Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontic treatment can start as early as age 7.. Some orthodontic problems are easier to correct when detected early before palate and jaw growth slows down. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age 7 or earlier if parents, the family dentist, or pediatrician notice a concern. 

Early treatment can help patients avoid extractions or surgery and more serious complications later. That said, adults benefit from orthodontics too. 20-25% of our patients are adults seeking healthier, straighter smiles. 

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on aligning teeth and guiding jaw development. All orthodontists complete dental school first, then pursue an additional two to three years of specialized training in orthodontics. Only about six out of every 100 dental school graduates go on to become orthodontists.

Braces and clear aligners use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. With braces, brackets are placed on your teeth and connected by an archwire. The wire applies controlled pressure that guides your teeth to their new positions over time. 

Clear aligners work similarly, using a series of custom trays that apply pressure to specific teeth. Each new aligner continues the movement until your teeth reach their ideal alignment. 

Most patients complete treatment in one to two years. Your specific timeline depends on several factors: the complexity of your case, your age and rate of growth, and how well you follow care instructions. 

Keeping your appointments, wearing elastics as directed, maintaining good oral hygiene, and wearing your aligners the recommended 20-22 hours per day all help keep treatment on schedule. 

Phase I (early interceptive treatment) is limited orthodontic treatment that occurs before all permanent teeth have erupted. This typically happens between ages seven and nine. We might recommend Phase I to create space for developing teeth, correct crossbites or bite problems, or address harmful oral habits like thumb sucking. 

Phase II (comprehensive treatment) involves full braces or aligners after all permanent teeth have come in, usually between ages eleven and thirteen. Some patients need both phases, while others only need Phase II. 

Placing braces on your teeth doesn't hurt. Once we connect the archwires, you may feel soreness in your teeth for one to four days. This is normal and means your teeth are beginning to move. 

Your lips and cheeks need about one to two weeks to adjust to having braces. We'll provide wax you can use on any brackets that feel irritating during this adjustment period. 

Yes. Continue seeing your general dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Regular dental care is essential during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist and our team work together to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

No. We recommend wearing a mouthguard when you participate in any sporting activity. Mouthguards are inexpensive, comfortable, and come in various colors and patterns. They protect your teeth, lips, and braces from injury. 

No, but you may need an initial adjustment period. Most patients adapt quickly and continue playing their instruments without any long-term difficulty. 

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits as an added elective. Coverage varies because employers structure these benefits differently. Most plans provide a lifetime maximum for orthodontic care, commonly between $1,000 and $2,000. 

We verify your benefits directly with your insurance company before treatment begins. Our team contacts them to confirm your coverage amount, remaining benefits, and eligibility.  

We'll explain exactly what applies to your situation and handle all the paperwork.

Shine Orthodontics accepts nearly all dental plans. Orthodontic insurance works differently than regular dental coverage. Your orthodontic benefit amount is usually the same whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network provider. 

Even if we don't appear on your insurance company's provider list, we can still work with your plan. Online provider lists often lag behind real updates. When small differences do appear for new patients, our team often matches them, so your family receives strong support. 

Most families discover that their plan works with us without any complications. Let us verify your coverage and show you exactly how your benefits apply.

Orthodontic benefits come through dental insurance plans, not medical insurance. This includes treatment with Invisalign®, Clarity™ Aligners, braces, and other orthodontic appliances. 

However, flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) can often be used for orthodontic treatment. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your account qualifies. 

We offer several flexible payment options that make treatment affordable: 

• Low down payment: Treatment begins with an average down payment of about $500 
• No interest charges: We don't add extra fees, interest, or hidden financing costs 
• Monthly payment plans: Choose a payment schedule that fits your family's budget 
• Pay-in-full discount: Receive 5% savings if you choose to pay the full treatment cost upfront 
• Family discounts: Families with multiple members in treatment may qualify for additional savings
  
  

We'll work with you to create a plan that keeps your budget balanced throughout your treatment. 

A new retainer may feel tight or cause slight pressure for the first day or two. This is normal and means the retainer is holding your teeth in their correct positions. 

If your retainer causes significant pain or cuts into your gums, contact us right away. It may need adjustment. 

If your retainer suddenly starts hurting after you've been wearing it comfortably, your teeth may have shifted slightly. This can happen if you skip wearing your retainer for several days or weeks. 

Call us if your retainer feels painful or too tight. We'll evaluate whether your teeth have moved and determine the best solution. 

We don't recommend it. Teeth can shift surprisingly quickly, especially in the first year after braces. Even a week without your retainer can allow enough movement to make your retainer feel tight or not fit properly. 

