Frequently Asked Orthodontics – Palm Harbor, FL
Ask Your Palm Harbor Orthodontist
As you can imagine, patients and parents ask us a lot of questions every day, and we’re always willing to take the time to answer them. Below, you’ll find our responses to some of the most popular questions we receive, but if there is anything else you’d like to know, you are always welcome to give us a call.
How long does it take to straighten the teeth?
The answer to this question can vary quite a bit based on an individual and their particular needs. With braces, the treatment time tends to average about 12-24 months, but it’s just an average. To get a much more definitive timeline, the best thing you can do is schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Johnson.
When should my child start braces?
While it’s traditional for a child to start braces around the ages of 10-14, the truth is that many could benefit from beginning sooner. With early-age orthodontics (often called Phase 1 Orthodontics), we can correct issues in the baby teeth to prevent future ones for the adult teeth. Every child should be screened by an orthodontist around age 7 to see if they could benefit from treatment either now or in the future.
Do braces hurt?
Right after braces have been put on or adjusted, it’s common for someone to experience a little soreness and tenderness. Fortunately, the mouth adjusts quickly, and the symptoms will go away on their own after a few days. In the meantime, taking an OTC medication or rinsing with warm saltwater can help provide some relief.
Am I too old for braces/Invisalign?
Contrary to what many people believe, you’re never too old to have your teeth straightened! Dr. Johnson has treated many patients who were only able to get braces or Invisalign after they retired, and their only regret is that they weren’t able to start treatment sooner!
Will you take my dental insurance?
If your plan includes some kind of orthodontic coverage, then you can trust that our orthodontic office will be able to use it. To verify your benefits and give you a rough idea of how much your plan will cover, give us a call with your policy information ready.
Can I finance orthodontic care?
Yes! We know that many people cannot pay for orthodontic care all at once, which is why we offer both in-house financing as well as work with CareCredit. Both have low-to-no interest plans with flexible schedules, and to learn more and sign up, just give us a call today.