Orthodontics FAQ
You have questions? We have answers! If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No, a referral is not needed. While many patients are referred by their family dentist, a referral is not required to make your appointment. We welcome you to schedule your own complimentary consultation with us!
When should my child come in for their first orthodontic exam?
The AAO advises that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age 7. By this time, several permanent teeth have likely emerged, and our experienced children’s orthodontists can detect any issues.
Through early detection and early intervention of orthodontic problems, we can prevent the need for corrective jaw surgery in most cases!
Can my child grow into their teeth?
Because the space available for the front teeth will not increase as they grow, their teeth will not straighten out as they grow. In fact, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the teeth may decrease with age.
What happens during my initial consultation?
When you arrive for your initial consultation, we’ll give you an office tour, take any necessary photos and x-rays of your smile, and prepare you for an exam with your Molen doctor.
Check out our Getting Started page for more details on what to expect!
Am I going to need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is occasionally required to achieve ideal results. However, our doctors have developed and refined techniques over time that allow them to treat most cases without the removal of healthy adult teeth.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on your treatment type. In general, treatment times may range anywhere from 12 to 36 months.
What is the cost of Invisalign or braces?
The cost of Invisalign and the cost of braces are calculated based on your case complexity and treatment length.
On your first visit, we’ll create a custom financing plan that suits your budget. We offer 0%-interest in-house financing and will calculate your insurance benefit and file your claims to help you receive the maximum benefit from your plan.
How often will I need to visit the orthodontist
Most patients in braces will be seen every 5 to 10 weeks, but this will depend on individual needs. If you require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule additional appointments. Patients with Invisalign are usually seen every 3 months.
My child is in school, can I schedule their appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule appointments to meet your needs. However, we cannot guarantee all appointments for students will be during after-school hours.
Is it okay to drop my child off for their appointment?
Absolutely. All we ask is that parents check in with the office before dropping off or picking up in case we need to speak to you.
Can my child return to school the same day they get their braces?
Definitely. There is no need to miss the remainder of the school day because of an orthodontic appointment. We can always use help cleaning the fridge, though, if your kid wants to stick around for a few hours…
Will shots be required during treatment?
Shots are very rarely needed for orthodontic treatment.
I’m not interested in having recycled braces! Do you use recycled braces?
You’re not interested in having them, and we’re not interested in using them! Each patient is provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Should I still see my dentist while I have braces?
Of course! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important with or without braces. Talk with your family dentist to determine cleaning intervals while you are in braces.
What are emergency appointments and how are they handled?
If your braces are causing you immense pain or are damaged, you should call our office immediately. In many cases, we can address your issues over the phone, however, if you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you to visit us, even after hours if needed.
Please see our Comfort Care page for more information and videos on how to handle issues with appliances!
My child still has baby teeth, can orthodontic correction still occur?
If problems are significant enough, it is possible for a child with baby teeth to undergo orthodontic procedures for early intervention. Interventive treatment can greatly reduce the complexity of future orthodontic problems.
What is Phase 1 Treatment?
Phase 1 treatment is done to address significant problems in order to prevent them from becoming more severe. If necessary, it is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10 and lasts about 1-2 years.
If my child has Phase 1 treatment, will they still need full braces?
There is often a good chance that your child will still need full braces after Phase 1 treatment. The period following Phase 1 treatment is referred to as the “interphase period,” and it is during this time that growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored, in order to appropriately inform parents and patients about future treatment recommendations.
Will my child require a palatal expander?
It is possible. We will determine whether a patient will need an expander during the initial examination.
I'm an adult. Is it too late to have braces?
It’s never too late for braces! Over 30% of our orthodontic patients are adults. The truth is that health, happiness and self-esteem are important at all ages.
I have crowns and missing teeth. Can I still wear braces?
Yes, you can. A tooth with a crown will move just like any other tooth. If you are missing teeth, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of your remaining teeth.
Why is choosing an orthodontic specialist the best idea for me?
It’s about more than just teeth. Sometimes entire facial structures are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. Because of this, it is important that your treatment be completed properly by an orthodontic specialist. Orthodontic specialists have extensive, specialized training that gives them the skills they need to provide professional, personalized treatments to each patient.
Will I get the same the result if I choose Invisalign instead of braces?
Yes, we strive to achieve the same results with Invisalign that we do with braces. Invisalign is a powerful tool that works exceptionally well with the right treatment plan. Of course, Invisalign only works if you wear it as instructed.
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Enumclaw
Sumner –
Bonney Lake
Free consultation (valued at $275) includes smile assessment, x-rays, and scan, if needed. Invisalign and the Invisalign logo, among others, are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc., and are registered in the U.S. and other countries.
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