Orthodontics FAQ
Have questions about braces, Invisalign®, or the treatment process? We’re here to guide you! We believe great care starts with honest answers and open conversations.
Check out these FAQs about orthodontic treatment, and if you don’t see your question listed below, feel free to call or text us! We’re always happy to help.
What are my treatment options?
At Canales Orthodontics, we provide Invisalign® and Spark clear aligners for all ages, as well as custom KLOwen braces with each bracket custom-designed for each tooth. Choose between clear braces or metal braces to suit your style.
On your first visit to our office, or during your virtual consultation, we can help you decide which treatment option is the best match for you.
When should my child come in for their first orthodontic exam?
Do I need a referral from my dentist, to visit an orthodontist?
No referral necessary! While many patients are referred by their family dentist, a referral is not required to make your appointment. We welcome you to schedule your own complimentary consultation with us.
Is orthodontic treatment necessary?
How often are Invisalign appointments, or braces appointments?
The frequency of your appointments will depend on your personalized treatment plan. As much as we’d love to see you every 4 weeks, we know that you’re busy! We use advanced technologies and treatments to reduce office visits and make your experience as convenient and easy as possible.
With virtual care through DentalMonitoring, you can complete regular check-ins through the secured app on your phone, sending photo updates of your smile so we can assess your progress remotely. We monitor your progress between visits and reduce office visits to every 6 to 8 weeks, or 8 to 10 weeks, depending on your treatment plan.
How does DentalMonitoring virtual care work?
Will I need an orthodontic appliance?
We won’t know this until Drs. Angie or Chris completes your assessment. Orthodontic appliances are used for a number of reasons, like widening the jaw to create enough space for teeth, or guiding the jaws into alignment to correct a bite condition (overbite, underbite, open bite or crossbite.)
If you or your child requires an orthodontic appliance, we’ll explain everything you need to know with clear communication, and help you make an informed decision for you or your child’s smile.
Can I get braces the same day as my consultation?
While braces aren’t placed at your very first visit, your smile journey officially begins that day. We’ll take a digital scan, discuss your goals, and design a fully customized treatment plan — whether it’s clear aligners or KLOwen® custom braces. Because your treatment is made just for you, it’s worth taking the time to start it the right way.
What is the cost of clear aligners or braces?
The cost of treatment is calculated based on your specific treatment needs. We offer customized, interest-free financing with flexible down payments and low monthly payments to meet your needs.
We’re upfront about pricing from day one! You’ll always know what to expect, with no hidden fees and no surprises.
- Our down payments are typically between $400 and $700.
- Monthly payments are around $175 to $200 with insurance, or $197 to $240 without insurance.
On your first visit, we’ll calculate your treatment cost, apply your insurance benefit, match you with any discount opportunities, and come up with a payment plan that makes you feel comfortable.
Do I still need to visit my dentist throughout my orthodontic treatment period?
Yes! Dental cleanings are still extremely important. We want to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy throughout treatment. Visit your dentist for professional cleanings every 6 months or however often your dentist advises.
Drs. Angie and Chris are happy to coordinate with your dentist on any needs throughout your treatment as well.
How long will I have to wear braces or Invisalign?
Your treatment plan will be completely personalized to you and your needs! The length of your treatment will be determined based on the severity of your condition but can also be impacted by your diligence in wearing any removable appliances (including clear aligners.)
On your first visit, your orthodontist will assess your smile and give you an estimated treatment length. This can range anywhere from 6 months to 36 months, but the average full treatment time is about 12 months.
By following your treatment plan, wearing your Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene, we can minimize your treatment length as much as possible. Custom KLOwen braces are also known to reduce treatment time by 41% on average!
What happens if my braces bracket breaks or I lose my clear aligners/retainer?
In the event of an ‘orthodontic emergency’, please call our office as soon as possible. Even if you have a regular appointment scheduled, call us immediately to notify us if you need an appliance repaired.
If you’re calling after hours, you’ll be directed to our emergency line option in our voicemail message.
Our goal is to help you fix the situation, take care of any discomfort, and keep you on track in your transformation. Fortunately, with custom KLOwen braces, incidences of broken brackets and wires are reduced by 49%, so it’s possible that you don’t experience any braces emergencies throughout treatment!
In the meantime, check out our comfort care resource page for tips on how to handle loose or floating brackets, poking wires, lost appliances, or soreness.
Am I too old to start orthodontic treatment?
How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
This is why we perform a complimentary exam on your first visit. During your orthodontic exam with Drs. Angie or Chris, we’ll thoroughly assess your condition (including x-rays and diagnostic photos) and ask you about any orthodontic-related symptoms you may be experiencing.
Through this detailed assessment, we’ll determine whether you have an orthodontic condition, then discuss your options with you. We take a conservative approach to treatment, and we will never recommend unnecessary treatment to any patient!
Here are some signs you can look out for to determine whether you would benefit from treatment:
- You have crowding or spacing in your teeth
- You’re not confident in your smile
- You have difficulty breathing, or you breathe through your mouth
- You have difficulty sleeping
- You feel pain when opening or closing your mouth
- Your jaw pops or clicks when opening your mouth
- Your teeth overlap
- Your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth
- Your bottom teeth overlap your top teeth
- You experience persistent soreness in your teeth or gums
1
Schedule a Complimentary Consultation
Book online or call/text our office to find a time that works for you.
2
Come in for Your First Visit
We’ll take a look, listen to your goals, and walk you through your options with no pressure.
3
Start Smiling
Begin your treatment with a personalized plan and a team who treats you like family.