Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics

Starting orthodontic treatment naturally comes with questions, and that is a good thing. Below are answers to the questions patients and parents across Houston ask us most often, grouped by topic. If you do not see your question here, just call the office nearest you or request a complimentary consultation, and we will be glad to help.

Getting Started and Your First Visit

Do you charge for the first visit?
No. Your initial consultation is complimentary. As a courtesy to you and your general dentist, we will review whether braces or another treatment is appropriate at no charge. A co-payment may apply only if additional diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays, are needed.

Do I need a referral to schedule a consultation?
No referral is required. You can book a complimentary consultation directly with us whenever you are ready to explore your options.

At what age should a child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for us to spot developing bite or jaw issues early, even when treatment will not begin right away. Learn more about early treatment.

Why evaluate children so young?
Early evaluation lets us monitor development and step in at the ideal moment, which is sometimes earlier and often later. Only a small share of young children need early treatment; for the rest, we simply watch their growth so nothing is missed. There is no fee for this monitoring.

How long does the first appointment take?
Most initial consultations take about 45 minutes to an hour, enough time for a thorough exam, a discussion of your options, an estimate of timing and cost, and answers to your questions. See what to expect at your first visit.

What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your insurance information, a photo ID, and any recent dental x-rays your dentist has taken. If the patient is a minor, a parent or guardian should attend.

Do you treat adults?
Absolutely. We treat more adults than ever, and discreet, comfortable options make it easy to fit treatment into a busy life. About one in five orthodontic patients is over 21.

Can you take over treatment if I am moving from another city?
Yes. We welcome transfer patients and treat them with the same care as new patients, collecting records to understand where your treatment stands and building a plan to finish it. We do not require a large upfront payment to continue, just a manageable monthly fee.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed two to three additional years of full-time specialty training focused solely on aligning teeth and correcting bites. All three of our doctors are also board-certified, a further voluntary step.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment

How much does treatment cost?
It depends on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment. We are fully transparent about cost and will review the exact figures and your payment options at your consultation. See our financing page for details.

Can we set up a payment plan?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance, we will create a flexible plan tailored to your budget, usually spread across the length of treatment. Our in-house plans are 0% interest.

Is interest charged on your payment plans?
No. We do not charge interest on our in-house orthodontic payment plans.

How is insurance handled?
After verifying your benefits, we work directly with your insurance provider and, where possible, accept assignment of benefits to lower your out-of-pocket cost. Coverage varies by plan, and we will explain clearly what yours is likely to contribute.

Do you offer discounts for families?
Yes. We offer special pricing when more than one member of a household is in treatment.

Can I set up automatic payments, and which cards do you accept?
Yes. We offer automatic bank drafts, online payments, and automatic credit-card billing, and we accept all major credit cards. HSA and FSA funds can typically be used as well.

Types of Treatment

What treatment options do you offer?
We offer metal and ceramic braces, Damon self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, along with care for more complex needs. We will recommend the best fit for your bite and lifestyle.

Is Invisalign as good as braces?
For many cases, yes. Invisalign is excellent for mild to moderate alignment and bite issues and is removable and nearly invisible. Braces offer more control for complex corrections. The right choice depends on your specific case.

What is Phase 1 treatment?
Phase 1, or early treatment, begins before all the permanent teeth have come in. It addresses serious issues early, like jaw or bite problems that are harder to fix later. It does not replace braces in the teen years but can make that phase simpler.

What is Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 2 is comprehensive treatment, typically beginning once the last baby teeth are out and the permanent teeth are in. It aligns the full bite and is the stage most people picture when they think of braces.

How do I know if my child needs Phase 1, Phase 2, or both?
An early evaluation tells us. Only about 10 to 20 percent of children benefit from Phase 1; most are simply monitored until they are ready for comprehensive treatment. We recommend early treatment only when it offers a clear advantage.

Treatment Time and How Braces Work

How long does treatment take?
Most comprehensive treatments take roughly two years of active tooth movement, though it varies with the complexity of the case and the option chosen. We will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.

How do braces straighten teeth?
Braces use a shaped archwire connected to small brackets to apply gentle, continuous pressure, gradually guiding teeth into better positions over time. Learn more in our guide to living with braces.

