An Orthodontic Experience –
worth smiling about!
Policies and FAQ’s
Policies
It is our mission to provide you with affordable, high-quality treatment that fits your budget! We offer a variety of payment options to meet your needs.
Appointments:
We strive hard to run on time so that you can be seen on time. It is a courtesy to the rest of our family of patients for you to arrive promptly for appointments so that we can stay on schedule. We use a phone reminder system to call our patients the night before their scheduled appointment. Please provide us with your current e-mail address to receive appointment reminders through e-mail as well.
Fees:
In an effort to keep orthodontic fees down while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:
Full payment at the onset of treatment: 10% discount
Financial:
For many families the cost of orthodontic treatment is a concern. During the consultation, the patient and/or parent will be given specific information regarding the proposed treatment plan and accompanying fees. The cost of treatment will depend on several factors including the difficulty of case. Most locations offer a variety of payment plan options including low monthly payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. 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. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, 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 they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
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?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
What kind of braces are available?
In the past, there was only one type of braces available, and it wasn’t designed for looks. Modern technology gives you choices for braces, including traditional stainless steel braces and clear ceramic braces. In addition, many offices now offer invisalign which are particularly popular among adult patients.
Why are retainers so important?
Retainers help keep your teeth straight at the completion of treatment. If they are not worn as instructed, your teeth will move, or tend to relapse. Retainers are particularly important right after the braces are removed while the teeth stabilize.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. Mouth guards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in a variety of colours and patterns.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are 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, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). 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?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
What is an emergency appointment & how are those handled?ces?
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.