Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ’s

  • An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. After dental school, orthodontists complete several additional years of training dedicated to understanding how teeth move and how the jaws grow. They use braces, clear aligners, expanders, and other appliances to create healthy, functional bites and confident smiles.

  • The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early checkups don’t always lead to treatment right away, but they help us monitor growth, catch concerns early, and guide the best timing for care.

  • Braces may be recommended if the teeth or bite aren’t lining up properly. Signs include crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, or teeth that appear crooked or out of place. Other clues can be difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking habits, or noticing that the smile looks uneven.
    The best way to know for sure is to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate the teeth, bite, and jaw using photos and X-rays and let you know whether treatment is needed, or if monitoring growth is the best plan.

    The best way to know for sure is to schedule an orthodontic consultation. We’ll evaluate the teeth, bite, and jaw growth using photos and X-rays, and let you know whether treatment is needed, or if it’s best to simply monitor development over time.

  • We treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:

    • Crowding or overlapping teeth

    • Spacing or gaps

    • Overbites, underbites, and crossbites

    • Open bites

    • Impacted or missing teeth

    • Early or late loss of baby teeth

    • Habits such as thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting

    • Jaw growth issues in children and teens

    Whether the concern is simple or complex, we offer personalized treatment plans using braces, clear aligners, and growth-guiding appliances.

  • Your first visit is simple, comfortable, and informative. We will:

    1. Take photos (and X-rays if needed)

    2. Examine the teeth, jaws, and bite

    3. Discuss any concerns you have

    4. Explain whether treatment is recommended

    5. Review options, estimated treatment time, and cost

    There’s no pressure to start treatment! Our goal is to help you understand what’s going on and what your best options are.

  • No referral is needed! You can schedule an orthodontic consultation at any time, whether you’ve been sent by your dentist or simply want an expert opinion. We work closely with dentists, but you’re welcome to come see us directly.

Treatment Options

  • We offer several modern orthodontic options to fit your goals and lifestyle, including:

    • Metal braces – Durable, reliable, and great for all ages.

    • Clear (ceramic) braces – A more discreet option that blends in with your teeth.

    • Clear aligners – A nearly invisible, removable alternative to braces.

    • Early/interceptive appliances – Expanders, habit appliances, and other tools used for guiding growth in younger patients.

    During your consultation, we’ll help you choose the treatment option that works best for your smile.

  • Braces use brackets and wires that stay on your teeth and gently move them into place. They work around the clock and are great for all types of orthodontic needs—from simple to complex.

    Clear aligners are removable, custom-fit trays that straighten teeth without brackets or wires. They’re nearly invisible, comfortable, and allow you to eat normally since you remove them for meals. Aligners require good consistency and they must be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results.

    Both options are effective; the right choice depends on your lifestyle and the specifics of your smile.

  • Treatment time varies depending on your individual needs. Most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months, though some cases take less time and more complex cases may take longer. At your consultation, we’ll give you a personalized estimate based on your teeth, bite, and treatment goals.

  • Yes! Clear aligners can be just as effective as braces for many patients. They work exceptionally well for mild to moderate alignment and bite issues. For more complex movements or certain bite corrections, braces may still be the most efficient option.
    During your exam, we’ll let you know whether aligners, braces, or a combination of both will give you the best results

  • Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment is for all ages. Many adults choose treatment to improve their smile, bite, and long-term oral health. Whether you’re 7 or 70, we can design a customized plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Clear braces and aligners also make treatment more discreet and comfortable for adults.

  • The cost of treatment depends on the type of braces or aligners you choose and the complexity of your case. During your consultation, we provide a detailed, personalized estimate so you know exactly what to expect. We’re committed to making treatment affordable and will review all financial options with you before starting.

  • Yes! We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans that can be customized to fit your budget. You can choose a monthly payment option, set up automatic drafts, and adjust the down payment to find what feels most comfortable. Our goal is to make achieving a healthy, confident smile simple and stress-free.

  • Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits—especially for children, and sometimes for adults as well. We are happy to check your benefits for you, explain your coverage, and handle all insurance claims on your behalf. At your first visit, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of how your insurance applies to treatment.

  • Yes, we love taking care of families! We offer sibling and family discounts when more than one family member begins treatment. This helps make orthodontic care more affordable while keeping everyone’s smiles on track together.

