Our Patients Are Grinning from the Beginning.

Initial Consultation for Phase 1 Treatment  (Pre- Braces)

This free consultation is simply to evaluate the alignment of your child’s teeth and jaws, sometimes using an x-ray to get a better idea. We take a playful approach for our youngest patients, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable, and don’t have any worries about their future smile. And we want to address your concerns, too, making sure you feel confident in the process.

If any early treatment is needed that would make having braces easier, we’ll talk about it with you, and perhaps make an appropriate follow-up appointment.

Initial Consultation for Phase 2 Treatment (Braces)

At the free consultation we evaluate dental alignment and sometimes take an x-ray to get the whole picture. This helps us determine what types of braces will work best; if extractions are needed; the length of treatment; and a cost estimate, including insurance and financing options.

If it’s time to put on braces, we’ll schedule an appointment to take impressions and more x-rays so we can work from the most accurate information possible when creating your treatment plan. Once the plan is ready we can give you the exact cost of your treatment, and then get started on your new smile!

Treatment

At your first treatment appointment, we’ll put on your braces. Once they’re on, you’ll notice a few things. They feel a bit strange and are somewhat uncomfortable while your lips get used to them. This doesn’t last very long, but we do have products and suggestions to help if it continues to be a problem.

Proper dental care with orthodontics takes only a little extra effort, but it will be well worth it. Brushing often can speed up your treatment time and will prevent plaque from making marks on your teeth. All the brackets and wires in your mouth create places for plaque to hide. Plaque is sticky and made up of food and bacteria. When plaque attaches your braces and teeth, it causes cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, and can even permanently stain your teeth around where your brackets used to be.

The average time between regular appointments is between 4 to 6 weeks. After some appointments your teeth will be sensitive for a few days, but many times you’ll have no discomfort at all! If your teeth bother you, take a mild pain reliever and be sure to eat soft foods.

Once your braces are off there is still one more important step. We will make another cast of your perfectly straight teeth and create a retainer. You’ll wear this to make sure your teeth don’t try to move back to where they were.

The Best way to Pay

Insurance
Many dental insurance plans cover both traditional braces and Invisalign. Coverage varies but plans may offer a lifetime coverage. We’ll discuss how our treatment plans fit with your coverage during the initial consultation.

FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
Did you know you can apply your Flexible Spending Account towards braces and Invisalign treatment? Each year, you can set aside funds (before taxes!) through your FSA, and use those funds to help cover the cost of orthodontic treatment. Then you can apply for FSA reimbursement.

Additional Coverage / Financing / Payment Plans
In addition to cash and major credit cards, we offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans. If your insurance doesn’t cover all of your treatment fees or if cost is a concern for you, we can talk about it during your initial consultation. We are flexible and happy to accommodate our patients’ needs.