Patient Resources

You’re probably both nervous and excited before your first orthodontist appointment. Be assured you should be excited about the beautiful smile in your future.

Finance Information

We offer CareCredit because your smile is important to us. CareCredit is a convenient, low minimum monthly payment program for your entire family specifically designed to pay for healthcare and elective treatment not covered by insurance.

CareCredit, the leader in patient financing, has made it easy for more than 4 million patients nationwide to get the treatment they need. For treatment fees from $1 to over $25,000, CareCredit has a variety of low minimum monthly payments plans. So you can start treatment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your First Visit

At the initial visit Dr. Deborah A. Ferrer will perform a comprehensive examination and discuss your treatment plan with you in detail including the cost for your particular case. If Dr. Deborah A. Ferrer feels that you are ready to begin treatment, Diagnostic records will be taken at this visit which include diagnostic models of your teeth, digital X-rays, and digital photographs.

Regular Visits

The appointment when you get your braces or appliances usually takes from one to two hours depending on your treatment. You’ll then see us for regular visits every 6 to 8 weeks for a 30 minute appointment which can be after school or before work hours. Our regular office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM and Friday from 9-12 AM. We value your time and make every effort to run on schedule. If you can not keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. Our schedule is made 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist within field of dentistry. They attend 2-3 years of advanced training after dental school, focusing on tooth movement and facial development.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

A beautiful smile
Better functionality of your bite
Improved self-confidence
Reduced wearing of your teeth, in many cases
Guidance of permanent teeth into ideal position
Improved health of teeth and gums
Easier to clean your teeth by flossing & brushing

What are signs that braces may be needed?

Excessive spaces in between teeth, particularly in the front
Excessive crowding of teeth, causing teeth to rotate
Upper teeth protruding excessively over lower teeth
Lower teeth protruding past the upper teeth
Upper teeth covering the majority of lower teeth when biting
Center of upper teeth do not align with center of lower teeth
Difficulty chewing foods
Excessive or uneven tooth wear

What is the Cost?

The cost of the treatment depends on the severity of the patient’s problem. We have payment plans to suit different budgets. We also accept most insurance plans and file the necessary papers to your insurance company. We work hard to make orthodontics affordable.

Fees

From flexible monthly payments, to outside financing, you will find our team eager to arrange a plan that is gentle on your budget. We do all that we can to see that finances do not stand between you and the necessary treatment. Our above-board policy assures you that there will be no “hidden costs” or unpleasant surprises.

In an effort to keep orthodontic fees affordable while maintaining the highest level of professional care, we have established this financial policy:

We offer a fee courtesy for payment in full at the onset of treatment
We offer automatic withdrawal from your checking or credit card
We accept payment by VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER

At what age should orthodontic treatment begin?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by age seven. Many orthodontic problems can be solved more easily at a younger age, before jaw growth slows, to avoid the need for more complicated procedures. That being said, treatment can be sought out at any age, and there are many attractive treatment options available to adults today that ensure an efficient, aesthetic, and comfortable orthodontic experience.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment duration is dependent on the severity of the case and the compliance of the patient. A patient who maintains good oral hygiene, keeps appointments, and follows instructions throughout treatment will complete their treatment on or ahead of schedule. The average treatment time is typically one to two years.

Is orthodontic treatment painful?

Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are sore for the first few days. Simple, over-the-counter pain medication usually alleviates this. In addition, we provide soft wax and silicone to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.

How often will appointments be?

We average 6-8 weeks between visits, though it depends on the case and treatment plan. In the beginning of treatment, some patients need to be seen more frequently, while others have long (10-12 weeks) intervals between appointments. As we get closer to finishing your treatment, appointments become more frequent. When we factor all visits together, we average about 6 weeks between appointments.