Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about orthodontic treatment at Haeger Orthodontics. Can’t find what you’re looking for? We’re here to help!
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Getting Started
How much will my treatment cost?
Treatment costs vary based on individual needs and complexity. Most treatments range from $4,000 to $9,300. We provide a detailed treatment plan with exact costs during your free consultation. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
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Do you accept my insurance?
We work with most major insurance providers and will help maximize your benefits. We accept assignment of benefits and file claims on your behalf. Our team will verify your coverage and explain your benefits before treatment begins.
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What are my payment options?
We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest financing available. Options include payment in full (with discount), monthly payment plans, and other financing solutions. We work with every family to find a comfortable payment plan.
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How long will treatment take?
Treatment time varies by case complexity, typically ranging from 12-24 months. Simple cases may take 6-12 months, while complex cases might need 24-30 months. We’ll provide an estimated timeline during your consultation and monitor progress at each visit.
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How often will I have appointments?
Most patients visit us every 6-10 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. Appointments typically last 20-30 minutes. We offer flexible scheduling including after-school and Saturday appointments to accommodate busy schedules.
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Can I choose my appointment times?
Yes! We offer convenient scheduling with early morning and after-school. We work hard to accommodate your schedule and prefer to see you at times that work best for you and your family.
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Treatment Questions
Does getting braces hurt?
Getting braces placed is painless! You may experience some tenderness for 3-5 days after initial placement or adjustments as teeth begin to move. This is completely normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Most patients adjust quickly and any discomfort is temporary.
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How do I know if I need braces?
Common signs include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite), difficulty chewing, or jaw pain. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Adults can benefit from treatment at any age!
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What's the difference between braces and Invisalign?
Braces use brackets and wires attached to teeth and work 24/7. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that you wear 20-22 hours daily. Braces are ideal for complex cases and typically more cost-effective. Invisalign offers aesthetic appeal and convenience for eating and cleaning. Both deliver excellent results – we’ll help you choose the best option for your lifestyle and goals.
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Can adults get braces?
Absolutely! About 1 in 4 orthodontic patients is an adult. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. We offer discreet options like clear braces and Invisalign. Many adults seek treatment for confidence, professional advancement, or long-term oral health. It’s never too late for the smile you’ve always wanted!
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Will I need to have teeth removed?
Most patients do NOT need extractions. Modern orthodontics focuses on preserving teeth whenever possible. When extractions are necessary (severe crowding, impacted teeth), we’ll thoroughly explain why and coordinate with your dentist or oral surgeon. Our goal is always to preserve healthy teeth.
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What are rubber bands for?
Elastics (rubber bands) help correct bite relationships by applying gentle pressure to move teeth into proper alignment. They work with your braces to achieve optimal results. Wearing them as directed is crucial for treatment success and timeline. We’ll show you exactly how and when to wear them.
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How do I clean my braces?
Brush after every meal for 2-3 minutes using a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle. Use fluoride toothpaste and take extra time around brackets and wires. Floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser. We’ll demonstrate proper techniques and provide care instructions.
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Living with Braces
What foods should I avoid?
Avoid hard foods (nuts, hard candy, ice), sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy), and crunchy foods (popcorn, chips). Also avoid biting into whole apples or corn on the cob – cut them first! These foods can break brackets or bend wires. We’ll provide a complete list of foods to enjoy and avoid.
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Can I play sports with braces?
Yes! We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. Orthodontic mouthguards are specially designed to fit over braces. We can provide recommendations or custom mouthguards. Never let braces stop you from staying active!
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Can I play musical instruments?
Absolutely! There may be a short adjustment period (typically 1-2 weeks) as you adapt to playing with braces. Most musicians continue without issues. For brass players, we can provide orthodontic wax to protect your lips. Many professional musicians have had braces!
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What if a bracket comes off?
Don’t panic! This occasionally happens. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment. If the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place and use wax for comfort. If it comes off completely, save it and bring it to your appointment. We’ll fix it quickly!
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How do I brush with braces?
Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled brush. Angle bristles at 45 degrees toward the gumline. Clean above and below each bracket. Brush chewing surfaces and behind teeth. Spend 2-3 minutes total. Use an interdental brush for hard-to-reach areas. We’ll demonstrate the proper technique!
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What are the colored rubber bands?
Colored elastic ties (ligatures) hold the wire to each bracket. You can choose from dozens of colors at each appointment! Popular choices include school colors, holiday themes, or favorite sports teams. Some patients prefer clear or silver for a subtle look. It’s a fun way to personalize your smile!
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Will braces affect my speech?
You may notice a slight adjustment period of a few days to a week, especially with certain sounds. This is temporary! Your tongue will quickly adapt to the braces. Practice reading aloud to speed up adjustment. Most people don’t notice any long-term speech changes.
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Invisalign Specific
How many hours per day must I wear aligners?
Wear your aligners 20-22 hours per day for best results. Remove them only for eating, drinking anything besides water, and cleaning. Consistent wear is essential to stay on track with your treatment timeline. The more you wear them, the faster you’ll achieve your dream smile!
