Common Questions About Orthodontic Treatments

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

Ideally, your child should come in for an orthodontic screening at around age 7 or 8. At that age, your child still has many baby teeth. But we can check your child’s mouth to make sure the jaw is growing properly and that there’s plenty of room for your child’s permanent teeth to grow in. If we spot a potential problem, we can take early steps to prevent it from developing, which can save time, money and anguish later.

If there are no issues, whew! An early orthodontist visit can provide valuable peace of mind.

Am I Too Old to Get My Teeth Straightened?

You’re never too old to get your teeth straightened — or look and feel your best! We have patients in their 80s who are getting braces for the first time. As we get older, the health of the gums and jaw become an important factor in whether braces are appropriate. Before getting braces or Invisalign, we want to make sure your gums and jaw are healthy, without any signs of inflammation (infection).

Do I Need a Referral?

You don’t need a referral. Just call or text us at 908-859-4555 to make an appointment at your earliest convenience.

Do Braces Hurt?

In the beginning, there may be some discomfort with traditional metal braces. In general, though, braces don’t hurt when they’re applied to your teeth. You may feel some pressure as your teeth realign. We’ll talk to you about how to keep the discomfort to a minimum.

Are There Alternatives to Metal Braces?

Ceramic Braces are a good alternative to metal braces. They’re similar to metal braces. But instead of metal brackets, they use clear brackets on the front of the teeth. They can be a good, discreet orthodontic choice if you’re not a candidate for Invisalign.

Invisalign is perhaps the most popular alternative to metal braces. You’ll wear a series of plastic aligners for up to 22 hours per day, to discreetly straighten your teeth.

When Can I Get My Braces Off?

The average length of orthodontic treatment is 22 months, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

How Often Do I Need to Come in for Appointments When I Have Braces?

It depends. The type of orthodontic treatment you choose will dictate your appointment schedule. Traditional metal braces typically require adjustments every four to eight weeks. With other orthodontic options, you may need to only come in every 10 weeks for updates or wire changes. But we can map out a plan so you’ll know exactly what you need to do.

Can Anyone Wear Invisalign?

Generally, it’s appropriate for orthodontic issues that aren’t too complex. There have been many advances with Invisalign, allowing it to treat a myriad of malocclusions. We will help you determine if it is a good treatment option for your individual case. With Invisalign, you’ll need to be able to keep the aligners in for 22 hours daily.

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The expense can vary widely, according to the amount of orthodontic work needed and whether you choose traditional metal braces or Invisalign. After we determine your orthodontic needs, we will map out a plan so you’ll know exactly how much everything will cost. There will be no surprises or hidden costs.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

You don’t need dental insurance for orthodontic treatment. But if you have orthodontic coverage, your insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Orthodontics is covered by many dental insurance plans, but not typically 100%. Some insurance plans cover orthodontics only if you’re under 21, so be sure to check your policy. You can also use a flexible spending account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars toward treatment.

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