Frequently Asked Questions

It’s not required, but oftentimes our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.

Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s essential to be examined as early as possible to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.

Orthodontic specialists have the education, training, and experience to effectively alter teeth, jaw, and facial structures to help patients achieve optimal oral health. It’s critical that treatment is personalized to each individual and adequately completed, and choosing a specialist, like the board-certified orthodontists at Dolphin Braces, ensures that everything is done correctly.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7. Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.

You can schedule an appointment by calling one of our convenient locations, or you can complete an appointment request online. One of our staff members will take down some of your basic information, and let you know what you need to bring to our office for your appointment.

Before you leave, be sure to have all the necessary information needed to complete our new patient forms, including your insurance information. Then, one of our orthodontists will complete the examination, which can include X-rays and photographs, to properly diagnose you or your child’s condition.

We will thoroughly explain your options to you after completing the exam, and will recommend the best course of treatment. You’ll learn the answers to five important questions during your consultation appointment, including:

• Is there an orthodontic issue, and if so, what is it?
• What treatment is needed to correct the problem?
• Can braces and/or Invisalign correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will treatment take?
• How much will treatment cost?

Treatment time varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues. The average patient wears appliances anywhere from 18-24 months, and total treatment time ranges from about 12-30 months.

The frequency of appointments varies from patient to patient, just like the length of treatment. We’ll assess whether or not you or your child requires appliances that need more frequent monitoring, and therefore more appointments.

We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.

If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.

Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.

Each patient varies, and without an initial examination, it would be difficult to predict. You’ll find out if your child will need an expander after your initial consultation.

It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.

We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about our Financing & Insurance policies on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.

It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.

Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as the orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!

Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days, you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is a soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.

Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.

It’s essential to continue visiting the dentist during treatment, as failing to do so can lengthen treatment time.

Once you get your braces, we’ll review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods. You can reference our list of Foods to Avoid page for more information.

Once you get your braces, we’ll review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods. You can reference our list of Foods to Avoid page for more information.

No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Absolutely not! Each patient requires personalized treatment to achieve the best results possible.

Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.