Questions?
How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
The fee for orthodontic treatment is based on several factors, including the severity of the issue being corrected and the anticipated length of treatment. The type of appliance used—such as braces, aligners, or retainers—may also influence the overall cost.
To receive an accurate estimate and personalized recommendations, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. During this visit, we will determine the appropriate treatment approach, expected treatment duration, and the appliances best suited for your or your child’s orthodontic needs.
To make treatment more accessible, we offer flexible, interest-free financial plans with monthly payments starting as low as $99. Depending on the type and complexity of your treatment, total fees typically range from $2,800 to $7,800.
We encourage you to schedule your complimentary consultation so we can provide a personalized treatment plan and a detailed cost estimate tailored to your or your child’s orthodontic needs.
What insurances do you take?
Our office accepts a wide range of PPO insurance plans, whether you are in-network or out-of-network.
We are committed to providing high-quality, affordable orthodontic care with full price transparency. To help make treatment manageable, we offer flexible payment plans and work with a variety of dental insurance providers.
To determine your orthodontic coverage, please provide our office with relevant insurance information, including the insured’s ID or Social Security number, insurance company, and group number. For questions about your specific plan, feel free to call our office, or you may contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your coverage and network status.
Do I have to have insurance to have orthodontic treatment?
Nope! You don’t need insurance to start orthodontic treatment. We’ll work with you to create a custom financial plan with flexible, interest-free monthly payments, making it easy and affordable to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
What if I have Dual Insurance coverage?
If you have dual insurance coverage, we can help coordinate benefits between both plans to maximize your orthodontic coverage. Simply provide our office with all relevant insurance information for each plan, and we will work with your insurance companies to determine your benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
What if I change jobs, change insurance plans, or get new insurance during Treatment?
Generally, most insurances will pay over a span of time while you are in orthodontic treatment and not pay all at once when you start. It is very important you maintain your insurance plan during your treatment otherwise you may not receive your full benefit. If your insurance is terminated mid-treatment and there is still a balance, the balance will transfer to the responsible party and a courtesy payment plan can be created.
If you are changing insurance plans mid-treatment, it is your responsibility to check whether your new plan provides benefits for Treatment in Progress or has a Waiting Period for Orthodontic Services. You will need to check whether you are eligible for No Benefits, Partial Benefits, or Full Benefits. Please notify our office immediately with your updated information, so that we can see whether it is possible to apply the new benefits to your account. Payment by your insurance provider is not guaranteed until your claim has been processed.
What if my spouse gets insurance after treatment has started?
If your spouse obtains insurance after your orthodontic treatment has begun, we can help you submit claims to see if any portion of your treatment may now be covered. Our team will guide you through the process and coordinate with the insurance company to make things as smooth as possible.
What if I lose my Insurance during my orthodontic treatment?
Life happens—and losing insurance doesn’t mean your orthodontic treatment has to stop. We’ll work with you to adjust your financial plan and continue your care with flexible, interest-free payment options, so you can stay on track toward your beautiful, confident smile.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to cover my orthodontic expenses?
Yes! You can typically use Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to pay for orthodontic treatment. These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars toward eligible dental expenses, which can help make your treatment more affordable.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to see an orthodontist?
No referral is needed! You can schedule a consultation with an orthodontist on your own. However, it’s a good idea to share your dental history or recent dental records with us so we have a complete picture of your oral health before starting treatment.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
While dentists provide general oral care, orthodontists are dental specialists who complete an additional 2–3 years of advanced training after dental school to focus exclusively on aligning teeth and jaws. This extra training gives orthodontists the expertise to create precise, effective, and long-lasting results with braces, aligners, retainers, and other orthodontic treatments.
Choosing an orthodontist ensures that your treatment is guided by a specialist with the knowledge and experience to give you a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
Your first appointment is all about you! Please allow about an hour for the visit. We’ll take the time to get to know your smile goals and answer any questions you have. You can expect a thorough exam, X-ray, and photographs of your teeth, along with a discussion of treatment options that fit your needs and lifestyle. We’ll also review the financial side, including your personalized payment plan options, so you know exactly what to expect.
And if the doctor feels you’re ready, we can even get started on your treatment the same day! By the end of the visit, you’ll have a clear plan and know exactly what the next steps are to start your journey toward a healthy, confident smile.
What age is best to start orthodontic treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children be screened by an AAO orthodontist at age 7.
