How long will my treatment take?

•  Your time in orthodontic treatment will vary depending on your specific case. Very simple cases can take as little 6-12 months, most mild cases vary from 12-18 months, moderate cases (the majority of our patients) average 18-24 months, and more severe problems can take 24+ months. Treatment times vary depending on the unique conditions of each patient as well as the hygiene and compliance during treatment.

At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

• ​Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist, or the child's physician

 My child already had treatment when he/she was younger (ages 7-9), why are braces necessary again?

• In certain select cases, Phase I treatment (typically around the age of 7-9) will be recommended to address developmental problems of the jaws or teeth (even before the baby teeth have all been lost), in order to treat and prevent problems (best treated early) that could lead to a more severe malocclusion during adolescence. Most children who receive Phase-I-treatment, will need Phase-II treatment during adolescence.

•  More likely if growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws are within a normal range, they will simply receive a check-up by your orthodontist about every 6 months, until they are ready for full treatment around the age of 11-13.

How do braces work?

• ​Braces use steady gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. The brackets that are placed on your teeth and the archwire that connects them are the main components. When the archwire is placed into the brackets, it tries to return to its original shape. As it does so, it applies pressure to move your teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

Do braces hurt?

• ​The placement of bands and brackets on your teeth does not hurt. Once your braces are placed and connected with the archwires you may feel some soreness of your teeth for one to four days. Your lips and cheeks may need one to two weeks to get used to the braces on your teeth.