Once braces come off, most patients transition into the retention phase with periodic checkups roughly every few months for the first year, gradually spacing out to once or twice a year as your bite and retainer wear stabilize. The retention phase isn’t a formality — the bone and gum tissue
A snaggletooth or rotated tooth — a tooth that sits at an angle, sticks out, or is twisted relative to the teeth around it — is typically corrected with braces, clear aligners, or a combination of both, depending on how far the tooth needs to move and what’s happening with
Most orthodontic adjustment appointments take between 15 and 30 minutes, considerably shorter than most patients expect. The visit is quick because the diagnostic work happened earlier, at your initial consultation and records appointment — a routine adjustment is mainly about checking progress, making planned changes to your wires or aligners,
Getting a second opinion before starting orthodontic treatment is a normal, welcomed step — not something that puts an orthodontist off or implies distrust. Reputable orthodontic offices, including ours, generally view a second opinion as a reasonable part of a decision that involves both a meaningful financial commitment and a
Yes, more complex orthodontic cases can cost more than straightforward ones, but complexity isn’t just about how crooked your teeth look — it’s driven by factors like how long treatment is expected to take, whether the case involves a skeletal bite issue, how many appliances or phases are needed, and
Most orthodontic treatment is paid for through a monthly payment plan rather than one lump sum, and payment plans for braces or Invisalign are typically arranged directly through the orthodontic office rather than a separate lender. A plan usually spreads the total cost over the length of treatment, sometimes with
Yes, HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) funds can typically be used to pay for braces and Invisalign, since orthodontic treatment is generally classified as an eligible medical expense by the IRS. Coverage specifics can vary by plan, so it’s worth confirming details with your plan administrator,
Yes, it’s normal for teeth to feel loose or slightly mobile during orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners work by applying gentle, sustained pressure that causes the bone around a tooth’s root to remodel, temporarily loosening the tooth just enough to let it move into a new position. That looseness
Canker sores and cheek or lip irritation from braces are usually caused by brackets and wires rubbing against the soft tissue inside your mouth, especially in the first week or two after braces go on or after an adjustment. Rinsing with warm salt water, applying orthodontic wax over the spot
