FAQ's
These are our patients’ most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, contact us and our staff will be happy to assist you.
What age should I take my child to see an orthodontist?
We recommend that you bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around seven years of age. This is the age where your child should already have permanent molars and incisors. It is the position of these teeth that determines if your child will need orthodontic treatment.
What is Phase I Treatment?
If your child has both permanent and baby teeth and early orthodontic intervention is required, this type of treatment would be considered to be ‘Phase I’. These treatments typically last from 12 to 18 months and are performed to correct or modify a malocclusion, which would be far more difficult to treat at a later date. We find that only about 20% of patients require early treatment alone, which means that 80% will require some form of orthodontic intervention once all of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted. The second phase of treatment typically lasts for another 12 to 18 months.
Will I need to wear a retainer after braces?
Absolutely. When your braces come off, you will be provided with retainers for both your top and bottom teeth. The retainer will be used to hold your teeth in the corrected position until the bone around your teeth settles permanently. For best results, we recommend wearing your retainer part time for at least two years. Following that, you should still use them to check your bite every so often to ensure the corrections have held.
Can I get braces as an adult?
Yes. In fact, 40% of our patients consist of adults who wear braces. It’s a myth that braces are only for children. You are never too old to have your teeth corrected with braces.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept most insurance plans and credit cards. We also offer payment plans. Our goal is to make quality dental care convenient and affordable for each of the families who join ours.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can walk-in to one of our six Florida locations or you can call . Our staff is standing by to talk to you. You can also fill out our online appointment form. Once you hit submit, someone will contact you shortly about scheduling your first appointment.
What will happen during my initial examination appointment?
We offer a complimentary consultation that includes a meeting with your doctor and staff, education about orthodontics and a chance to ask questions and alleviate any concerns. Your doctor will then provide you with a thorough initial exam that includes a review of your dental history, x-rays to determine if treatment is needed, as well as various treatment options that are customized just for you. If treatment is required, we will help you schedule your first appointment to start you on the path to a healthy, straight and beautiful smile.
How often will I have appointments?
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, we will typically schedule your appointments a week or two apart. But once the appliances have been placed, the wires will do the work for us, which means that we’ll only need to see you about once every 10 to 12 weeks.
Will I be seen on time for each appointment?
We do our best to see every patient on time for every scheduled appointment. While we can’t be on-time every time, we do everything we can to see you without delay. If you arrive late to your appointment, we may have to ask you to reschedule. We know your time is valuable and we do everything we can to keep to the allotted appointment times.
Can I schedule an appointment after 3PM?
We must be honest with you and state that, during the course of treatment, it will be necessary for each patient to schedule some mid-day appointments. We usually try to schedule our longer, more complicated procedures during these times. Still, we will always do our best to schedule your appointments before or after work/school whenever possible.
What if I can’t keep my appointment?
The Dental Specialists requires that you give 24 hours’ notice prior to changing or cancelling your appointment. Please call us at (800) 76-SMILE to speak to our professional staff or to leave a message on our 24-hour voicemail if you are unable to keep your appointment. There will be a charge of $25 for any missed appointments without prior notification.
What if something comes loose or gets broken?
Call us immediately and don’t just wait for your next scheduled appointment. Repairing damaged or broken appliances may require more time than your next scheduled appointment will allow for. We are only a phone call away. Your comfort is extremely important to us, and we want you to know that we’re always here whenever you need us.
Will I need to continue to have my teeth cleaned during orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is very important during orthodontic treatment due to the fact that food and plaque can be easily trapped around the braces. In fact, we recommend even more frequent visits to your dentist while you’re wearing braces. On the day you’re scheduled to come in for a cleaning, it will be necessary to have your arch wires removed so that your hygienist can clean your teeth more thoroughly. Following this appointment, you will need to come in the next day to have the wires replaced.
How much do braces cost?
It’s impossible to provide you with an exact cost until we have thoroughly examined your smile. During your complimentary examination, we will discuss treatment options, your insurance policy and benefits, as well as answer any questions related to financing options that are sure to suit your needs.Girl Braces
What do your fees include?
Our fees include diagnostic records, which can include photos, panoramic x-rays and study models, the braces and two retainers (one for the top and one for the bottom). Our fees also include follow-up treatment for twelve-months. If we decide to use a new or different appliance, or if treatment time runs longer than we allotted for, there will be no additional charge. In some rare cases we may add charges for excess breakage of appliances, excess missed appointments or for appointments that were cancelled without prior 24 hours’ notice.
My teeth have been crooked for years. Why should I seek out orthodontic treatment now?
It is never too late to straighten your teeth. A healthy, straight and beautiful smile can improve your oral function and self-esteem. Schedule a complimentary consultation today to get the process started.
