FAQs
What is the best age to visit an orthodontist?
The best time to first see an orthodontist is around age seven or eight. For most kids, nothing will be needed and we will simply wait until all the permanent teeth erupt before treatment is begun. For some kids, early intervention will be needed to prevent larger problems later on. See About Orthodontics — For Children for more details.
Does it hurt?
For a few days. When teeth begin to move, they get a little “bruised.” For two to three days after the braces are put on, the patient’s teeth will be sore. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can be taken as needed to help with the discomfort. Talk to us regarding the specific dosages you or your child can take.
After the teeth get moving, braces usually don’t hurt much. It is normal to have occasional pain here and there. The pain is usually described as a soreness or a dull ache. If you have sharp, shooting pain, that may be due to something else.
How much does it cost?
The cost of braces depends on treatment modality and treatment time. For example, just using a retainer to move a few teeth will cost a few hundred dollars, while using braces to straighten teeth will cost a few thousand dollars. One year of braces is cheaper than two years, while a complex treatment is more expensive than a simple treatment. Invisalign and clear braces are usually a little more expensive than metal braces.
Because of such variability in treatment complexity, length, and options, it is important to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Taylor or Dr. Mortensen to see which option is best for you!
One important thing to remember is you are not purchasing a cup full of braces. You are purchasing the experience and care of the orthodontic provider. You will not receive the same level of care from every office. There are many good orthodontists in Utah and as long as it is an orthodontist, you will most likely receive good care. Our orthodontists pride themselves on being extremely particular, and will ensure you receive the best possible care! We truly care about our patients and we are not happy unless our patients are happy!
How long will it take?
Treatment time depends primarily on the complexity of the case. Most treatments take between one and two years.
Another factor that plays an important role in treatment time is age of the patient. Adult teeth generally move a little slower than kids so adult treatments usually take a little longer.
Will my insurance pay for the treatment?
If you have orthodontic coverage on your dental insurance, then they will usually cover a portion of the treatment. Most insurance companies cover $1,000 to $2,000 of the treatment cost. Some plans offer discount insurances and they don’t pay anything; they just get you a 10-20% discount off the total fee. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out if you have coverage and how much.
If you give us your insurance information, we will be happy to find out how much coverage you have. We will let you know this information at the first appointment.
Some insurances have age limits that vary between 21 and 26 years old. You can call your insurance company to find out if there is an age limit or we will be happy to call them for you.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. We offer no-interest payment plans over the duration of the treatment. So if treatment lasts 18 months, then we can do interest-free payments over that same amount of time.
Is there a discount for pay in full?
Yes. We offer a 5% discount to people who pay in full.