Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics can boost a person's self-image as the teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits. Alleviating or preventing physical health problems is just as important.

Without treatment, orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bone destruction and chewing and digestive difficulties. A "bad bite" can contribute to speech impairments, tooth loss, chipped teeth and other dental injuries.

Our practice provides orthodontic treatment for adults, adolescents and children. We follow the guidelines set forth by the CAO and AAO recommending that an orthodontic evaluation should take place at the age of 7 for all children. By treating small problems as children are developing, we can guide their permanent teeth into better position, and thereby help promote healthier jaw development.

Early interceptive treatment is quite often more gentle and easier on the patient than waiting until the child is an adolescent or adult. By extracting a tooth to make room for a permanent tooth, or by using specially designed appliances to guide the eruption of a new tooth, we can often reduce or eliminate the need for further treatment later on.

An average orthodontic case is 24 to 30 months, depending on the severity of the problems.

Insurance companies vary in their coverage, depending on your policy. Our office will provide you with a pre-authorization after your consultation appointment. This will allow the insurance company to determine the amount of coverage you are entitled to under your policy.

No- Your child should have their first orthodontic exam at age 7. By providing early interceptive treatment we can often reduce or eliminate the need for further treatment later on.

The costs of orthodontic treatment will vary, depending on the severity of the problem. We offer payment plans that divides the fee into an initial down payment with the balance distributed over the length of the active treatment time. In addition, a discount is provided for treatment fees paid in full.

Your orthodontic treatment fee will be clearly explained at your consultation appointment. We will review payment options, and policies as well as provide you with a pre-authorization for your insurance company. Our business staff will help you determine your insurance coverage, and will assist you with your claim forms so that you can receive the amount of orthodontic coverage you are entitled to under your policy. We encourage any and all questions you may have regarding your insurance benefits.