Orthodontic Treatment FAQs

Get your questions answered by our experienced orthodontist in Las Vegas.

Kids & Teens Orthodontic Questions

Guiding your family to better smiles and informed decisions.

  • At what age should I schedule an orthodontic evaluation?
    The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that everyone get an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.

    Typically, orthodontic treatment is not started at this age, but there are some instances where treatment may be recommended. We don’t want to miss out on this “window of opportunity” to catch something early before it becomes a bigger problem.

  • Will teeth straighten out as they grow or erupt into the mouth?
    No, the jaws are done growing around age 8-9 years old. At that age, there are usually 12-16 more permanent teeth that need to erupt.

    If you see crowding, cross-bites, overjets, or underbites at age 7-9, it’ll most likely get worse as bigger, permanent teeth come in.

  • Can the orthodontic treatment be done if there are still baby teeth?
    Yes. Some orthodontic issues require early intervention, which is called Phase I treatment. We can do growth modification treatment to correct: cross-bites, underbites, excessive overbites, noticeable spacing, space maintenance, crowding, and tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking habits.

    At this young age, the teeth and the bones move better, faster, and with less sensitivity. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we’ll follow the patient’s growth and development until the time is right.

  • Will my child need braces in the future if they have Phase I treatment?
    Most children who undergo Phase I treatment will also need braces in their teenage years once the baby teeth are out. However, this second orthodontic treatment is usually not as long, complex, or sensitive.

    After Phase I treatment, we’ll continue monitoring your child and making further recommendations as time goes on.

  • Do braces hurt?
    Getting braces does not hurt. Some patients may become a little sore after getting their braces, but that usually goes away quickly.

    If needed, you can take Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours for the soreness. You don’t need any prescription medication for orthodontics.

  • How much do braces cost?
    It’s impossible to give an exact price for treatment until the initial consultation.

    We make treatment more affordable with several payment plans available for your individual needs. Our team will review options with you plus your insurance policy to help maximize your benefits and file claims on your behalf.

  • How does my insurance work?
    We accept almost all insurances and subtract the insurance benefit from the total cost. We bill the insurance directly for your convenience.
  • Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
    Every patient is different in this regard. But, most of the time, we can align our patients’ teeth without any extractions.
Dr. Webster talking to a female patient
Dr. Webster talking to a female patient

Adult Orthodontics

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