RESOURCES
Financing Your Treatment
Our goal is affordable orthodontic care, and we do all that we can to see that finances don’t stand between you and the treatment you or your child needs. From monthly payment plans to complete financing, you’ll find our team eager to arrange a plan that suits your budget. We offer no-interest, in-house financing, as well as discounts for payment in full and accounts paid in two equal payments.
As a courtesy to our patients, we will file your insurance claims with your insurance company. We instruct the insurance company to reimburse you directly for the portion of your fee covered by the insurance.
Emergency Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic emergencies are rare. However, we still provide all of our patients with an emergency contact number for those unexpected issues. Whether you call during office hours or after hours, you will get prompt attention to your needs and concerns.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The cost of orthodontic care is determined by the length of time in treatment and the difficulty associated with correcting the bite. We have several different payment options for orthodontic treatment that require little to no down payment. Any assistance with dental insurance will be provided to you at no additional cost.
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment can last anywhere from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame for a person in braces is approximately 18-24 months.
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic results. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
- Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
- What must be done to correct the problem?
- Will any teeth need to be removed?
- How long will the treatment take to complete?
- How much will the treatment cost?
Upon arriving, each patient will be asked for new patient forms and an insurance card. Dr. Schwab will then complete a thorough clinical exam. Additional procedures, such as X-rays or photographs, may be needed for proper diagnosis.
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate their orthodontic condition.
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, while others schedule an examination themselves.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
If something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time to accomodate you.
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
A large percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces! We offer clear options for adults looking for minimally-visible braces.
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth and optimizing replacement of the missing teeth.
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Web Resources
American Association of Orthodontics –
The American Association of Orthodontics is the national organization of dental specialists who limit their practice to orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Founded in 1900, the AAO is the oldest and largest dental specialty organization in the United States and Canada. The AAO is dedicated to advancing the art and science of orthodontics, improving the health of the public by promoting quality orthodontic care, and supporting the successful practice of orthodontics.
American Board of Orthodontics –
The American Board of Orthodontics is a certification program for orthodontists. The Board was founded in 1929 with the mission of establishing and maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence in orthodontics. Certification is a voluntary process and provides an extensive review of the orthodontist’s basic education, as well as an intensive assessment of the orthodontist’s clinical expertise. Upon certification the orthodontist earns the certificate of the Board and the title “Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.” It is the only board sponsored by the American Association of Orthodontics and the only certifying board recognized by the American Dental Association. There are only 2000 orthodontists in the world that are Diplomats.
American Dental Association –
The American Dental Association was founded in 1859 and is the largest and oldest national dental association in the world. The Association’s councils serve as policy recommending agencies. Each council is assigned to study issues relating to its special area of interest and to make recommendations on those matters to the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates. The Association is committed to accrediting dental, advanced dental and allied dental education programs in the United States.
OBI Bioesthetic Dentistry –
Bioesthetic Dentistry utilizes the qualities of the most healthy natural living human systems. This ideal biologic form results in beauty, function, comfort and longevity. Bioesthetic dentists have the knowledge and techniques to treat proactively toward a specific optimal health goal.
Roth-Williams International Society of Orthodontists –
The Roth Williams orthodontist has taken a special advanced course that teaches the Roth Williams Philosophy of orthodontics. Graduates of this course have been shown how to correct the bite as well as align the teeth for an attractive smile. Thus for the Roth Williams doctor, orthodontics is a health service
