Your first visit is all about making you feel comfortable and confident. Our doctors and team will walk you through everything and answer your questions along the way. Here’s what happens during your initial examination:
- Orthodontic Exam: One of our doctors will review your records and dental history, then perform a thorough exam of your smile.
- X-Rays and Records: We’ll take a closer look at your teeth and bite, including any photos, X-rays, or intraoral scans that your orthodontist recommends.
- Treatment Planning: After records are taken, we will schedule a consultation appointment where the doctor will go over the results and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.
- Next Steps: Our treatment coordinator will review financial options and help schedule your next appointment.
Every smile is unique, so the cost of treatment depends on your specific plan. We’re committed to keeping care affordable because everyone deserves a smile they love.
We make treatment easier to manage with:
- We’ll work with your insurance providers in order to maximize the benefits of your orthodontic coverage if applicable — we’ll even take care of the paperwork
- Flexible payment options including cash, check, credit card, and HSA/FSA.
- In-house financing with 0% interest and low down payments
Our team will help you find the option that works best for you. Have questions? Get in touch—we’re happy to walk you through it.
Please contact our office as soon as possible in case of an emergency. We will be more than happy to accommodate you with an emergency appointment that day or at your earliest convenience. If the emergency occurs after office hours or on a weekend, our answering service will instruct you on how to proceed with contacting one of our team members.
Common Emergencies:
- A Wire, Bracket Or Band Breaks – Unwanted tooth movement can occur, which increases treatment time.
- Poking Wires Or Irritations – From time to time your oral cavity may become irritated due to your appliances.
- Extreme Pain – Intense pain is not normal and should be addressed immediately.
As always, we’re here to help if you have any questions along the way! Please don’t hesitate to give our team a call with any questions or concerns.
During Treatment:
Having braces should not cause any major changes in your day-to-day activities. You can still dine out, play instruments & have fun pictures taken. With proper care and maintenance, you can promote your oral health while on your way to a more beautiful smile.
If you play a wind instrument, several companies make mouth guards and lip protectors, although you may not need them. For contact sports, we always recommend wearing a mouthguard. Ask us about recommendations based on your specific needs when you come in for your next appointment.
Eating With Braces
Try to avoid foods that are particularly hard, chewy, crunchy, or sticky. These types of foods can loosen, bend or even break your brackets or appliances, which can slow down treatment time.
Examples of foods to avoid:
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips, Pretzels
- Hard Candies
- Chewing Gum
- Nuts
- Granola Bars
- Raw Veggies
- Whole Fruits such as Apples & Pears
- Hard Taco Shells
Try to choose softer foods, and cut your foods into smaller pieces before eating rather than trying to bite through them. Chop whole fruits such as apples and pears into bite-sized pieces before eating, and please avoid chewing on gum and ice.
After eating, always check your braces for any loose or broken appliances. If you find any problems, please give our office a call so that we can make any needed adjustments.
Brushing
Carefully follow all instructions you are given regarding dental care. Specific steps may vary depending on the type of braces you have. Be sure to brush thoroughly after any meal or snack. It is important to keep your teeth and braces as clean as possible to avoid potential problems. Also, rinse with water or mouthwash after brushing. It’s a good idea to carry a travel toothbrush when you will be away from home. Before going to bed, be sure to brush thoroughly and floss carefully. It may take a little extra time, but this is an important step in maintaining oral hygiene on your way to a better smile and healthier teeth.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothbrushes will wear out faster and need to be replaced more often when wearing braces, so be sure to keep some spare toothbrushes on hand. When brushing you should also brush your tongue and rinse thoroughly when done.
Flossing
Flossing is an important part of good oral hygiene. With braces it may take a little more time and practice, and a floss threader may be necessary to get the floss under the archwire. Make sure you clean along and under the gum lines with floss each night before going to bed. After you have properly brushed and flossed, your braces should look clean and shiny, making it easy to see the edge of the braces.
Please wear your appliance at all times, even when sleeping, or as instructed by your doctor. Doing so can help you reduce treatment time and will also ensure the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
Be sure to bring your appliance to every orthodontic appointment.
Clean your removable appliance both morning and night to remove dental plaque. You can clean the appliance with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Please place your appliance in the case when not being worn.
If you have pets, do not place the appliance anywhere they can reach it. Pets are attracted to saliva and will enjoy chewing on your appliance!
Please do not place your appliance on a napkin or tissue, it may be accidentally thrown away! You may remove your appliance while participating in physical activities, but be sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth, gums and lips.