Have Questions About Orthodontic Treatment?
We know that starting orthodontic treatment comes with a lot of questions, whether you're exploring options for yourself or your child. Our Spanish Fork team has put together answers to some of the most common questions we hear, covering everything from what to expect at your first visit to how braces fit into everyday life. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, feel free to reach out to our office directly.
No, a referral is not required. While many patients come to us after a recommendation from their family dentist, plenty of others choose to schedule directly with our Spanish Fork office on their own.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic screening by age 7. At this stage, several permanent teeth have typically come in, giving our team a clear picture of how the bite and jaw are developing.
Not usually. The space available for the front teeth does not increase with age. In most cases, that space actually decreases once the permanent molars erupt.
Getting started is simple. Call our office or send us an email, and our team will find an appointment time that works with your schedule.
At your first visit, our doctors and staff will take photographs and X-rays as needed, then complete a thorough exam of the teeth and bite. This gives us the information needed to prepare a treatment recommendation suited to your smile.
During your initial exam, we'll address several key questions, including whether an orthodontic problem exists, what treatment would correct it, whether any teeth need attention first, how long treatment is expected to take, and what the estimated cost will be.
Tooth removal is sometimes part of achieving the best orthodontic result, though it isn't always necessary. Advances in orthodontic techniques mean many patients can complete treatment without extractions.
Treatment length depends on each patient's specific needs. In general, treatment can range from 12 to 30 months, with an average of around 22 months.
Because every treatment plan is different, we can't provide an exact cost until we've completed an initial exam. Once we understand your needs, our Spanish Fork team will walk you through financing options and help you understand how your insurance benefits apply.
Appointment frequency depends on your treatment plan, but most patients in braces are seen every five to ten weeks. If your treatment requires closer monitoring, we'll schedule visits accordingly.
We're unable to schedule every appointment after school, since most patients would need visits more often than school hours alone could accommodate. That said, we do our best to minimize time away from class whenever possible.
Yes, we understand that schedules can be tight. In some cases, we may ask to speak with a parent briefly when they return, so we recommend checking in with our front desk before dropping off your child.
Braces generally don't hurt, though some soreness after adjustments is common for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief such as Advil or Tylenol can help with any discomfort, but most patients feel fine within a day or two.
Yes. There's no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
No. Shots are not part of orthodontic care.
No. Every patient receives new braces designed specifically for their treatment.
Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for all patients who play sports while in braces.
Yes. Regular dental checkups remain important throughout orthodontic treatment. Your family dentist will let you know how often you should be seen while wearing braces.
Yes. Once treatment begins, our Spanish Fork team will give you a full list of foods to avoid, including hard candy, ice, and sticky foods like caramel and taffy. Avoiding these foods helps prevent broken brackets and wires.
Patients in braces should brush at least four times a day, ideally after meals and before bed. We'll show you the best brushing techniques for braces and may recommend a specific toothbrush for added ease.
If you experience significant pain or discomfort with your braces, call our office right away. In most cases, we can resolve the issue over the phone, but we'll schedule an appointment promptly if an in-person visit is needed.
Yes, in certain cases. Some orthodontic concerns are significant enough to warrant early treatment. If a child isn't ready for full treatment yet, we'll monitor their growth and development until the timing is right.
Phase One treatment is typically recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10. This approach usually lasts nine to twelve months and focuses on correcting significant issues before they become more difficult to treat.
It's likely. Following Phase One, most children enter a resting period during which we monitor growth and tooth eruption. We'll keep you updated on our recommendations for treatment throughout this stage.
That depends on the results of the initial exam. Our doctors will determine whether an expander is part of the right treatment plan after evaluating your child's teeth and jaw development.
Not at all. A significant number of our patients are adults. Health, confidence, and self-esteem matter at any age, and there's no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment.
Yes. A tooth with a crown can be moved just like a natural tooth with a simple attachment, and orthodontic treatment can still help align the rest of your smile even with missing teeth.
Orthodontic treatment permanently changes facial structure and bite alignment, so it's important that it's done correctly. Orthodontic specialists complete additional years of focused training beyond dental school, giving patients access to more specialized, in-depth care.