How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, but most patients can expect orthodontic treatment to last between 12 and 24 months.

You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but this typically fades quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

What is the best age to see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation around age 7, but treatment can begin at any age depending on individual needs.

What is the difference between braces and clear aligners?

Braces use brackets and wires to move teeth, while clear aligners use removable trays. Both are effective, but the best option depends on your specific case.

How often will I need appointments?

Most patients visit every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments or progress checks, depending on the treatment plan.

Do I need to wear a retainer after treatment?

Yes. Retainers help maintain your results by keeping your teeth in their new positions after treatment is complete.

Can adults get orthodontic treatment?

Absolutely. Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to improve their smile, bite, and oral health. Modern options make treatment more discreet and comfortable.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Costs vary depending on the type of treatment and complexity of the case. Flexible payment options and financing are typically available.

Frequently Asked Questions | Cherry Orchard Oral Surgery

Please bring the following:

driver’s license or picture ID
dental insurance card
medical insurance card
medication list
referral information from your dentist
your completed new patient paperwork
your method of payment

In many cases, your dentist will send our office the most recent x-rays they have on file prior to your scheduled appointment. Dr. Cherry will review these x-rays and determine if a more current x-ray or another type of x-ray is needed to discuss your future treatment. Keep in mind that adolescent children or young adults that are still growing may need more current x-rays prior to surgery because their continuous growth often shifts the position of their teeth. Additionally, if your dentist recommended that Dr. Cherry discuss implant treatment with you, it is likely that a more complex 3D x-ray will need to be exposed here in our office.

Most of the exams we offer in our office cost $105.00, and if an x-ray is needed for the appointment, that is usually an additional cost of $135.00. In some cases, your insurance may cover the cost of these fees. Most insurance companies do limit the number of exams and x-rays they will cover per a specific period of time. We ask that you come to your appointment prepared for the initial $240.00 in the event that your insurance does not provide coverage for these services.

At each new patient appointment, Dr. Cherry will evaluate important aspects of your health history and your current medications. He will also discuss his recommendations with you regarding anesthesia options in relation to the difficulty of your proposed treatment. We will do our best to accommodate same-day treatment when it is feasible. However, due to the above-mentioned considerations, Dr. Cherry may not always recommend treatment during your first visit in our office. Dr. Cherry’s main objective is that we proceed with your treatment with your utmost safety and comfort in mind.

In most cases, our administrative team will file your insurance claims on your behalf. For many procedures, you will be provided with an estimate of your insurance coverage prior to the completion of your consultation appointment. There are some instances when more time may be needed to provide you with an appropriate estimate.

You will be asked to pay your estimated co-payment on the date of service. Most insurance claims take about 30-45 days to process. After all claims have finished processing, you will be notified if your insurance paid differently than originally estimated and of any remaining balance on the account.

We are in-network providers with the following dental carriers:

Blue Cross Blue Shield
Guardian
Cigna DPPO
Delta Dental Premier

We file to many other dental insurance carriers as well for out-of-network benefits.

Typically, most new patient appointments are approximately 1 hour. More time may be needed if treatment is performed on the same day or if the treatment discussed during the consultation is particularly comprehensive in nature.

Since individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors, they are not legally allowed to consent to treatment. A parent will be asked to attend ALL appointments with any patients under the age of 18. This applies to all types of appointments, including consultations, surgeries, and post-operative appointments.

Upon your request, your general dentist will typically email current x-rays and specific referral information to our office. You may want to check with your general dentist’s office prior to your appointment time to make sure these items were sent to our office. It is your responsibility to provide our office with information concerning your insurance and your health history via your new patient paperwork.

If you are an established patient scheduled for an upcoming surgery, please refer to our Patient Instructions section for both preoperative and post-operative instructions. These can be downloaded or printed for your convenience and will be reiterated at your surgical appointment by a team member. You may also review a sample of our consent form in this section as well.

FAQs

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

Will I need to have x-rays taken?

How much will my first visit cost?

Will my tooth be extracted on my first visit?

How does the insurance filing process work?

What insurance carriers are we in-network with?

How long will my appointment be?

If the patient is under the age of 18, will a parent or guardian need to be present at each appointment?

Will all of my information be sent to your office from my general dentist?

What instructions are there for my upcoming appointment?

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