How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam? If you think you or your child would benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office at 303-699-7700 and we will be pleased to schedule an appointment for you. During the call, our staff will gather some basic information regarding you and your child. What will happen at the initial examination appointment? The doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine of there is a need for orthodontic treatment. He will be looking to determine if there is enough room to accommodate all of the teeth, if the top teeth are lined up correctly with the bottom teeth, if any teeth are crooked or not in the right position and if there are missing or extra teeth. He will also be asking the patient if they have experienced any jaw joint problems. Is there a cost for the initial examination? No. The exam is done complimentary. How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work? It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until the doctor has actually examined you or your child. The exact cost and financing options will be discussed at the initial appointment. We have several financing options available to meet most needs and will be happy to review them with you. We will file insurance on your behalf. Why should I be concerned about a bad bite or misfit of my or my child's teeth? Bad bites can be detrimental to a patient's dental health by possibly causing premature wear on the teeth, asymmetrical jaw growth, difficulty in oral hygiene, or a malfunctioning bite. Orthodontics will align the teeth for optimum function, hygiene, appearance, and long-term stability. How often will I have appointments? Appointments are scheduled according to each individual patients needs. With the latest technology, most patients are seen every six to eight weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, appointments may be scheduled more often. What alternative do I have to wearing braces? If the thought of wearing braces is all that is stopping you from getting the smile you've always wanted, we have some very good news for you. Invisalign is a breakthrough in orthodontics that uses clear, virtually undetectable tooth-aligners to gradually move your teeth — without metal wires or brackets. Aligners are removable and custom made for your teeth through the combination of our expertise and the latest in 3-dimensional computer graphic technology. Invisalign straightens your teeth without calling attention to them. Do you give shots? No. No shots are necessary in orthodontics treatment. Do you use recycled braces? Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the very best orthodontic result possible. Do I need to see my family dentist while I have braces? Yes. Regular check-ups with your family dentist are very important while in braces. Your family dentist will assist in determining how often you should be seen for cleaning appointments. Are there foods I should avoid eating while I have braces? Yes. Once treatment begins, very complete instructions will be provided regarding the foods to avoid. Many emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following instructions regarding foods.