Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Guiding you every step of the way

The journey to a gorgeous smile begins here

If you’re just getting started on your orthodontic journey, we know that you may have many questions and uncertainties. We’ve put together a list of some of the most common questions our patients ask to help you clarify any concerns you may have.

Do you have other questions that aren’t covered here? Don’t worry — you can find more answers here or simply reach out to us. Our amazing team is always ready to lend a hand!

Give us a call at (843) 823-3533, text us at (843) 890-0499, or schedule a free consultation with Dr. Anderson today. We’re excited to create your new and improved smile!

We’ve got all the answers!

What orthodontic problems can you treat at Holy City Orthodontics?

At our practice, our skilled team has experience treating a wide range of orthodontic issues, including:

Misaligned teeth
Overcrowding
Gaps between teeth
Overbites
Underbites
Crossbites
Open bites
Jaw pain
Esthetic alignment

Do you want to find out if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment? Dr. Anderson can evaluate your mouth and help you understand your treatment options during your free initial consultation!

How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?

The duration of your treatment will vary depending on the complexity of your case. On average, treatment can last about 1-2 years. Dr. Anderson will assess your needs and provide you with an estimated treatment timeline during your initial free consultation.

Can adults get orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely! Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Whether you had braces when you were younger and have experienced some shifting, or you’ve never had treatment before, all adults are eligible for treatment at our office! Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to improve their smile and correct dental issues. Dr. Anderson will assess your specific needs and create a customized treatment plan just for you.

How often do I need to visit Dr. Anderson during treatment?

Scheduling regular appointments with our office is one of the best ways to ensure your treatment stays on track! We typically see patients in braces every 4-8 weeks, and patients in Invisalign every 8-12 weeks to check on the progress of treatment. These visits will allow us to monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments, and address any concerns you may have.

Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, but the extent of coverage varies. Our friendly staff will work with you to help you navigate insurance matters and maximize your benefits. Ask us about our flexible payment options with 0% interest!

What age is best for orthodontic treatment?

Whether you’re 5 or 95, you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment! In fact, orthodontic treatment can help people of all ages. It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists to have an initial orthodontic consultation no later than age 7. An early evaluation gives your orthodontist the chance to spot orthodontic problems and intervene before they become a bigger problem. It’s never too late or too soon to get the smile you deserve!

What types of braces are available at Holy City Orthodontics?

Gone are the days when metal braces were the only option for people with orthodontic issues! Today, there are a variety of braces to choose from — from traditional braces and ceramic braces (tooth-colored braces), to clear aligners like Invisalign. Dr. Anderson will work with you to help you determine the best option for your specific case.

Will orthodontic treatment be painful?

It’s common to experience some mild pressure or sensitivity as your teeth adjust to your new braces or aligners. Our compassionate team will help you manage any discomfort and ensure your treatment is as comfortable as possible.

What’s the cost of orthodontic treatment?

The cost of treatment varies depending on factors such as the complexity of your case and the duration of your treatment. During your free initial consultation, our team will provide you with a detailed estimate of costs.

Can orthodontic treatment fix speech problems?

Yes! Orthodontic treatment can have a positive effect on many speech issues. Sometimes, misaligned teeth or jaw irregularities can lead to challenges like lisping, trouble pronouncing certain sounds, or even difficulties with tongue placement during speech. Orthodontic treatment can create a balanced and aligned oral environment, which means improved articulation and clearer speech.

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Information & Care Instructions

Invisalign

Aligners must be worn 22 hours a day to achieve a successful result; remove them only to eat and to brush.
Each pack of Invisalign is numbered and should be worn in sequence. If you lose an aligner, please call us for instructions specific to your case. We will most likely tell you to move on to the next tray.
Be sure to store your aligners in their case when you are not wearing them. Do not put them in a napkin and keep them away from pets!
Clean aligners by carefully brushing them with the toothpaste left on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. You can also clean them with warm (not hot) water and dish soap.
You can drink with your Invisalign in. We just ask if it is a sugary or colored drink, you swish with water afterwards. We will also provide you with retainer brite tablets for a deeper clean.
If you find there is a rough spot on your aligners where you have been taking them in and out, you can use a small nail file to file down that area. It will not damage the integrity of the tray!
Floss and brush your teeth as you normally would, morning and night!

Braces

When you get your braces on, you may feel general soreness in your mouth, and your teeth may be tender to biting pressures. The lips, cheeks, and tongue may also become irritated for one to two weeks as they get accustomed to the surface of the braces. You can put wax on the braces to lessen this!
Avoid hard and crunchy foods such as Takis, hard candies, popcorn, hard chips, and hard nuts. Fruits and vegetables should be cut into smaller, more manageable bites before eating!
It’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly when you have braces! Flossing is a critical step in your dental hygiene routine to remove any food particles and bacteria from the nooks and crannies. Use either a floss threader or a platypus flosser (found on Amazon) to floss with braces.
If you have a broken bracket, loose or poking wire, or something else that is causing discomfort, please call our office. You can take small nail clippers to clip any poking wires or use wax over the problem area until we are able to get you in to fix the issue. Do whatever you need to do to get comfortable if we aren’t able to get you in immediately!
If you play sports, we recommend a ShockDoctor braces mouthguard (found on Amazon) to be worn in case of any accident involving the face.

Retainers

Retainers are “nighttime for a lifetime” and meant to be worn to bed every night after treatment is completed!

Cleaning:
- ALWAYS brush your retainers when you brush your teeth in the morning
- Use what is left on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth in the morning to clean your retainers, or use warm water and hand soap
- For a deeper clean, use retainer brite tablets or an ultrasonic retainer cleaner (both can be found on Amazon)

If you’ve lost your retainer, broken your retainer or your retainers are not fitting please contact our office as soon as possible.
There will be a charge to replace lost, broken, or ill-fitting retainers of treatment:

$100 per retainer with the molds provided by our office at the end of treatment
$250 per retainer without the molds provided by our office

Expanders

Instructions
- In a well-lit area, have the patient lay on the bed or couch. Tilt their head up and tell them to open wide so you can see the appliance.
- Place the key in the hole until it is firmly in place.
- Turn the key toward the back of the mouth until you see the next hole.
- Carefully remove the key in a downward direction. The next hole for insertion of the key should be visible now.
Don’t freak out if you notice a big space open between the front tooth teeth. This means the expander is doing its job!!
The expander, when activated or turned, can cause some slight discomfort and pressure. To help with this you may want to take what you would normally take for a headache.
Your speech may be affected. This is not permanent and the best way to get used to this is to speak or sing aloud as much as possible.
Avoid sticky foods such as taffy, gum & caramel.
Call us if you have any questions or concerns!

Affordable Orthodontic Care

Invest in Your Smile

We know that navigating insurance coverage and paperwork can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s for yourself or your child, we’ll gladly work together with you to determine your insurance coverage and handle any necessary paperwork. Our goal is to ensure that the payment process is as seamless as possible!

Flexible Payment Options

We work with you to create a customized payment plan that fits your needs! To accommodate your budget, we offer flexible payment plans with adjustable initial and monthly payments. Most of our plans even have 0% interest! Don’t forget to inquire about our paid-in-full and family discounts!