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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


General

  • How much does treatment cost?

    We provide flexible in-house financing to provide premier orthodontic treatment. We will discuss treatment plans and associated costs after complimentary consultation. If treatment is necessary, one of our treatment coordinators will review insurance and financial options with you following your complementary consultation.


  • What treatment options do you have?

    At Ortho Unlimited, we offer the latest and greatest orthodontic treatment from Invisalign and braces to interceptive orthodontics for adults and children. We offer state-of-the-art technologies to help straighten your teeth utilizing the newest technologies, including self-ligating, esthetic braces, and Invisalign. We will customize a treatment plan just for you!

  • What does the free consultation include?

    The consultation includes diagnostic records to determine the best course of treatment. Our doctors will review these records and treatment plan with you at your appointment that day.

  • What is "interceptive" orthodontics?

    In the past, orthodontic treatment was typically delayed until a patient's permanent teeth had all grown in, resulting in the need for tooth extraction and the use of uncomfortable orthodontic appliances. Interceptive orthodontics, developed for patients aged 7-11, seeks to address orthodontic problems early on with techniques like arch expansion and orthopedic growth appliances. These interventions act as Phase 1 of a two-step treatment, with Phase 2 being simpler and less extensive thanks to the early intervention.

  • What does orthodontic treatment actually correct?

    Orthodontics aims to correct a bad bite, which can be caused by various factors, including genetics, development, and poor oral habits. Treatment not only improves appearance but also promotes oral health by facilitating easier cleaning and preventing tooth decay and periodontal disease. Orthodontic appliances such as braces and retainers slowly move teeth into the proper position through controlled pressure and tension on individual teeth, with adjustments made during follow-up visits. Treatment can take one to three years or longer, depending on the patient's age and the severity of the malocclusion. Retainers are recommended after braces to maintain the new position of the teeth.

  • What's the difference between primary and permanent teeth?

    PRIMARY TEETH

    There are 20 primary or baby teeth. Each child’s teeth erupt at a different age. Some come in sooner and some later, so parents should not be alarmed if their child’s teeth erupt at a different age or a different sequence than listed below.


    The first teeth to erupt are the lower central incisors which usually appear around six months of age. The last primary teeth to erupt are the second molars, which generally erupt at approximately 2 years of age.


    Usually, girls’ teeth erupt somewhat earlier than boys’ teeth and lower teeth tend to erupt earlier than the corresponding upper teeth.


    Primary teeth serve several purposes:


    • They are essential for nutritional intake and proper mastication (chewing)
    • They aid your child in speech development as teeth aid in forming correct sounds
    • They act as space maintainers for the permanent teeth which will not begin erupting until about the age of 6

    PERMANENT TEETH

    Including wisdom teeth, the adult mouth contains 32 teeth. Permanent teeth generally erupt following the same sequence as baby teeth. Commonly, if a child’s primary teeth erupted at an early age, his permanent teeth will do likewise. The converse also appears to be true.


    Permanent teeth begin their eruption pattern between the ages of 6 and 8.


    The permanent teeth, if well maintained and taken care of properly are meant to last a lifetime.

  • Does my child need a mouthguard?

    If your child participates in any recreational sport where there may be contact, we recommend having your child wear a form fitted mouthguard which may be fabricated at our office. Mouthguards help prevent injury to the teeth and may protect against head and neck injuries by cushioning blows that might otherwise cause concussions or lead to jaw fractures.


Braces

  • What kind of braces do you specialize in?

    We use both metal and ceramic braces depending on your preference.


    Metal Braces

    Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces used today.  Our doctors use a small self ligating bracket system which provides less friction while moving your teeth; this should provide a more comfortable treatment for you! They are smaller and more comfortable than ever before and constructed of high-grade space age metal alloys. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.


    Ceramic Braces

    Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used mainly on teenage and adult patients who have aesthetic concerns.  We use a cutting edge adhesive pre-coat ceramic bracket system which makes bracket placement faster and the process of getting braces easier for you!

  • How long do you have to wear braces for?

    The length of time you need to wear braces depends on the severity of your malocclusion and other factors such as age. Generally, the treatment duration can range from one to three years or longer.

  • How much do braces cost?

    The cost of braces can vary widely depending on the type of braces, the length of treatment, and your location. Traditional metal braces are usually the most affordable, while clear aligners can be more expensive. We offer payment plans and financing options to help make treatment more affordable.

  • What are some foods that are safe to eat with braces?

    When you have braces, it is important to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage the brackets or wires. Some safe foods to eat with braces include soft fruits like bananas and berries, cooked vegetables, tender meats like chicken or fish, and dairy products like yogurt and cheese. It is also important to cut foods into small, bite-sized pieces and to avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples or carrots. We can provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid and foods that are safe to eat with braces.

  • What if I have a "pokey" coil?

    Click here to watch a video on troubleshooting a pokey coil.

  • What if I have a loose bracket?

    Click here for a video on how to safely remove a loose bracket.

  • What if I have a "pokey" wire?

    Click here to find out how to fix a pokey wire.


Invisalign

  • How does Invisalign work to straighten teeth?

    Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your teeth, and you wear them for 20-22 hours a day, switching to a new set every week.

  • What are the benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces?

    Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so they are a more discreet option than traditional metal braces. They are also removable, which means you can eat and drink whatever you want during treatment. Additionally, because there are no brackets or wires, there are no uncomfortable adjustments or emergency visits for broken wires or brackets.

  • How long does Invisalign treatment take?

    The length of Invisalign treatment can vary depending on the complexity of your case, but most treatments take between 12 and 18 months. We can provide you with a more specific timeline during your consultation.

  • Are there any restrictions on what you can eat or drink with Invisalign?

    One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is that there are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink. Because the aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you want as long as you brush your teeth before putting the aligners back in.

  • How do you take care of Invisalign aligners?

    To keep your Invisalign aligners clean and free from bacteria, it is important to brush them every time you brush your teeth. You should also avoid drinking anything other than water while wearing the aligners to prevent staining. Additionally, you should keep your aligners in their case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.

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