faq

Do you charge for an initial visit?

No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation. Schedule your initial consultation.

What do I need to bring to my first visit?

We're excited to meet you and kick off your journey to an amazing smile. Here’s what to bring:

Any dental records or X-rays from your general dentist if you’ve got them.
Jot down any questions or concerns so we can cover them during your visit.
Don’t forget your insurance info so we can check out your coverage and benefits.

More on your first visit here.

Where can I find New Patient Forms?

Check out our Patient Forms page for our form and questionnaire.

At what age do you start seeing patients?

As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for the first time by age 7. Learn more here.

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed and an observation schedule is arranged until the patient is ready to begin treatment. Learn more here.

How long will the first visit take?

The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We may just do a visual exam and explain the situation or we may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics including impressions of the teeth with photographs to document the current position. More on your first visit here.

Do you take patients transferring from out of town?

Yes we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.

Do you have any adult patients?

Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient. Learn more here.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

An orthodontist is a general dentist that has had at least 2 more years of full-time training in orthodontics resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.

Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?

In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patient appointments, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs.

Do you see patients for emergencies?

Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our emergency care page for more information.

Can we make payments?

Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan. More on finances and insurance here.

How do you handle insurance?

After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee. More on finances and insurance here.

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The cost of Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your case and treatment length. We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance. Before you begin treatment, we’ll make sure that you know exactly what to expect and set up a payment plan that fits your budget. More on Invisalign here.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces can vary depending on the complexity of your treatment and its duration. We offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance. Before you begin treatment, we’ll make sure that you know exactly what to expect and set up a payment plan that fits your budget.

Do you take American Express, Master Card and/or Visa?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards. More on finances and insurance here.

Do you have direct debit?

Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as payments over the internet. More on finances and insurance here.

Do you charge interest?

No we do not.

Do you give family discounts?

We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.

Do retainers need to be worn after braces?

All patients receive a set of retainers to be worn as prescribed by the doctor at the end of their treatment. As we say, nothing in the body stays the same, and nightly retainer wear is important to ensure your smile stays straight. More on retainers here.

Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?

Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over lifetime.