Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to evaluate your orthodontic condition effectively.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age after the permanent molars erupt.

If you would like to know if you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail, or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

In most cases, the Damon System can unravel even severe crowding without permanent tooth extractions. The light force wires combined with the Damon System allow many more options. Tooth extractions in our office are based on profile while taking into consideration the long-term effects on your face as you age.

No. We are proud to offer the Damon System, which doesn't just align teeth but also helps to create lasting, functional smiles. We customize your treatment based on specific needs and desires. The Damon System is designed to provide results that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Treatment with the Damon System is typically 6-8 months faster than conventional braces. As an added bonus, far fewer appointments are required during treatment.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

We value our patients’ time and will make an honest effort to meet your scheduling needs. We, unfortunately, cannot schedule all appointments after-school hours. However, since we usually only need to see patients every 6 to 10 weeks, patients will miss minimal school due to their treatment.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule and are happy to help you make the most of your time. Occasionally, we may request to speak with a parent when they return.

No, the braces are glued straight to your teeth. There are no shots and no drilling. Some slight discomfort may be present the first 3-5 days after the braces are put on, but should subside fairly quickly. Tylenol or Advil may be used to minimize any discomfort.

Please call our office if you experience a problem with your braces so we can schedule an appointment. We have same-day emergency visits available, and our goal is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible while in our care.

Following treatment, all of our patients will undergo a one-year retention program. Retainers will be delivered at the end of treatment, final records are taken and reviewed, and occasional follow-up appointments are scheduled to ensure your beautiful smile will last a lifetime.

Forever! As long as you want straight teeth, you will need to wear your retainers. In most cases, retainers will only need to be worn at night after the first year.