Costs & Insurance

Comfort & Safety

  • Braces don’t hurt when they’re placed, but you may feel some pressure or soreness for a few days as your teeth begin to move. This is completely normal and typically goes away quickly. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and warm saltwater rinses can help ease any discomfort. Most patients adjust to braces faster than they expect.

  • If a bracket comes loose, a wire pokes, or something just doesn’t feel right, give our office a call. Many small issues can be handled at home temporarily using orthodontic wax, but it’s important for us to check the problem to keep your treatment on track. We’ll guide you on whether you need to come in right away or schedule a repair visit soon.

  • Most patients come in every 6–10 weeks for adjustments or to pick up new aligners. These visits are quick and help us make sure your teeth are moving safely and efficiently. Clear-aligner patients may come slightly less often depending on their treatment plan.

  • Yes. Dental and orthodontic X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for children and adults. We use digital imaging, which further reduces exposure while giving us clear, detailed information about your teeth, roots, and jaw development. X-rays are an important tool for diagnosing issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam.

Daily Life with Braces

  • To protect your braces and keep treatment moving smoothly, it’s best to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy. These include things like popcorn, nuts, hard candies, caramel, taffy, gummy candies, ice, and chips that are extra crunchy. You can still enjoy most foods, just cut firmer items like apples or carrots into smaller pieces and chew gently.

  • Good oral hygiene is especially important with braces or aligners.
    Here’s what we recommend:

    • Brush after every meal and floss daily

    • Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash

    • Clean around brackets and wires carefully

    • For aligners, brush your trays gently with cool water—never hot

    • Keep up with regular dental cleanings every six months

    Keeping your teeth clean helps prevent cavities and ensures your smile looks its best when treatment is complete.

  • Absolutely! For musicians, it may take a few days to adjust, but most people adapt quickly.
    For athletes, we strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard—with or without braces—to protect your teeth and lips. We can help you choose a mouthguard that fits comfortably over your appliances.

  • If you lose an aligner, call our office right away. Depending on where you are in your series, we may recommend:

    • Moving ahead to the next aligner

    • Wearing your previous aligner temporarily

    • Ordering a replacement tray

    It’s important to contact us quickly so your treatment stays on track and your teeth don’t shift.

Results & After Treatment

  • Orthodontic treatment gently moves your teeth into healthier, more aligned positions. This improves not only the appearance of your smile but also the way your teeth and jaws function together. A proper bite makes chewing easier, reduces uneven tooth wear, helps prevent jaw discomfort, and supports long-term oral health. The result is a smile that looks great, feels comfortable, and works the way it should.

  • Yes, teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time due to normal aging, chewing forces, and changes in the gums and bone. This is why retainers are so important because they help keep your teeth in their new positions long-term. With consistent retainer wear, your results can last a lifetime.

  • Yes, retainers are a necessary part of maintaining your new smile. After active treatment, you’ll wear your retainers full-time for a short period, then transition to nighttime wear. To keep your smile looking its best, long-term or even lifelong nighttime retainer wear is recommended. Think of retainers as your insurance for protecting all the hard work you put into treatment.

  • Most patients begin noticing small changes within the first few weeks of treatment, especially with crowded or rotated teeth. Significant improvements continue throughout the process, and many people see noticeable results within a few months. Every smile is unique, but steady progress is expected as long as you follow your treatment plan.

All About The Alignery

  • At The Alignery, we combine personalized care with the latest technology to create a comfortable, efficient orthodontic experience. Every smile we design is custom-planned (never one-size-fits-all) and we focus on making treatment easy for busy families. You’ll find a warm, welcoming environment, transparent communication, and a doctor who truly listens.

  • We use state-of-the-art digital tools to make treatment more accurate and more comfortable, including:

    • iTero digital scanning for goop-free impressions

    • 3D treatment planning software for precise tooth movement

    • Low-dose digital X-rays

    • Advanced bracket and aligner systems that create beautiful results more efficiently

    This technology helps us shorten treatment time, improve comfort, and create highly predictable results.

  • Your first visit typically takes 45–60 minutes. During this appointment, we will:

    • Take photos and digital scans

    • Review X-rays if needed

    • Discuss your smile goals

    • Create a customized treatment plan

    • Go over timelines, cost, and payment options

    You’ll leave with a clear understanding of your treatment choices and next steps.

  • Yes! If you’re ready, we offer same-day starts for braces or clear aligners. This means you can begin treatment the same day as your consultation, saving you an extra trip and getting you closer to your new smile right away.