2. Is there a best age for treatment to begin?
An early exam visit allows us to determine the best time. In some cases, early treatment achieves results that are not possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

3. Do all children need to be treated at an early age?
No. Many problems should wait until a child has reached their pubertal growth spurt, but each child is different. A rule of thumb is age 10 1/2 for girls and age 12 for boys when early treatment is not indicated.

4. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of care is usually based on the length of treatment. Early Treatment (age 6 to 8) may be very short. Full Treatment (ages 10 and over) will require 20 to 28 months. Fees are determined on a case to case basis dependent upon difficulty and length of treatment.

5. How do you pay for orthodontic treatment?
You may have insurance benefits to reduce your part of the fee. The fee is divided over the course of treatment into monthly payments after an appropriate initial payment. Orthodontists Fee Plan (OFP) can create a payment plan with no down payment and allow you to take up to 36 months to pay. You can call 800-637-3393 or click here to visit their web site to apply for credit.

6. How about "invisible" braces?
Invisalign© is a California company that makes a series of clear plastic trays worn at least 22 hours per day to straighten teeth. Each "aligner" is worn for 2 weeks and then replaced with a new one. We have a number of patients using this approach but it will not work for all problems. Severe problems still need braces but we can use "tooth colored" braces that are very esthetic and attractive. Our adult patients usually prefer Invisalign or "tooth colored" braces.

7. Are braces just for kids?
Absolutely not. A person can have treatment at any age if their mouth is healthy. Thirty percent of our patients are adults.

8. Why is treatment important?
Every parent wants their child to have a beautiful smile. Untreated malocclusions may contribute to conditions which cause tooth decay, diseased gums, bone destruction, loss of teeth and jaw joint problems.