the treatment take to complete?
(5) How much will the treatment cost?

Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic results. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 20-34 months.

It is difficult to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, including monthly payment plans and a no down payment option. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.

How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6-10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 6-10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand that parents have busy schedules, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when he or she returns to the office, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping a child off.

Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all. We often remind our patients: “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?

Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.

Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic results possible.

Can I still play sports?
Yes, we recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular check-ups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you’re in braces.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, and sticky foods like caramels. You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?

What is Phase One (early) treatment?
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between ages 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 12-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.


Will my child need an expander?
At the completion of the initial exam, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

No! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, about 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is too old to wear braces.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will most just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Why should you choose an orthodontic specialist?
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide patients with professional, personalized treatments.