Orthodontics
Orthodontics provides excellent, comprehensive orthodontic treatment for all ages.
We offer traditional braces as well as more invisible options such as Invisalign. Our orthodontic faculty members are leaders in their profession. These respected clinicians and educators work along with you and your orthodontic resident to provide the best care. If needed, for your convenience, we can also add other interdisciplinary team members from right here in our building to address issues such as periodontal disease or the need for extractions or implants. Our staff are happy to answer your questions. Free screening evaluations and payment plans are available so call today to learn more!
Fees
Typical fees for full orthodontic treatment at the clinic starts at $3,973* for children, adolescents and adults (the $518 records fee is additional). Please be aware that orthodontic insurance benefits are paid through multiple payments and you must be insured the entire length of treatment. These costs do not include the cost for extractions, periodontal surgery, orthognathic surgery or other adjunctive dental procedures requested by the orthodontists. For more details on payment options, please visit the Methods of Payment page.
Becoming a Patient
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Your first visit is a free screening evaluation. We will determine if you could benefit from braces and answer any questions you have about treatments, costs and payment options. Each patient who is accepted for treatment is then assigned to an orthodontic resident and a faculty supervisor. Our orthodontic residents are dentists who are training to become specialists in the field of orthodontics.
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Your second visit allows us to create your diagnostic records. We will perform an exam, take photos and x-rays, and then make molds of your teeth. All of these records are used to plan your treatment.
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Your third visit is a consultation, where we discuss your treatment options. If spacers are needed between your teeth, they will be placed during this visit.
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Your fourth visit begins your orthodontic treatment with the placement of your braces. Regular adjustments are then scheduled every four to six weeks. Once your braces are removed, we will determine the type of retainer you will need and will continue to monitor your teeth for two years. Your first retainer and all future retention check appointments are included in the cost of your braces.
Please remember a parent or legal guardian must accompany patients under 18 years old to each visit, unless we have a form on file transferring healthcare decisions to another adult, such as a grandparent or older sibling. Ask our staff members for more information.
We want you to get the very best results from your orthodontic treatments, so it is very important that you keep your appointments. If you must miss an appointment, please call to reschedule at least 24 hours in advance. A missed appointment without notice is considered a broken appointment. Too many such incidents can result in the braces being removed and the client being dismissed from the practice.
Visit our Health and Safety page to learn how we keep our dental clinics safe for you, our providers, and staff
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question When should my child first be seen by an orthodontist?
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Answer
The answer to this question should be: as soon as the child, parent or general dentist show any concern regarding the esthetics and function of the teeth or growth and development of the child. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child be first evaluated by an Orthodontist by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to monitor dental development and skeletal growth. Proper eruption sequence, space analysis, profile and smile characteristics are noted. Most often no treatment is indicated. It is comforting to know that everything is OK.
- Question Can I wear clear braces?
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Answer
Yes! The ceramic braces available today are fantastic. There is no discoloration of the braces and the transparent nature of the appliance allows your natural tooth shade to show through. Tin grin and metal mouth are out! Although normally an issue for adult patients, the enhanced esthetics of the ceramic braces can be enjoyed by children as well. In addition, we also offer Invisalign. You can learn more at invisalign.com.
- Question Can't I just get a retainer?
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Answer
Retainers do just that - they retain! Specialized retainers may be partially effective for some minor tooth movements. A small space can be closed or a slight overlapping tooth may be repositioned. Removable appliances are typically less effective since they are removable!! There is no action if 100% wear is not followed. Let us take a look. If there is a chance a retainer could work for you it will be noted and discussed.
- Question Can I wear colors on my braces?
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Answer
Sure! The colors you may have seen are actually a small rubber ring that goes around the brace to hold the wire to the bracket. These rings are a necessary component of the brace system. They are changed at each visit and therefore new colors can be chosen each time! Match the holiday, your favorite sports team or just make a fashion statement!
- Question How important is it to clean my teeth when I have my braces?
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Answer
In fixed orthodontic appliance treatment the brackets are more difficult to clean. It is therefore very important to care for your braces by careful brushing and eating a sensible diet. We offer a greatly reduced price on a professional electronic tooth brush designed to meet your orthodontic needs.
- Question When is it too late to wear braces? Am I too old?
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Answer
It is truly never too late. If you've still got teeth, we can straighten them! Certainly there are age-related changes that affect the way treatment proceeds. Restorative needs, periodontal concerns and others necessitate a full diagnosis and discussion of your needs. Don't wait! Enjoy the benefits of a healthy, pleasing smile for the rest of your life!
- Question What foods should I avoid during treatment?
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Answer
In order for us to help you achieve your goal of a better smile faster, we need your help and cooperation in avoiding types of foods that could loosen or break your appliances or braces. Anything sticky, chewy, gooey, or hard, please stay away from! Examples of these foods are:
- Bubble gum
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Hard nuts
- Chewing on ice, pens, pencils, or anything hard!
- Question How do I let my resident know I am here?
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Answer
After signing in at the Orthodontic front desk, the information associate will let them know you have arrived. If you have waited more than 10 minutes, please return to the desk so we can assist you.
Fees are effective 4/1/2022 and are subject to change