FAQs
Questions patients ask before they commit
Orthodontic treatment can feel like a big decision. These answers are meant to make the next step clearer before your consultation.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule a consultation directly with our office, no referral is required. Before treatment begins, patients should have had a dental exam and cleaning within the last six months and be free of untreated cavities or active gum disease.
Do you offer Invisalign or clear aligners?
Yes. We offer clear aligner treatment for patients who want a more discreet option. These are a popular choice for adults and teens looking for flexibility and minimal visibility.
Do you accept dental insurance?
We accept most dental insurance plans. Please note that Medicaid is not accepted.
What treatment options are available?
We offer braces, clear aligners, retainers, and additional treatments depending on your needs, including TMJ-related care and sleep-focused solutions. Every plan is customized based on your goals and bite alignment.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options to make treatment more manageable. Since every case is different, we’ll review exact costs and payment options after your consultation.
Braces vs Invisalign: which is better?
Both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® are effective, but they work differently. Braces are often more predictable for complex cases and work continuously without needing patient involvement. Clear aligners are removable, easier to clean around, and more discreet, but require consistent wear and attention to stay on track. The best option depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. We’ll walk you through both during your consultation.
Are appointments flexible for work and school?
Yes. We offer evening and Saturday appointments to make orthodontic care easier to fit into your schedule.
Should I still see my dentist while in braces?
Yes. Regular dental visits are essential during orthodontic treatment. We recommend seeing your dentist every 3 to 6 months to monitor for cavities and gum health.
What age should I bring my child to see an orthodontist?
• Prevention can often be the best medicine. All children 6 years old and up should be examined by an orthodontist to evaluate for benefits of treatment for growth modification and future tooth eruption.
Treatment Questions
What happens during orthodontic treatment?
Treatment stars with a consultation to evaluate your smile and discuss goals. We then take digital scans, photos, and X-rays to build a precise plan. Once treatment begins, most patients visit periodically for adjustments or progress checks. Treatment timelines vary, but many cases are completed in about 18 to 24 months. After treatment, retainers are provided to maintain your results, with occasional check-ups as needed.
What treatment options are available?
We offer braces, clear aligners, retainers, and additional treatments depending on your needs, including TMJ-related care and sleep-focused solutions. Every plan is customized based on your goals and bite alignment.
Braces vs Invisalign: which is better?
Both braces and clear aligners like Invisalign® are effective, but they work differently. Braces are often more predictable for complex cases and work continuously without needing patient involvement. Clear aligners are removable, easier to clean around, and more discreet, but require consistent wear and attention to stay on track. The best option depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals. We’ll walk you through both during your consultation.
Should I still see my dentist while in braces?
Yes. Regular dental visits are essential during orthodontic treatment. We recommend seeing your dentist every 3 to 6 months to monitor for cavities and gum health.
What age should I bring my child to see an orthodontist?
• Prevention can often be the best medicine. All children 6 years old and up should be examined by an orthodontist to evaluate for benefits of treatment for growth modification and future tooth eruption.
Is orthodontic treatment painful?
Most patients experience mild discomfort for a short period after adjustments, but it is temporary and manageable. Modern techniques are designed to be more comfortable than in the past.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case, but many patients complete treatment in 18 to 24 months.
Do you offer Invisalign or clear aligners?
Yes. We offer clear aligner treatment for patients who want a more discreet option. These are a popular choice for adults and teens looking for flexibility and minimal visibility.
Finance Questions
Do you accept dental insurance?
We accept most dental insurance plans. Please note that Medicaid is not accepted.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer flexible financing options to make treatment more manageable. Since every case is different, we’ll review exact costs and payment options after your consultation.
If your Orthodontist is Out-of-Network, can you still use your insurance?
Absolutely, choosing an out-of-network provider does not mean that you are out of luck. Patients use their orthodontic insurance plan successfully with out-of-network providers every day. What matters most is getting care from a provider you trust and with the right team at your back. With patience, we can help find a way to maximize your insurance benefits. Our office accepts all insurances except Medicaid.
Why aren't you in-network with any insurance?
We want to treat every patient with the same level of care. When an orthodontist signs a contract to be in-network with an insurance company, they are agreeing to use systems that are set in place by the insurance. This would cause us to need to treat patients differently; Delta Dental patient vs MetLife patient vs Non-insurance patient. Our provider wants to treat every patient with the same level of care regardless of their insurance coverage. Being out-of-network is the only way we can do that.
If you're not in my network, will my insurance coverage be lower?
For ~90% of dental insurance plans that we see, you have a maximum lifetime orthodontic coverage of ~$1,500 to $2,000 per person regardless of in-network or out-of-network.
Are out-of-network benefits different from regular dental care?
Orthodontic coverage is unique from dental coverage and one of the most important things to understand is that is your orthodontic coverage has a lifetime maximum benefit. Unlike regular dental policies that renew annually, ortho coverage usually has a one-time lifetime maximum regardless if your provider is in-network or out-of-network. Once your insurance pays that amount toward your treatment, they're done. That's why choosing the right orthodontist for you should be based on quality of care and experience-not network status. *After all, they'll be the ones creating your forever smile!
What does out-of-network mean?
Out-of-network means that the orthodontist does not have a contract with your dental insurance provider. Orthodontic benefits are unique in the fact that the benefit is generally still available outside of your insurance network. If THE ORTHODONTIST is not listed as an 'In-Network" provider on your orthodontic insurance plan that doesn't mean that you won't receive payment from your insurance for your treatment here. Often there is no difference between in and out of network contributions with orthodontics.
Will The Orthodontist bill my insurance?
Yes, our team is happy to help you get the most out of your benefits. We submit all claims from our office for your convenience. To help you get started, our initial consultation is free with no obligation or pressure to begin treatment.
How much does insurance usually cover for insurance?
Most dental plans cover orthodontic treatment at around 50% of the TOTAL COST, up to your lifetime max. For example, if your braces cost $6,000 and your plan covers 50% with a $2000.00 lifetime maximum, the insurance would pay $2000.00 leaving you responsible for the remaining $4,000.
Why choose an out-of-Network Orthodontist?
- You get the best treatment. Not the cheapest option. We are not dictated by insurance restrictions so no insurance-driven treatment delays.
- Advanced technology. Our office offers 3D printed braces especially personalized for each patient. Often this results in shorter treatment time.
- Accommodating hours, we are currently offering afternoon and weekend hours (* by appointment only) to accommodate school and work schedule and
- enjoy a more personalized, unhurried patient experience.
Why is The Orthodontist out-of-network?
- Use higher-quality materials and advanced technology
- Spend more time with each patient to ensure all their concerns are met. No corporate office rush.
- Provide personalized care without insurance restrictions.
Many of our patients find that their out-of-pocket costs are similar to or only slightly higher that in-network providers-but with a huge difference in quality and care.
To further accommodate our patients and their families we offer in-house monthly payment plans and lower fees than other ortho offices to offset the cost.
Still Have Questions?
Start with a consultation.
We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide what makes sense.