Are Braces For Me?

Most Frequently Asked Questions

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Is orthodontic treatment expensive?

Treatment costs vary depending on the severity of the case and total treatment time. We offer a wide range of payment options and affordable payment plans. Our treatment consultant will be happy to work out a plan that best suits your individual needs. For your convenience, we accept most major credit cards.
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Do you accept orthodontic insurance?

We accept most insurance plans and ask that you bring all of your insurance information with you to your first appointment. We will verify your benefits and assist you in submitting your insurance claim.
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How do I know if my child is in need of orthodontic treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic check-up by age 7. At Pickron, initial consultations with an orthodontist are provided at no charge. During your first visit, we will take a current X-ray and perform a thorough orthodontic examination to provide you with treatment options.
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What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Although it is difficult for you to know if treatment is necessary for your child, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.

Tell your child you are going to play dentist and "examine" their teeth. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between teeth or overlapping teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Ask your child to bite down all the way but keeping the lips open so you can see the teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom? Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth? Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth? Any one of these indicates your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Look at the alignment of your child's jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down? If you see any misalignment or shifting of the jaw, your child may have a skeletal problem, which requires early orthodontic intervention.

These are only some of the obvious symptoms of orthodontic problems but certainly not all.
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Can you be too old for braces?

No, age is not a factor – only the health of your gums and bone which support your teeth. About 35% of our orthodontic patients are adults…and that number is still growing!
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Will it hurt to wear braces?

Orthodontic treatment has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces may make your teeth sore for a few days but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Today's braces are 30% smaller, more comfortable and use technology that reduces discomfort. At Pickron we use In-Ovation R the very latest braces and only the highest quality orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.
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Can I still have braces if I have missing teeth?

Yes. When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth will drift into the empty space. This causes functional, esthetic or periodontal problems. Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment so your family dentist can replace the missing teeth.
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How should I go about making the first appointment?

We suggest that you contact our patient care department at 770-448-8882. They will assist you in determining which location will be the most convenient for you and answer any questions you may have about your first visit and our practice. Please note that initial consultations are provided at no charge.
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Can I wait until my child is older?

If your child needs Two-Phase Treatment, it usually means there is a difficult problem that requires attention now. If no action is taken, treatment options become limited and more difficult. Long term stability may be compromised. Postponing treatment may also lead to extractions, oral surgery and increase costs.
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Why is a retainer needed?

Once the active period of alignment is completed, the braces are removed and retainers are made to hold teeth in their new positions while the gums, bones, etc. settle into “their” new positions. As children continue to grow, their facial structure may also change. If so, a retainer can be used to keep the teeth in alignment during this growth period. For adults, their facial structure also changes as they age and a retainer can be worn to keep the teeth aligned.

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What happens if my teeth move?

At Pickron, we stand behind the work we do with a Lifetime Guarantee. If your teeth ever require re-straightening after you complete your treatment with Pickron, we will gladly replace your braces at no charge. The only cost to you is a monthly charge for adjustments and the cost of a new retainer.
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How long does comprehensive orthodontic treatment take?

Generally, full orthodontic treatment takes from 18 to 30 months. It will take longer with a complicated case or if the patient does not follow the orthodontist’s instructions.
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What is Two-Phase Treatment?

The first phase of Two-Phase Treatment usually starts while the child still has most of his or her baby teeth and a few permanent front teeth (usually at about age 7). The goal of the first phase is to reduce or eliminate crooked front teeth and align the jaws for better growth and development. With Phase I treatment, we can change a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one by improving the size, shape and positions of the underlying jaws for better growth and facial development. This helps reduce the need for extractions or surgery and delivers better long-term results.
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How long does the Phase I treatment last?

Usually 18 months, with a rest period before beginning the second phase of treatment (at age 11-13 in order to achieve an ideal bite).
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How do I know if my child needs Phase I treatment?

Most common symptoms are severely crowded front teeth or severe overbites. With a couple of X-rays and a visual examination, a qualified orthodontist can tell you if there will be sufficient room for the teeth and if the jaws are growing properly.
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What is Phase II Treatment and how long does it last?

Phase II treatment occurs after all of the permanent teeth come in and is usually needed to achieve a perfect smile.
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What is the cost of Phase II Treatment?

At Pickron Orthodontic Care, there is NO CHARGE to replace the braces (if they are needed), but there will be a charge for the adjustments while the patient is back in braces as well as for the cost of new retainers.
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Does everyone that has Phase I Treatment need Phase II Treatment?

Some young people will not need Phase II treatment if their remaining teeth come in straight and their parents are happy with the results. We will review your options at the proper age and let you make the decision.
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Does every child need Two-Phase Treatment?

Absolutely not. Only certain bites require early intervention. All others can wait until most, if not all, permanent teeth come in.
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