Frequently Asked Questions

A: Orthodontic treatment can range between $50 - $5,000, depending on the complexity and duration of care. We take great pride in offering the best possible care at the absolute most reasonable fees.

A: We offer payment plans that are flexible and friendly. Let us know what works for you and we will make it happen. Insurance is welcome and credit cards are also accepted.

A: Dr. King will estimate your treatment time at the initial exam. Depending on the complexity of your case, treatment can range anywhere from 2 months to 2 years.

A: We like to see our patients approximately once every 4-6 weeks. However, this time frame can sometimes be extended to every 8 weeks, depending on your individualized plan of care and what you have going on in life.

A: An attractive smile improves self-esteem and self-confidence. In addition, well-aligned teeth are easier to take care of and keep clean. Brushing and flossing become more effective, leading to fewer cavities and decreased risk of gum disease. Plus, a bite that fits properly is much more comfortable, preventing adverse wear of the biting surfaces and making your teeth less likely to chip or break. There is even some evidence that a properly fitting bite improves TMJ health and function.

A: Make no mistake; braces or Invisalign can take some time to get used to. Since your teeth and jaws are changing during the treatment process, there may be some minor discomfort. An over-the-counter pain reliever (Tylenol or Ibuprofen) can eliminate the soreness if needed. Unlike most orthodontic offices, we do NOT use the painful separators and metal bands that surround the molars. Instead, small, pain-free braces are bonded directly to the sides of the back teeth, very similarly to how front braces are typically placed. The advantages are better oral hygiene and much, much greater comfort.

A: We prefer not to extract permanent teeth if at all possible. However, in some cases extraction will allow for much better results.

A: Yes! Extra time and effort are required for proper oral hygiene. We will show you how to best care for your teeth, gums, and braces to maintain good dental health.

A: Your cooperation is essential for optimal results. This includes maintaining proper oral hygiene, consistently wearing rubber bands, and keeping appointments as scheduled. Orthodontic treatment is a team effort and you are the most important member of the team!

A: Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontics. Children are typically not treated until after age 7, while adults of any age make great patients.

A: It is recommended that a child's first visit to an orthodontist take place by age seven. By this time, enough permanent teeth have come in and jaw growth has occurred to identify current and future problems. Although treatment may not actually be started until years later, early examination allows proper evaluation and planning for the best treatment program.

A: We may recommend having your family dentist extract certain baby teeth to alleviate crowding or to allow permanent teeth to grow in better.

A: Orthodontic treatment and a child's growth can complement each other. Usually, the adolescent growth spurt helps us to properly correct discrepancies in the fit of the upper and lower jaws.

A: Absolutely! Just ask Dr. King for a free protective sports mouth guard specially made for braces.

A: Usually there is no problem playing musical instruments while wearing braces from King Ortho. We use very small, low-profile braces that accommodate most musical instruments quite well. If there is difficulty, a little practice will cure the problem.

A: Missed appointments, frequent broken braces, or very poor oral hygiene can cause treatment to last longer than expected. Also, in some cases, teeth may simply move very, very slowly, leading to extended treatment time.

A: After braces are removed, teeth can shift out of position if they are not stabilized. Retainers allow the gums and jaw bone to heal while holding the teeth in their newly aligned positions. After healing, retainers are typically worn just at night.

A: A consultation with an oral surgeon or your family dentist will help you determine if removal of your wisdom teeth is necessary. We will refer you for a consultation during or after orthodontic treatment if needed. Every precaution will be taken to ensure your wisdom teeth do not cause crowding of your newly straightened teeth.

A: There are a few really good options. Place wax on the sharp area or if the wire is long you can clip it with a nail clipper.

A: Sometimes if a brace is traumatized by an accidental blow to the face, or from chewing hard food, it may become loose. If this happens, remember the brace is often still attached to the wire. Simply give us a call during normal office hours and we will get you in to repair it.

A: First, and foremost, seek immediate emergency medical care with a physician at the hospital. Broken bones and lacerations take priority over your orthodontic braces. After those issues are addressed, please contact us to schedule repair or removal of any loose braces and wires per your physician's orders. For after hours emergency appointments, there is a fee of $825 required before care is provided. This is to cover doctor & assistant time, travel, diagnosis, X-rays, and treatment. Insurance will not cover this fee. Please message us at emergency@kingbraces.com and we will promptly respond. Emergency care for patients of record during normal office hours is typically provided at no charge.