Do you use new appliances for every patient?
Yes. We only use brand-new appliances for every patient.

If I take antibiotics before dental work, should I before orthodontic visits too?
Yes. If your doctor or dentist recommends pre-medication for dental visits, take it before orthodontic appointments as well. Let us know so we have it on file.

Retainers and Keeping Your Smile

Will I need a retainer after braces?
Yes. Retainers are essential. You will typically wear one full-time at first, then at night, and occasionally long term, because teeth naturally tend to drift throughout life.

Why do teeth shift after treatment?
Teeth can move throughout your life, even without prior orthodontic treatment, as a natural part of aging. Consistent retainer wear is what protects your results over the long run.

What about a permanent retainer bonded behind the teeth?
For some patients, we bond a thin wire behind the lower front teeth to hold them in place. It is invisible and effective but needs careful cleaning and routine checks with your family dentist.

Wisdom Teeth

Can wisdom teeth make my other teeth crooked?
Research shows that wisdom teeth do not directly cause other teeth to become crooked. Some shifting with age is normal and is best managed with retainer wear.

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?
Even though they do not cause crowding, wisdom teeth can lead to swelling, gum problems, and infection, especially when impacted. Planning their removal ahead of time is usually more comfortable than dealing with an emergency.

When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
Oral surgeons often recommend removal when about two-thirds of the root has formed, frequently between ages 16 and 18. We will monitor their development and refer you when the timing is right.

Jaw Health and TMJ

Do braces cause or fix TMJ problems?
Scientific studies do not show a direct link between orthodontic treatment and TMJ disorders, which can occur regardless of how the teeth are aligned. In some patients, correcting the bite can ease jaw strain. Learn more on our TMD and TMJ page.

Health and Lifestyle

What are the health benefits of orthodontics?
Beyond a more confident smile, treatment improves how you bite and chew, makes brushing and flossing easier, and can reduce uneven wear on the teeth. Straight, well-aligned teeth are simply healthier and easier to maintain.

How do allergies or enlarged adenoids affect orthodontics?
Chronic mouth breathing from allergies or enlarged adenoids can affect how the jaws grow, sometimes leading to narrow arches and crowding. If we suspect this, we may recommend an airway-focused evaluation and coordinate with your physician.

Does tongue posture or tongue thrust matter?
Yes. A tongue thrust, where the tongue pushes against the front teeth, can worsen bite problems and create gaps over time. We take tongue posture into account when planning treatment and retention.

Can my child play sports or an instrument with braces?
Yes to both. For contact sports we recommend a custom mouthguard to protect the teeth and braces. Wind and brass players may need a short adjustment period, which orthodontic wax makes easier.

Do you handle orthodontic emergencies?
Yes. Most issues, like a poking wire or loose bracket, can be eased at home and resolved at a quick visit. See our emergency care page, and call the office nearest you for help.

Daily Life, Comfort, and Care

Do braces hurt?
Braces should not hurt day to day. You may feel tenderness for a few days after they are placed or adjusted, which is easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever, orthodontic wax, and a warm salt-water rinse.

What foods should I avoid with braces?
Steer clear of hard, sticky, and very chewy foods, such as ice, nuts, hard candy, caramel, and corn on the cob, which can damage brackets and wires. Our braces care guide has the full list.

How do I keep my teeth clean with braces?
Brush after meals, floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and keep up your regular dental cleanings. Good hygiene is the key to finishing treatment with healthy teeth and gums.

Can I play sports or a musical instrument with braces?
Yes to both. We provide a custom mouthguard for contact sports, and wind or brass players usually adjust within a couple of weeks, with a little orthodontic wax to help.

How often will I come in for visits?
Most patients visit every several weeks for a quick adjustment or progress check. Visits are usually short, and we work to schedule them around school and work.

Is it ever too late to get braces or Invisalign?
No. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and many of our patients are adults. It is never too late to improve your smile and your bite.

Still Have Questions?

We are always happy to answer them in person.

West University Office: 4191 Bellaire Blvd, Ste 275, Houston, TX 77025 | (713) 662-0621
Memorial Office: 9412 Gaylord Dr, Houston, TX 77024 | (713) 464-7777
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Request a complimentary consultation or call the office nearest you.