Orthodontic FAQs

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t always mean starting treatment right away—early visits help us monitor jaw growth, tooth eruption, and spot any issues while they’re still easy to manage. Sometimes, a pediatric dentist may refer a child even earlier than age 7 if they notice something that needs evaluation, such as a crossbite, thumb-sucking habit, or delayed tooth eruption. We’re happy to assess younger children when needed. Some children benefit from early intervention, while others are simply placed on a watch-and-wait plan.

Yes! While many of our orthodontic patients are kids and teens, we also see adults of all ages looking to improve their smile or address bite issues. Whether it’s your first time or you’re revisiting orthodontics, we’ll create a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.

Absolutely. In fact, Invisalign is often our preferred treatment option—especially for teens and adults who want a more discreet alternative to braces. It’s comfortable, removable, and fits easily into busy routines. We’ll let you know if you or your child is a good candidate during your consultation.

Early treatment (Phase 1) usually starts between ages 7–10 and focuses on guiding jaw growth, creating space, or correcting harmful habits. Full treatment (Phase 2) happens later—usually in the teen years—when all permanent teeth are in. Not every child needs early treatment, but it can make full treatment faster and simpler if done at the right time.

It depends on the case, but most treatments last 12–24 months. Some early interventions may be shorter, while more complex corrections can take a little longer. We’ll give you a personalized timeline after your exam.

Yes—we believe orthodontic care should be accessible for every family. We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans and will help you make the most of any insurance or HSA/FSA benefits you have.

Not at our office! We charge the same price for Invisalign as we do for traditional braces, unlike many practices that charge extra for clear aligners. We believe you shouldn’t have to pay more for a treatment that fits your lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through all your options and give you a transparent breakdown—no surprises.

Some signs include: - Crowded or crooked teeth - Early or late loss of baby teeth - Missing adult teeth - Impacted teeth (teeth that haven’t come in properly) - Jaw shifting or clicking - Difficulty chewing - Thumb-sucking habits - Overbites, underbites, or crossbites - Airway concerns (mouth breathing, snoring, or narrow jaws) The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. Our orthodontist will assess your child’s bite, growth, and development—and help you decide what’s best

Once treatment is complete, we’ll fit you (or your child) with a custom retainer to maintain your results. Wearing the retainer regularly—usually at night—is key to keeping your smile straight. Check out our Retainers & Aftercare page to learn more.

Nope! You can call us directly to schedule a free consultation with our orthodontic team. We love working in partnership with local dentists, but a referral is not required to begin treatment with us.