People who come to see us usually have a lot of questions about the ins and outs of orthodontics, and we’re always happy to answer them to ensure that patients and parents know exactly what to expect during the treatment process. You can call our office any time with a question, but first, you’ll find a few short answers to some of the most common ones we hear every day below.
A board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Valant is a type of dental specialist who has received a lot of extra training dedicated to straightening the teeth and aligning the bite. This goes far beyond a general dentist’s training. Dr. Valant is actually a Diplomate with the American Board of Orthodontics, putting him in the top 25% of orthodontists in the country when it comes to his qualifications.
The answer to this question will vary from patient to patient depending on the degree of misalignment in their teeth. On average, treatment time tends to be about 9 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the case. To get a much more definitive timeline, we recommend scheduling an in-person-consultation with Dr. Valant.
While a patient may experience a little soreness and tenderness after having braces put on or adjusted, in general, no. Most people forget they are wearing them within a few days as the mouth is able to quickly adjust. That initial pressure simply means the braces are working to move the teeth!
Yes! Even though orthodontics is most commonly associated with teenagers, it is possible for a person of any age to improve their appearance and oral health by straightening their teeth. For more mature patients, we often recommend Invisalign, as it enables someone to enhance their smile while not changing their daily appearance.
The treatment time can vary with Invisalign depending on the severity of the problems. On average, a patient should see their final results after about 9-18 months.
Yes, as teeth will want to drift back into their original positions. Dr. Valant is an expert at applying fixed retainers that sit behind the teeth and are invisible from the front. In addition, we will give you a set of clear retainers to fit over your teeth to help ensure your smile lasts a lifetime.
Yes! We accept most PPO plans and can help a patient maximize their orthodontic benefits. To learn how we could use your specific plan to save on you or your child’s treatment, contact us today.