Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked orthodontic questions to ease you through your treatment at Smiles By White. If your question isn’t answered below, check out Dr. White’s informational blog and videos, or schedule a free consultation to ask us in person.

 

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with improper positioning of the teeth. Using devices like braces or clear aligners, an orthodontist can treat overbites, underbites, overcrowding, crooked teeth, and even jaw misalignment.

An orthodontist goes through all the same training as a dentist, but then goes on to an additional 2-3 years of specialized training in order to become an orthodontist. While a dentist is great at keeping your teeth clean and healthy, only an orthodontist has the knowledge to efficiently and accurately straighten your smile.

Orthodontics is about more than just a pretty smile. Having proper tooth and jaw alignment is important because misaligned teeth can lead to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You can also be at greater risk for uneven tooth wear, tooth chipping, and TMJ disorder among other issues.

Orthodontic treatment ensures your teeth remain as healthy as possible, and can help correcting breathing, speaking, and chewing impediments.

Each patient’s treatment is 100% custom, so there is no one answer when it comes to treatment costs. After Dr. White designs your custom treatment plan, we can discuss the exact treatment costs at your consultation - and work out a way to fit your treatment into your budget.

Treatment time will vary based on the severity of your misalignments, but it could be anywhere from 4 to 30 months. Typically, Invisalign® treatment takes the same amount of time as traditional braces, with an average treatment length of 18 months for a routine orthodontic case.

If you have been told by other orthodontists that you are not a candidate for Invisalign® clear aligners, we encourage you to get a second opinion from Smiles By White. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign® Provider, Dr. John White effectively treats a wide variety of cases in patients of all ages, including crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite, and underbite - all with Invisalign® clear aligners.

Actually, the overall fee for braces and Invisalign® clear aligners are about the same! You shouldn’t let price be the deciding factor between these two great treatment options.

Delivery usually takes between 5-8 weeks, depending on the complexity of your case and also the time of year.

For best results, you should wear your Invisalign® clear aligners at least 22 hours per day - taking them out only to eat and brush your teeth.

You’re never too old to achieve a stunning smile. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, braces can be a wonderful treatment option for you.

In general, foods that are extremely hard or chewy can dislodge the brackets from your teeth. To keep your braces in good form, we recommend cutting foods like sandwiches or pizza into bite-sized pieces, and taking corn off the cob before eating.

In general, foods that are extremely hard or chewy can dislodge the brackets from your teeth. To keep your braces in good form, we recommend cutting foods like sandwiches or pizza into bite-sized pieces, and taking corn off the cob before eating.

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