Orthodontic FAQs

An orthodontist is a specialist in preventing, diagnosing and treating irregular tooth alignment and disharmonies in the jaw. They have the expertise to create beautiful, functional smiles with appliances like braces and Invisalign.

An orthodontist spends a really long time hitting the books. After high school, they attend college to get their bachelor’s degree, followed by four years in dental school and then three extra years of specialty training in an orthodontic residency program where they gain extensive clinical experience treating actual patients. Finally, they have to pass their exams to become a certified specialist in orthodontics.

This part is pain-free and there are no needles involved. We’ll simply attach the brackets to your teeth with special glue. A team member will place the archwires and if you want to wear colored elastics, you can choose your favorite shades. This process takes 40 minutes to an hour. Once finished, we’ll explain how to care for your new braces and you’ll be ready to go show off your new smile.

No way! You’re never too old for braces. We’ve been seeing more and more adults at Kochis Orthodontics. Since adults tend to be good candidates for esthetic options like clear braces and Invisalign, you won’t even have to go the metal braces route if you don’t want to. In fact, we offer all of our adult patients the opportunity to have clear braces or Invisalign at no extra cost. The confidence you gain from having a healthy smile can impact all areas of your life in a positive way.

The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of your case, the type of treatment you choose, your age and how well you follow our instructions. In most cases, patients are in braces for 12 to 30 months. We’ll be able to give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.

Braces don’t hurt but your teeth can be a little sensitive when you first get them put on and after adjustments. If you feel real pain, give us a call right away. The discomfort is usually very mild and can be managed by swishing with salt water or taking over-the-counter non-aspirin pain relievers.

Going to your dentist is actually even more important when you’re wearing braces since brushing and flossing can be slightly challenging with the brackets and wires in the way. Your dentist will ensure your mouth stays clean, healthy and cavity-free. We will help you coordinate dental cleaning with your orthodontic adjustments.

Using special tools, we gently loosen and remove the brackets and wires, which doesn’t hurt a bit. We then remove the adhesive and polish your teeth so they’re ready to dazzle everyone.

We’ll discuss the cost of braces when you come in for your consultation. We’re very upfront and you won’t be surprised with any hidden fees throughout your treatment. We don’t think your finances should hold you back from having a smile you love. Our financial coordinator will review all the financial options available to you.

It depends on your individual needs but you’ll come in about every 4 to 8 weeks for an adjustment and so we can monitor your progress.

When you’re rocking braces, you’ll need to brush in the morning, at bedtime and after every meal. This roughly equates to about four times per day. This will help ensure your teeth look great after your braces are removed.