Frequently Asked Questions
Is a referral from my family dentist required to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic consultation?
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
What will I learn form the initial consultation?
- Is there an orthodontic concern, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
Will I need to have permanent teeth extracted for braces?
How long will my treatment take to complete?
Do braces hurt?
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
How often will I have appointments?
Do I continue to see my family dentist while in braces?
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
It takes many years to become an orthodontist and the educational requirements are demanding. An orthodontist must complete college requirements before starting a four year graduate program at a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). After dental school, at least two or three academic years of advanced specialty education in an ADA-accredited orthodontic program are required to be an orthodontist. The program includes advanced education in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences. The orthodontic student learns the complex skills required to manage tooth movement (orthodontics) and guide facial development (dentofacial orthopedics).
Only dentists who have successfully completed these advanced specialty education programs may call themselves orthodontists.