General
Airway Centered Orthodontics is an approach that focuses not only on straightening teeth but also on improving the patient's overall airway health. It considers the relationship between orthodontic issues and potential breathing problems.
Common symptoms of airway issues include snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent mouth breathing, and sleep disturbances. Addressing these symptoms can contribute to better overall health.
Malocclusion refers to misalignment of the teeth or incorrect positioning of the jaw. This condition can lead to bite problems and impact both oral health and facial aesthetics.
Yes, we offer virtual care options to provide convenience and accessibility for consultations, progress checks, and addressing non-emergency concerns remotely.
The frequency of in-office appointments varies based on individual treatment plans. Generally, regular check-ups occur every 4-8 weeks to monitor progress and make adjustments.
Yes, we accept transfer cases. We will assess your previous orthodontic records and work with you to continue your treatment seamlessly.
Yes, it's essential to continue regular dental check-ups with your dentist for cleanings and other preventive care, even during orthodontic treatment.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily help prevent issues like cavities and gum disease.
You can schedule appointments through our office, either by phone or online. We aim to accommodate your schedule as much as possible.
Orthodontic treatment can enhance oral health, improve bite function, and contribute to an attractive smile. It may also address issues related to airway health and overall well-being.
In the case of an orthodontic emergency, contact our office immediately. We will provide guidance on how to address the issue at home or schedule an emergency appointment if necessary.
Treatments
To determine if you're a candidate for Invisalign®, schedule a consultation. We'll assess your specific orthodontic needs and discuss the most suitable treatment options for you. Our doctors use Invisalign® for simple and complex cases and feel confident it the product's abilty to provide outstanding outcomes.
Braces involve metal or ceramic brackets and wires, while Invisalign® uses a highly designed plastic to move teeth. See our treatments page for more information.
To determine if you're a candidate for Invisalign®, schedule a consultation. We'll assess your specific orthodontic needs and discuss the most suitable treatment options for you. Our doctors use Invisalign® for simple and complex cases and feel confident it the product's abilty to provide outstanding outcomes.
Your treatment time will be assessed at the exam and is not longer with clear aligners versus braces, unless compliance is an issue. The length of time is determined by the doctor and depends on the severity of malocclusion.
The average orthodontic treatment duration varies but typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. Individual cases may be shorter or longer based on complexity and patient compliance.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child has their first exam at age 7, however we believe in starting earlier if symptoms related to sleep disordered breathing are present. Please contact our office or fill out our health history form so that our doctors can determine if your child would benefit from early treatment.
Clean your Invisalign® aligners regularly with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that is not colored. If plaque accumulates on the tray, you can soak it in a mix of distilled white vinegar and water to soften the buildup and then brush it away. There are also a lot of products online that can help.
We feel strongly in reducing plastic waste and protecting our planet. Please bring in your old aligners so that we can recylce them for you!
Contact our office immediately if you lose or misplace an aligner. Depending on the situation, we may advise you to move to the next aligner or provide further instructions to ensure treatment progress.
Yes, we may offer orthodontic devices to help manage mild to moderate sleep apnea. These devices reposition the jaw to keep the airway open during sleep, promoting better breathing.
Treatment for TMJ/TMD may include orthodontic intervention, such as diagnostic imaging, splint therapy, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to determine the most suitable approach for your case.
First Visit
The initial appointment is approximately 30 minutes for the exam and 30 minutes for the records, which we advise to be completed before the exam to save you time and to make the most out of your initial visit.
During the initial exam, we conduct a comprehensive assessment, which includes a discussion of your medical and dental history, an examination of your teeth and bite, and an X-ray, photos, and a digital scan if the records are taken the same day. This information helps us formulate a personalized and thorough treatment plan.
Yes, especially after the initial exam, a follow-up consultation is scheduled if the patient desires (or if records were taken after the exam) to discuss the radiographic findings and any follow up questions or concerns you may have. The doctors use a 3D model built from your imaging to illustrate their finalized treatment plan. This consultation is an opportunity for open communication and ensures you are well-informed about your orthodontic care.
Please fill out the health history form ahead of time. We also recommend that you/your child are up to date with any dental work and are actively in the care of a general dentist. If you don't have one, we can refer you or your child as necessary.
Financial Information
No, the cost is the same. Dr. Ferrari and Dr. Larios are very comfortable at using either appliance and will work with the patients choice.
No, we are not in network with any insurance. However, we'll assist you in verifying coverage and understanding how your plan can be utilized for orthodontic treatment.
Yes, if you have multiple dental plans, we can assist in coordinating benefits to optimize coverage. Our team is experienced in handling insurance matters to help make orthodontic care more financially accessible.
To determine the cost of treatment, it is best to schedule an exam. During the appointment, we will evaluate your specific needs and provide a detailed treatment plan, including a transparent breakdown of costs.
We work with a variety of insurance plans. Contact our office with your insurance details, and we'll assist you in verifying coverage and understanding how your plan can be utilized for orthodontic treatment.
We offer in-house financing and flexible payment plans to ensure that quality orthodontic care remains accessible for our patients. We believe in making orthodontics available to everyone independent of financial means.
Frequently asked questions
If you need more information, we’re just a call, text, or email away.