FAQ
General Treatment & Office Information
What happens after the initial consultation?
At the free initial exam, a SmileLife Treatment Coordinator will take x-rays and pictures. The doctor will review the images, meet with the patient for an exam, and discuss treatment options before prescribing a final treatment plan. The Treatment Coordinator will go over all financial details—insurance is verified beforehand whenever possible so we can provide exact numbers. Payment can be made in full or monthly. Patients may start braces or Invisalign that day or take the information home to decide.
How often will I need to come in for appointments?
SmileLife typically sees patients every 4 or 12 weeks, depending on the treatment plan and whether they’re in braces or Invisalign.
Can I drop my child off for their appointment?
We require a parent or guardian for the initial exam. After that, children over 12 are welcome to be dropped off while a parent waits in the car. If a parent’s presence is needed for a future appointment, we’ll notify you in advance or note it on the patient’s report card.
Does your office speak other languages besides English?
Yes—many of our staff are fluent in Spanish.
Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
Yes, we accept all insurance plans and can verify eligibility beforehand at no charge. For self-pay patients, we offer affordable in-house financing with monthly payments based on treatment length. A down payment is required, which the Treatment Coordinator will review.
What is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?
Dentists treat a wide range of oral health needs, including teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional specialized training to correct bites, occlusion, and tooth alignment. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
Do I need my dentist to send me to an orthodontist?
No—you can book an orthodontic consultation anytime. A dentist referral is not required, though your general dentist is still important in your overall care.
What is a good age to get braces?
Most children start braces between ages 8 and 14, after most baby teeth are lost and adult teeth have grown in.
What is the average cost of braces?
Costs vary depending on treatment length, the amount of tooth movement needed, and the type of treatment chosen.
How quickly do teeth move with Invisalign?
Invisalign works gradually for comfort and precision. While every patient is different, most begin noticing subtle changes in 10–12 weeks—not 1–2 weeks.
Is Invisalign better than braces?
Neither is universally “better.” Both work well, take about the same time, and require patient compliance. The choice depends on your preferences and lifestyle.
What is the average cost of Invisalign?
Similar to braces, Invisalign cost depends on treatment time, movement needed, and case complexity.
Emergencies & Discomfort
What should I do if a bracket or wire breaks?
If it’s not causing pain, call us during office hours to schedule a repair. If it’s poking or uncomfortable, cover it with orthodontic wax until your visit.
How can I relieve mouth soreness after an adjustment?
Mild soreness is normal. Stick to soft foods, rinse with warm salt water, and use over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose?
Yes—teeth naturally feel a little loose as they shift into place during treatment.
What should I do if a wire is poking my cheek?
Cover the wire with orthodontic wax. If possible, gently tuck it in with clean tweezers. Call us if discomfort continues.
Braces & Appliance Care
What can I eat and what should I avoid with braces?
Enjoy soft foods and cut harder foods into smaller pieces. Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods like gum, caramel, ice, and popcorn.
How do I clean my braces or aligners?
Brush after every meal using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily with floss threaders or a water flosser.
How often should I brush and floss?
Brush at least twice a day, ideally after every meal, and floss once a day.
Can I chew gum with braces?
No—gum can damage braces and make cleaning harder.
How do I use orthodontic wax?
Pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it over any bracket or wire causing irritation.
What should I do if my appliance feels loose or broken?
Call us so we can schedule a repair—avoid adjusting it yourself.
Aligners
How long should I wear my aligners each day?
Wear them 20–22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, and brush.
Can I drink anything other than water while wearing aligners?
No—remove aligners before drinking anything except water to prevent staining and damage.
What should I do if I lose or damage an aligner?
Call us right away—we’ll let you know if you should advance to the next set or replace it.
How do I clean my aligners?
Gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp them.
Lifestyle & Activities
Can I still play sports with braces or aligners?
Yes—just wear a mouthguard for protection.
Do I need a mouthguard?
Yes, especially for contact sports. We can recommend the right kind.
Can I play a musical instrument with braces?
Yes—it may take a short adjustment period. Orthodontic wax can help with comfort.
Will braces affect my speech?
Only slightly at first—most patients adjust within a week.
Retention & Post-Treatment
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions—usually full-time at first, then nights long-term.
How do I clean my retainer?
Rinse after each use and brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water.
What happens if my retainer breaks or gets lost?
Call us right away for a replacement—delays can cause teeth to shift.
Will my teeth shift if I don’t wear my retainer?
Yes—wearing your retainer is the only way to keep your smile in place after treatment.
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Initial Consultation, Treatment Timeline & Appointments
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 rathis 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 Horizon Smiles Orthodontics, 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 othis. 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 thise 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 anywhise 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 whethis or not you or your child requires appliances that need more frequent monitoring, and thisefore 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.
Phase One Treatment
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 smoothis. 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.
All About Braces
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 thise is a soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Absolutely. Thise’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.
Additional Common Questions
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.