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Can I eat with Invisalign?
Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything except water. This prevents staining and damage. After eating, brush your teeth before putting aligners back in. This flexibility is one of Invisalign’s biggest advantages – enjoy your favorite foods without restrictions!
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How do I clean my aligners?
Rinse aligners with lukewarm water and brush gently with a soft toothbrush and clear antibacterial soap. Clean them morning and night when you brush your teeth. Avoid hot water (can warp plastic) and colored soaps (can stain). You can also use Invisalign cleaning crystals or denture cleaner for deep cleaning.
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Will anyone notice I'm wearing them?
Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible! Most people won’t notice unless you tell them. The clear plastic blends naturally with your teeth. This makes Invisalign popular with adults, teens, and anyone who wants discreet treatment. Smile confidently throughout your treatment!
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What if I lose an aligner?
Contact us immediately! Depending on your treatment stage, we may recommend wearing your previous set, moving to the next set, or ordering a replacement. Never go without aligners for extended periods as teeth can shift back. Keep your previous set as backup. Replacement fees may apply.
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How often do I change aligners?
Typically every 1-2 weeks, as directed by your treatment plan. We monitor your progress every 6-8 weeks to ensure teeth are moving properly. You’ll receive multiple sets at once, so you don’t need to visit for every change. It’s exciting to switch to new aligners and see your progress!
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After Treatment
How long do I wear my retainer?
Initially, wear your retainer full-time (except when eating or brushing) for 3-6 months. Then transition to night-time wear only. Many patients wear retainers at night indefinitely to maintain their beautiful smile. Teeth can shift at any age, so retention is a lifelong commitment!
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What happens if I don't wear my retainer?
Teeth will gradually shift back toward their original positions. This can happen surprisingly quickly – sometimes in just weeks or months! Consistent retainer wear preserves your investment and beautiful results. If you’ve missed wearing your retainer, contact us immediately so we can evaluate and prevent further shifting.
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Can my teeth shift after braces?
Yes, teeth can shift at any age without proper retention. This is why retainers are crucial! Factors like wisdom teeth, aging, grinding, and genetics can cause shifting. Wearing your retainer as prescribed prevents this. Think of retainers as the final phase of treatment, not an optional add-on.
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How do I clean my retainer?
Brush your retainer daily with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Use mild dish soap or retainer cleaner – avoid toothpaste as it can be abrasive. Soak in denture cleaner or retainer cleaning solution weekly. Rinse thoroughly before wearing. Store in your case when not in use to prevent loss or damage.
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What if I lose my retainer?
Contact us immediately! We’ll schedule an appointment to make a new retainer. Don’t wait – teeth can shift quickly without retention. Replacement fees apply. To prevent loss: always use your case, never wrap in napkins, keep away from pets, and consider ordering a spare retainer.
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Financial
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to fit every budget. Most families make a down payment and spread the remaining balance over monthly installments throughout treatment. No interest charges on our in-house payment plans!
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What if I can't make a payment?
We understand life happens! Please contact our office immediately if you’re having difficulty making payments. We’ll work with you to adjust your payment plan or find solutions. Communication is key – we want to help you complete treatment successfully.
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Does insurance cover orthodontics?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, typically covering $1,000-$3,000 of treatment. Coverage varies by plan. We’ll verify your benefits before treatment begins and file claims on your behalf. We accept assignment of benefits, so your insurance pays us directly.
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Are there family discounts?
Yes! We offer discounts when multiple family members are in treatment simultaneously. We also have discounts for payment in full and sometimes offer special promotions. Ask about current offers during your consultation. We believe every family deserves access to quality orthodontic care.
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Emergency & Urgent Care
What constitutes an orthodontic emergency?
True emergencies are rare but include: severe pain, significant trauma to face/mouth, infection or swelling, or a wire puncturing tissue. Most issues (loose bracket, poking wire, lost aligner) are urgent but not emergencies. Use orthodontic wax for temporary relief and call us during business hours.
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What should I do if something breaks?
Stay calm! If a bracket comes loose, leave it in place if comfortable or remove and save it. Use wax on poking wires. If a wire breaks, use wire cutters (sterilized with alcohol) to carefully trim the end. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment. We’ll see you quickly!
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Who do I call after hours?
For true emergencies after hours, call our office number and follow prompts for emergency contact. For trauma, go to emergency room. For urgent but non-emergency issues (broken bracket, poking wire), use wax for comfort and call us first thing in the morning. We’ll accommodate you quickly.
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Can I come in for a same-day appointment?
We do our best to accommodate urgent issues same-day or within 24 hours. Call us as soon as possible and explain your situation. We reserve time slots for urgent care. For true emergencies, we’ll see you immediately. Your comfort and treatment success are our priorities!
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Having an Orthodontic Emergency?
While true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we're here to help if you experience severe pain, significant trauma, or infection. For urgent but non-emergency issues like a loose bracket or poking wire, use orthodontic wax for temporary relief and call us during business hours.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! Schedule your free consultation and we’ll answer all your questions in person. Or give us a call – we love talking to patients and families about creating beautiful smiles.