Some issues may be obvious – misaligned teeth, an“overbite,” and an underbite or a crossbite – but others can remain undetectable by the untrained eye. Either way, let an orthodontist take a look. In addition to an intraoral exam, orthodontists use panoramic x-rays to check below the surface to look for extra teeth, missing teeth, impacted teeth or teeth coming into the wrong positions.
Early treatment, which occurs while some baby teeth are still present, can guide the growth of facial and jaw bones into a better growth pattern and provide more space for incoming permanent teeth.
Can adults get braces or Invisalign?
Absolutely! Many adults choose braces or Invisalign to improve both function and appearance. Orthodontic treatment is effective at any age.
What’s the difference between braces and Invisalign?
Braces use brackets and wires to gradually move your teeth, and they’re very effective for treating a wide range of bite and alignment issues. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth discreetly and comfortably.
While both can achieve great results, the right option for you depends on your specific orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preference. A consultation is the best way to determine which treatment is ideal for your smile.
For more details, click here to learn more about the differences between braces and Invisalign.
What is "Phase I" and "Phase II" treatment?
Phase I, or interceptive orthodontics, is usually done in children between ages 7 and 10. Its goal is to guide jaw growth, correct bite issues early, and make room for permanent teeth. This early treatment can help prevent more serious problems down the road and usually lasts about about 12 months.
Phase II, or comprehensive orthodontics, happens once most or all permanent teeth have come in. This phase focuses on straightening the teeth, perfecting the bite, and creating a healthy, beautiful smile. Depending on the complexity of the case, it can take up to 24 months.
Not every child needs both phases, but starting with Phase I can sometimes make Phase II shorter or simpler. Your orthodontist will create a personalized plan to make sure your child’s smile develops in the healthiest, most confident way.
How often will I have to see an orthodontist while I'm in treatment?
During orthodontic treatment, visits are typically scheduled every 4–8 weeks, depending on your specific plan and the type of appliances you’re using. These appointments allow us to adjust your braces or aligners, monitor your progress, and ensure your treatment stays on track.
Keeping your appointments is key to completing your treatment on time and achieving the best results.
How long does orthodontic treatment last?
The length of treatment depends on how complex your bite is. Simple cases might only take a few months, while a full bite correction can take longer. We’ll give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
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Phase I (interceptive) treatment: usually 12 months
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Comprehensive treatment: up to 24 months, no matter the type of appliance
To help your treatment stay on track:
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Follow instructions for brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, diet, and appliance wear.
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Keep all your scheduled appointments—they really make a difference!
How often will I need to come in for my appointments once I'm in treatment?
For most braces patients, visits are scheduled every 4–8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks to keep treatment on track. Invisalign patients may be seen every 10–12 weeks—or sometimes even less frequently—providing extra flexibility for busy schedules. We also offer Virtual Care check-ins when appropriate, so you can stay on top of your treatment from home.
I have been considering braces. My teeth on the top aren't that crooked. Is it possible just to get braces on the bottom?
It’s understandable to wonder if braces are needed only on the bottom teeth. In some cases, it may be possible to treat just the bottom teeth, but it depends on how your bite fits together. Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about straightening individual teeth—it’s about achieving a healthy, balanced bite and a long-lasting, confident smile.
The best way to determine the right approach is to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your teeth and bite and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Do braces hurt?
It’s normal to feel some mild discomfort or pressure when braces are first placed or after adjustments, but it’s usually temporary. Most patients describe it as soreness or tenderness, similar to the feeling after a workout. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help during this adjustment period.
Remember, any discomfort is a sign that your teeth are moving and your smile is improving!
What is a retainer and how long do I have to wear one?
A retainer is a custom-made device that helps keep your teeth in their new, beautiful positions after braces or Invisalign. Think of it as the final step in protecting all the hard work you’ve done! Most patients start by wearing it full-time, then gradually switch to just at night. We’ll give you a personalized schedule so you know exactly how to keep your smile looking its best.
I lost my retainers. What should I do?
Don’t worry—losing your retainers happens! Contact our office as soon as possible so we can help you get a replacement. The sooner you replace them, the better we can prevent your teeth from shifting.
In the meantime, avoid skipping any retainer wear if you have a backup, and try to keep up with good oral hygiene until your new retainers are ready.
What if I had braces before and now want retreatment?
No problem! If your teeth have shifted, we can help. We offer limited courses of Invisalign and other options to get your smile back on track. Schedule a consultation to see what’s best for you.