Over the years, we have accumulated a number of common questions about braces, how we approach treatment, early age orthodontic treatment, adult orthodontics, Invisalign treatments and products. If you don't see your question answered here, please feel free to contact our office or ask any one of us during your next visit!

How Do I Get Started?

The first step toward a lifetime of beautiful smiles is to CONTACT US to set up your FREE initial exam. Before you arrive, please complete a Health History form. This information will allow us to make the most appropriate recommendations and help us better serve you throughout the course of your treatment.

What will happen at my first appointment?

In our office we understand that each person's needs and expectations about orthodontics is different. That's why we take great care to give you the individualized treatment you deserve.

When you arrive for your first visit you will be greeted by one of our Treatment Coordinators. She will give you a tour of our office, review your health history and visit with you about your chief concerns about your smile. She will also take digital photos and a digital panoramic X-ray. Dr. Robinson will then conduct a thorough examination to determine the basic nature of your problem.

If treatment is recommended, we will be glad to:

• Discuss your individual needs
• Explain your treatment options
• Provide you with a written treatment plan and treatment timeline estimate
• Inform you of the available fee and payment options and help you with your insurance
• Answer any other questions you may have

We look forward to helping you get a beautiful smile!

What Payment Options Are Available?

The smile of your life is more affordable than you might think. Although fees vary according to the complexity and time involved in each individual case, a personalized payment plan can be arranged with no interest or carrying charge. When you have your initial complimentary consultation, our Treatment Coordinators will discuss and assist you with the options listed below. They will work with you to select the option works best with your monthly budget.

• If full payment is made at the onset of treatment, we will offer a discount. If you have insurance, we will offer a discount for full payment of your portion of the fee that will not be covered by insurance.
• We will work with you to establish a customized payment schedule that extends over the course of your treatment.
• For your convenience, we accept payment by Visa, MasterCard and Discover card.
• Third-party financing options also are available

What Needs To Be Done If I Have Insurance?

If you have insurance, our office will accept assignment of benefits from your insurance company directly, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses. Prior to your first appointment, we will be happy to call your insurance company to verify the coverage you have available. We will assist you by filing your claims and any necessary paperwork, and handling insurance questions on your behalf.

Records Visit

On your second visit, we will perform a variety of diagnostic studies to help determine the best course of treatment. Your "records visit" typically includes a panoramic radiograph, a cephalometric radiograph, facial and dental photographs, and impressions that are used to fabricate plaster study models. Dr. R uses these records to create your customized treatment plan and to track progress as your teeth move during the course of treatment.

Regular Appointments

The appointment during which you get your appliances usually takes one to two hours. Once you're wearing braces, you'll see us at regular intervals every four to 12 weeks for adjustments; these regular appointments usually take about 40 minutes. At each regular visit, you'll receive a "grade" for oral hygiene and elastic wear so you can keep track of your progress. Dr. R and his staff will carefully explain everything. If you have questions, be sure to ask!

It is essential that you come in at regular appointed times to insure that your treatment progresses as planned. We have made a sincere effort to arrange our appointment schedule in a way that enables us to serve all of our patients fairly and minimizes time away from school. We set aside blocks of time each day for certain types of procedures. Longer appointments and emergencies are scheduled during school hours. After-school times are reserved for progress checks and appliance checks, so we can accommodate many patients for these short appointments. We'll happily provide students with a written excuse for absence from school when necessary.

Canceling Appointments

If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. This courtesy on your part makes it possible for us to give your appointment time to another patient. Since appointments are made four to 12 weeks in advance, it is difficult to reschedule and keep your treatment progressing as we would like. So please cancel appointments only in emergencies!

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics (also referred to as dentofacial orthopedics) is a specialized form of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial abnormalities.

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has received two to three years of additional training and experience. Your orthodontist is able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structure, and improve the function of your smile.

What's the best age to visit the orthodontist?

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you're considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

How can I take care of my teeth if I'm wearing braces or a retainer?

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.
• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities!
• If you take out your retainer to eat, brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.
• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.
• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar (sugar increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities).
• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes) or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc).
• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

What are braces?

Braces are used by your orthodontist to help you improve the look and feel of your smile. There are several different types of braces to choose from, including:

• Clear braces
• Ceramic braces
• Gold braces
• Lingual braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Invisible braces
• Traditional metal braces

If I get braces, how long do I have to wear them?

The amount of time spent in braces varies depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months; however, most standard treatments take about 22 months.

Do braces hurt?

Braces do not often hurt; however, you may feel a small amount of discomfort for a couple days as your teeth, gums, cheeks, and mouth gets used to your new braces.

Do I need to brush my teeth more often if I have braces?

With braces, you should brush your teeth at least three times a day to keep your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy and clean. Brushing regularly will help remove any food that may be caught between the braces. You should also floss daily to get in between your braces where your brush isn't able to reach. Your orthodontist can show you how to properly brush and floss once your braces are placed.

If I have braces, do I still need dental checkups every six months?

Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Will my braces interfere with my school activities like sports, playing and instrument, or singing?

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

How do I schedule my next appointment?

Simply call our practice! Our front desk staff will be happy to help schedule your next appointment at your convenience. If you are a new patient or have been referred to our practice, please let us know and we will provide you with all of the information you need.