Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question for our team? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! We get interesting questions from our patients every day, so we decided to include answers to some of the most common ones right here on this page. If you still have a question after reading everything, be sure to just call and ask us! We’re more than happy to take the time to make sure you completely understand your orthodontic care.
Why should I see an orthodontist to straighten my teeth instead of a dentist?
Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that specifically deals with diagnosing and fixing problems concerning the alignment of the teeth and jaw. In order to become certified in this specialty, a dentist has to take years of both classroom and hands-on training. While a general dentist might have a slight grasp on how to apply orthodontic treatment, they won’t nearly be able to provide the same type of personalized care or varied treatment options like a fully board-certified orthodontist such as Dr. Timothy Wigal. With Dr. Wigal, he’ll be able to customize your care to not only straighten your teeth, but also make sure they function properly and enhance your overall appearance as well.
When should my child see an orthodontist for the first time?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a child should have an orthodontic evaluation by the time they are about 7 years old. At this age, all of their baby teeth should have come in, and the adult teeth are probably starting to erupt as well. With this early appointment, Dr. Wigal will be able to make sure your child’s teeth are developing correctly and head off any problems that might occur in the future.
Do I really need to straighten my child’s teeth?
Many parents believe that crooked or crowded baby teeth aren’t really a problem because they’ll eventually fall out. However, the alignment of the baby teeth has a direct influence on how the adult teeth will come in, so by straightening the baby teeth, a child will more likely require less (if any) treatment for their adult teeth, which typically takes more time and is more expensive.
Do I have to get metal braces to straighten my teeth?
At our office, no you don’t! This is why you should always get your teeth straightened by an orthodontist; they’ll be able to offer you more treatment options than a general dentist. With us, you can get clear/ceramic braces that are much more subtle in appearance than traditional ones, or Invisalign, which uses nearly invisible aligners to straighten the teeth in the most discreet way possible.
How long will my/my child’s orthodontic treatment last?
Treatment times can vary wildly depending on how many issues a patient needs corrected, how severe they are, and (in the case of children) patient compliance. Generally, it can take about 1-2+ years to complete a treatment, but this is just a rough estimate. To get a more exact idea, you should simply ask Dr. Wigal!
I’m an adult. Is it too late for me to straighten my smile?
No! Wigal Orthodontics is able to help patients of all ages, so if you’ve always wanted to have straighter teeth, it’s not too late! We can even offer more subtle, cosmetically-minded options such as clear/ceramic braces and Invisalign so you can maintain your natural appearance during treatment.
How can I make my orthodontic treatment more affordable?
Our office is always willing to work with you to make sure your orthodontic care fits easily into your budget. We accept a wide array of dental insurance plans, and we can even help you get flexible, low to no interest financing. To learn how we can help make your care more affordable, simply give us a call today.