Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontists are dental specialists who straighten teeth, align the jaw, and improve the function of smiles. They receive specialized training to become experts at diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities to create the smile of your dreams.

• Receive 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school
• Only those who have completed an orthodontic residency may call themselves Orthodontists
• Better qualified than non-specialists at creating smile transformations
• All Bernstein Orthodontics doctors are orthodontic specialists

The American Association of Orthodontists (“AAO”) recommends that all children between the ages of 7 and 8 have an initial orthodontic screening. Early assessment helps identify and correct potential issues, especially those not yet visible, while jaws are still developing, and adult teeth are coming in. You should check in with the orthodontist around the time it feels like the tooth fairy is visiting almost weekly!

• Monitors space for eruption of larger teeth
• Alignment in the growth of the jaws
• Not every child needs early treatment but it's best to check
• Improved self-esteem at an earlier age

A person’s smile is one of the first things you notice from someone so having a big beautiful smile helps improve your confidence! Straight teeth contribute to better oral health and bite function. A bad bite can wear down teeth, making chewing and talking difficult, and create stress on supporting bone and gum tissue. Proper alignment prevents future dental problems.

• Easier cleaning
• Better chewing
• Reduced wear
• Improved confidence

Never! Age is no barrier to orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be straightened at any age. Options like clear aligners and ceramic braces make adult treatment discreet and effective, but braces are so cool that many patients opt for our modern brackets!

• Achieve a beautiful, confident smile at any age
• Faster treatment times with modern technology
• Improved oral health benefits
• Younger looking smiles as you age

Bernstein Orthodontics uses the most advanced bracket system technology available, the Pitts 21 System. This system was designed to reduce treatment times and create more aesthetically beautiful smiles all while using lighter forces for greater patient comfort. We also offer Invisalign clear aligners for those patients who prefer a more discreet option for straightening their teeth.

• Technologically advanced metal brackets
• Faster and more comfortable treatment
• Invisalign clear aligners for nearly invisible treatment
• Digital technology for increased precision

Treatment duration varies by individual needs. Most cases take around a year and a half depending on complexity. Our modern bracket technology allows us to finish cases faster than traditional systems or aligners, especially if the patient is compliant in brushing their teeth, wearing their rubber bands, and coming to appointments!

• Average around 20 months
• Your participation matters
• Exclusively use the latest technology for faster treatment times

We offer flexible payment options to make care accessible! Total cost varies depending on treatment complexity and type, but is usually in the $6,000 range for standard treatment. Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that we make orthodontic treatment more affordable than they expected. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. We also offer an online account management service to easily make payments and keep track of your appointments.

• 0% interest financing available
• No large down payment required
• Payments to fit your Family’s budget
• Almost all PPO Insurance plans accepted

Understanding the root causes helps guide treatment. Primary factors include both genetic and environmental influences. Identifying the cause helps us create the most effective treatment plan for your unique situation. Primary factors:

• Genetic influences: Inherited crowding or spacing
• Childhood habits: Thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting
• Early tooth loss: Disrupts natural eruption patterns
• Jaw development issues: Underbites or overbites

Successful outcomes require patient participation. Following your orthodontist's instructions, will help ensure your treatment progresses as planned. Your cooperation directly impacts results.

• Brush your teeth regularly
• Keep appointments
• Wear your rubber bands
• Avoid foods that break brackets

Wisdom teeth can cause shifting after Orthodontic treatment. Most people don’t have room in their mouths to hold these additional four teeth. Removing wisdom teeth, which are developing around the same time most people have their braces removed (hence the correlation between wisdom teeth and shifting), after orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Your orthodontist will provide a referral to the oral surgeon to evaluate if removal is necessary to:

• Prevent teeth from shifting after braces
• Prevent jaw pain when they try to grow in
• Prevent damage to adjacent teeth
• Prevent cyst formation and future gum issues

No referral is necessary to schedule an exam. Many patients are surprised to learn they can book a free consultation without needing to see their general dentist first. We welcome patients to schedule directly. If you do not have a primary care dentist, we will help you find a great one, so along with straightening your teeth, your orthodontic treatment will help you develop a lifetime routine for your complete oral health!

• Easy scheduling
• Free exams
• Insurance help
• Flexible appointments

Orthodontists provide professional care that mail-order aligners can't match. This ensures that you have direct professional oversight during your treatment to ensure things are not missed and you have someone to assist with any desired changes while creating your new smile!

• Ensure you are working with an orthodontic specialist
• Orthodontists can take X-rays to determine issues under the surface
• Can coordinate with other dental specialists to provide for your total oral health