If you lose your retainer or forget it while traveling, contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we can get you a replacement, the less likely your teeth are to shift. 

No. A tight retainer won't make your teeth fall out, but it does indicate that your teeth have shifted. If your retainer feels very tight or doesn't fit anymore, don't force it. Contact us for an evaluation. 

Forcing a retainer that doesn't fit can damage your teeth or gums. We may need to make a new retainer or discuss other options.

Your retainer should fit snugly but comfortably. It should stay in place without feeling loose, and you should be able to speak clearly while wearing it (though there may be a short adjustment period). 

If your retainer feels loose, very tight, or causes pain, something isn't right. Schedule an appointment so we can check the fit. 

A small crack might be okay temporarily, but a cracked retainer should be replaced soon. Cracks can worsen and cause the retainer to break completely. Sharp edges from cracks can also irritate your mouth. 

Contact us if your retainer cracks. We'll determine whether it needs immediate replacement or if you can continue wearing it until your next appointment. 

Clean your plastic or clear retainer daily using a soft toothbrush, cool water, and mild soap if needed. Skip harsh cleaners like bleach or alcohol-based mouthwash. 

Gently brush all surfaces to remove bacteria and buildup. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch and cloud the plastic, and never use hot water since it can warp the retainer. 

For a deeper clean, soak your retainer in a denture cleaner or retainer cleaning solution about once a week.  

Always follow the product instructions and rinse thoroughly before wearing them. When you’re not using your retainer, store it in its case to keep it clean and protected. 

If your retainer doesn't fit anymore, don't try to force it. Your teeth have likely shifted, and attempting to make an old retainer fit can damage your teeth or the retainer itself. 

Contact us for an evaluation. Depending on how much your teeth have moved, we may be able to adjust your current retainer, create a new one, or recommend a short period of treatment to correct the shifting. 

If your retainer feels stuck, stay calm. Try gently wiggling it from both sides rather than pulling straight down or up. You can also try rinsing your mouth with warm water to help relax your jaw muscles. 

If you still can't remove it, contact us. Don't force it, as this can damage your teeth or gums. A retainer that's difficult to remove may indicate that your teeth have shifted or that the retainer needs adjustment. 

Most people should see their general dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. Some patients with gum disease or other oral health concerns may need more frequent visits. 

Continue your regular dental appointments during orthodontic treatment. Your dentist and our orthodontic team work together to maintain your oral health. 

Brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. Many people brush for only 30-45 seconds, which isn't long enough to thoroughly clean all tooth surfaces. 

If you have braces, you may need slightly longer to brush around brackets and wires. Electric toothbrushes with built-in timers can help ensure you brush long enough. 

Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed. Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between teeth where your toothbrush can't reach. 

If you have braces, use a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth and under wires. If you wear clear aligners, floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in. 

Strong teeth start with good habits: 

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste 
• Floss daily 
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks 
• Drink plenty of water 
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet 
• Don't use your teeth as tools (opening packages, biting nails) 
• See your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings 

Fluoride treatments from your dentist can also help strengthen tooth enamel. 

Healthy gums require consistent care: 

• Brush gently along the gumline twice daily 
• Floss every day to remove bacteria below the gumline 
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash if your dentist recommends it 
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and D 
• Don't smoke or use tobacco products 
• See your dentist for regular cleanings 

If your gums bleed regularly or look red and swollen, schedule a dental appointment. These can be signs of gum disease that need professional treatment. 

Several signs indicate orthodontic treatment might help: 

• Crowded or overlapping teeth 
• Gaps or spaces between teeth 
• Upper front teeth that stick out significantly over lower teeth 
• Lower teeth that sit in front of upper teeth when biting (underbite) 
• Upper teeth that completely cover lower teeth when biting (deep bite) 
• Upper and lower front teeth that don't touch when biting (open bite) 
• The center of your upper and lower teeth don't line up 
• Jaw shifts to one side when biting 
• Difficulty chewing 
• Teeth wearing unevenly 
• Finger or thumb sucking that continues past age six or seven 

The best way to know if you need orthodontic treatment is to schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll examine your teeth and bite, discuss your concerns, and explain your options. 

Orthodontic treatment offers both aesthetic and functional benefits: 

• A more attractive smile 
• Increased self-confidence 
• Improved ability to clean teeth properly 
• Better distribution of biting forces 
• Reduced wear on tooth enamel 
• Better long-term health of teeth and gums 
• Reduced risk of injury to protruding front teeth 
• Improved chewing function 
• Guides permanent teeth into favorable positions 
• Can optimize other dental treatments 

Many patients find that a straighter smile positively affects multiple areas of their lives, from professional opportunities to social interactions.