FAQ

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 when there are a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This is a great time to identify any developing problems before they become more complex and harder to correct (i.e. severely crowded teeth, misalignment due to thumb sucking habits, asymmetric jaw growth, underbites, etc). An early visit doesn’t always mean treatment is needed either! If treatment is not needed right away, we offer complimentary growth guidance checkups to monitor proper development and tooth eruption. It’s all about creating a plan to support your child’s healthiest smile as they grow.

Absolutely! It's never too late to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Apart from aesthetics, there are many other reasons why adults seek treatment, such as preventing further wear and trauma on teeth, correcting bite issues, and improving cleansability of your teeth. Adult orthodontics can also help in setting up the foundation for any dental work that’s needed with your dentist (think proper spacing for implants and crowns).

The average treatment time is 12-24 months, but could be less or more depending on the severity of your case. Dr. Shim will give you a more accurate timeline after your consultation.

Yes, clear aligners offer a discreet, comfortable option for those who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. They work amazing for patients that are consistent in wearing them. Clear aligners can offer flexibility for those that are busy and/or have needs where braces would impede their lifestyle. At your consultation, we can discuss if you’re a good candidate.

Clear aligners are nearly invisible and comfortable to wear. They are made of smooth plastic and are designed to fit your teeth precisely. You will have tooth colored “attachments” that help the aligners clip on your teeth and move them better, but they won’t be on every tooth. We can show you examples at your consultation!

Typically, you'll visit every 6-12 weeks. The frequency depends on the type of treatment you're receiving and your progress. Clear aligner patients may have more flexibility in having less appointments as long as they're wearing their aligners as recommended. We offer virtual check-ins and monitoring for visits that require just a quick check!

We are in-network with most major dental insurances, but accept benefits from all insurances. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and maximize your coverage for orthodontic treatment.

We offer flexible payment plans that include no interest options to help you manage the cost of treatment.

The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment you choose. At your consultation, we'll provide a detailed cost estimate and review all insurance coverage and payment plan options.

It's normal to feel some discomfort after getting braces or after adjustments. This usually subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but we can provide patients with a new innovative FDA-approved and drug-free pain relieving tool as part of your treatment. Please ask us at your consultation.

You'll need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage your braces (including popcorn and hard chips). We’ll provide a list of foods to steer clear of during treatment. With clear aligners, there are virtually no dietary restrictions as long as you maintain good oral hygiene.

Brushing and flossing regularly is essential to prevent plaque buildup which can lead to gum overgrowth and cavities. We recommend using an electric toothbrush and braces-specific floss threaders/picks. A Waterpik and Proxa brushes are great tools to help clean around the brackets and wires as well. We can provide you a list at your consultation.

Yes! You can still play sports while wearing braces. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth during physical activities. We can help with recommendations at your consultation.

If something breaks or if you have a concern, don’t worry! Thanks to our virtual tools, we can often take a look and guide you on what to do right from home - sometimes saving you a trip into the office. If it’s something that needs an in-office fix, we’ll get you in promptly.