Frequently Asked Questions

Do you see children?

Yes! Childhood is the ideal time to begin orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic treatment, as the jawbone is still pliable and the teeth are still developing. Dr. Athar even offers Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics, which can help your son or daughter avoid the need for more extensive treatment down the road!

Our team loves spending time with young patients, making them laugh, and helping them feel genuinely at ease throughout their appointments. We hope to see your family at one of our locations soon.

At what age should someone first go to the orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontics strongly recommends that children visit the orthodontist by the age of seven, even if they still have most of their baby teeth. Dr. Athar can pinpoint potential orthodontic concerns at very early stages, and your loved one’s treatment will most likely be simpler and less invasive than if the problem was left alone for a few more years. We can help them develop a harmonious, properly functioning relationship between the jaw, teeth, and bite!

How do you brush and floss teeth with braces?

Here are some tips:

• Remember to brush at least twice per day and for two minutes at a time.
• Food particles can easily become trapped between the brackets and the gum tissue, as well as the orthodontic wires and the teeth. Take your time to ensure that these areas have been fully cleaned.
• There are some special tools patients can use to maximize their oral hygiene routine with braces, such as an interdental toothbrush or a water pick.
• Getting the floss under the archwire may seem impossible, but it’s easy with the help of a floss threader. Just pull one end of the floss through the threader and then push the threader itself under the wire. When it’s in the right place, you will likely hear a squeak.

I don’t want to wear metal braces. Are there any other options?

Absolutely. Dr. Athar offers a wide variety of orthodontic treatments, many of which are aesthetically pleasing in nature. For instance, there’s clear and ceramic braces, which contain the same elements as traditional braces but are much subtler to the eye. Alternatively, Invisalign® treatment gets rid of brackets and wires altogether, replacing them with clear aligners. Our team can help you determine which option best fits your needs and preferences.

My braces are damaged/hurting. Can you help me?

Yes. Bringing Smiles offers emergency care upon request, so please don’t hesitate to contact any of our practice locations if you need help. You can also visit our orthodontic emergencies page for more tips on how to manage your situation when faced with several common emergency situations.

How long will I have to wear braces?

Every patient’s needs are different, but our team can provide a likely estimate after fully examining your current condition and recommending possible treatment options. Most patients can expect their treatment process to fall somewhere between six months and thirty months.

Will you take my insurance?

Bringing Smiles is happy to work with virtually all insurance plans, and affordable financing is also available! To learn more, please visit our new patients page.