Patient information

Why braces?

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you will feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.

How orthodontic treatment works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, clear, or plastic. They may be removable aligners or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.

This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear, metallic color, or invisible (behind your teeth). You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Duration of treatment

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the time may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or facebow is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.

Orthodontics for children

It is best for the orthodontist to see children by age 7 to advise if orthodontic treatment is required. The first permanent molars and incisors have usually come in by that time, and crossbites, crowding, and other problems can be evaluated. When treatment is begun early, the orthodontist can guide the growth of the jaw and guide incoming permanent teeth.

Early treatment can also regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches, gain space for permanent teeth, avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions, reduce the likelihood of impacted permanent teeth, correct thumb-sucking, and eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems. In other words, early treatment can simplify later treatment. If no treatment is recommended at this age, an observation program is initiated to follow your child's growth and development until orthodontic treatment is needed.

Orthodontics for adults

Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in braces is over 21. Jaw surgery is more often required for adult orthodontic patients because their jaws are not growing. Adults also may have experienced some breakdown or loss of their teeth and the bone that supports the teeth, and may require periodontal treatment before, during, and/or after orthodontic treatment. Bone loss can also limit the amount and direction of tooth movement that is advisable. See adult treatment options.

Regular appointments

When you begin orthodontic treatment, your first appointment to get your appliances (braces, expanders, etc.) usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You will then see us at regular intervals of 4 to 10 weeks for adjustments, which normally take 30 to 60 minutes. Our regular office hours are Monday – Thursday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.

Payment and office policies

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on the type of issues the patient has, as well as the length of time needed to complete treatment. Our treatment coordinator will discuss fees and payment options at the new patient exam. We have interest-free monthly payment plans to suit different budgets and offer discounts for additional family members who become patients. We are considered out-of-network with all insurance companies, but we will accept assignment from most insurance plans. As a courtesy to you, the patient, we will file the necessary papers to the insurance company.

Life with braces

Now that you have your braces, how do you take care of them? Eating, brushing, soreness, loose wires, sports: we cover it all on the Life With Braces page, and Emergency Care explains what to do if something breaks.