Why should I go to an orthodontic specialist?

Orthodontists like Dr. Franz are qualified dentists, who after graduating from dental school, go on to additional full-time university-based education in an accredited orthodontic residency program supervised by orthodontists. That training lasts a full two to three years. By learning about tooth movement and guidance of facial development, orthodontists are the uniquely educated experts in dentistry to straighten teeth and align jaws. This specialty education also includes advanced study of subjects in biomedical, behavioral and basic sciences; oral biology; and biomechanics. Selecting an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is your assurance that you have chosen an orthodontist who is actually a dental specialist with at least two to three years of post-doctoral, advanced specialty education in orthodontics in a university-based program accredited by the American Dental Association. Only orthodontists may be members of the American Association of Orthodontists.

How long will orthodontic treatment take?

Generally, the length of complete orthodontic treatment can range from 18 months to 30 months. Limited cases may only take 6 to 12 months. The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem, growth and rate of tooth movement, and level of patient cooperation during treatment. Missing appointments, not keeping the teeth clean, and damaging the braces by eating hard foods can extend treatment time.

How much will it cost?

Because each patient is unique, and your treatment plan will be customized to meet your needs, we will be pleased to provide you with a total treatment fee at your initial consultation appointment. Stapleton Orthodontics offers a variety of financing options and works with dental insurance companies to make braces affordable for you.

What dental insurance plans do you accept?

We accept many different insurance plans as well as Health Savings Plans (HSP). Stapleton Orthodontics is an In-Network/Preferred Provider for many major insurance companies so you can make the most of your insurance benefits. Please call our office so that we can verify the coverage provided by your individual plan, because dental insurance companies vary in the amount of orthodontic benefit which they provide.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up by an orthodontist by age 7, because there are some children that may benefit from early intervention. Orthodontists are trained to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present. The advantage for patients of early detection of orthodontic problems is that some problems may be easier to correct if they are found and treated early. Waiting until all the permanent teeth have come in, or until facial growth is nearly complete, may make correction of some problems more difficult.

Will my child's crooked teeth improve as he/she grows?

No, the space inside the mouth for the teeth will not increase as your child grows, even though your child continues to grow taller. In fact, teeth continue to drift forward throughout life, and can make crowded or crooked teeth worse as a child gets older.

Do you offer "clear" braces?

At Stapleton Orthodontics, we offer both Invisalign, which is a set of removable clear plastic aligners that move your teeth over time for a straighter smile, and ceramic braces, which work in a similar manner to metal braces, but are tooth colored to minimize their visibility. Dr. Franz is an Invisalign Certified Provider, and she will be happy to discuss different options in detail and answer your questions about them at your initial consultation appointment.