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Dental insurance can help offset the costs of orthodontic treatment, but it's not required in order to start treatment. Whether you need dental insurance for orthodontic treatment depends on your financial situation, the type of orthodontic treatment required, and the available options for coverage.

Here are some considerations:

1. Dental Insurance Coverage: Many dental insurance plans do provide coverage for orthodontic treatment, but the extent of coverage can vary. Some plans cover a percentage of the costs, while others may have a maximum dollar amount or a waiting period before orthodontic benefits become available. It's essential to review the details of your insurance policy to understand the coverage specifics.
2. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Even with dental insurance, there may be out-of-pocket costs associated with orthodontic treatment. This can include copayments, deductibles, and any costs exceeding the maximum coverage limit.
3. Orthodontic Payment Plans: Our orthodontic office offers payment plans to help spread the cost of treatment over time, making orthodontic care more affordable for individuals without insurance or with limited coverage.
4. Discount Plans: Some individuals may opt for dental discount plans rather than traditional insurance. These plans typically involve paying an annual fee to access discounted rates on dental services, including orthodontics, from participating providers.
5. Self-Payment: Some individuals choose to pay for orthodontic treatment entirely out of pocket, especially if the treatment is relatively straightforward or if they don't have dental insurance coverage.

We believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of a healthy, confident smile. Consultations with our office are complimentary! During the initial consultation we will take digital X-rays and pictures for the doctor to review with you. Following the evaluation, consultation, and treatment recommendation, our treatment coordinator will discuss the cost of your treatment and each available payment option, so you can determine the best fit for your budget. Many discounts are available to patients who serve in the military, teach, are first responders, or work in the medical field. We’re in-network with most insurances and have a refer-a-friend program. We will help you utilize your flexible spending account to the fullest, and we accept CareCredit.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists, contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

The good news is that orthodontic treatment during pregnancy is generally safe. In fact, it might even be the perfect timing for you. If you wait until after your baby is born, it may be harder to commit to the appointments and fit them into your new schedule. There are some important considerations to keep in mind.

1. Consult with your healthcare provider: Before starting any orthodontic treatment during pregnancy, consult with your obstetrician or midwife. They can provide guidance and assess your individual health and pregnancy status to ensure it's safe for you.

2. Timing: Pregnancy is a critical time for your baby's development, and minimizing potential stressors is important. If your orthodontic treatment plan involves more invasive procedures like oral surgery, you may want to wait until after your baby is born. However, waiting until after delivery might make it harder to commit to the appointments and fit them into your new schedule.

3. X-rays: X-rays are commonly used in orthodontic treatment planning. It's important to minimize exposure to ionizing radiation during pregnancy. If X-rays are necessary, inform your orthodontist about your pregnancy, and they can take steps to minimize radiation exposure, such as using lead aprons and thyroid collars.

4. Morning sickness: Morning sickness often subsides after the first trimester. If morning sickness causes you to vomit daily, you may want to wait until it subsides to start treatment.

5. Oral hygiene: Pregnancy can increase the risk of gum problems and dental issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene during pregnancy is crucial. If you choose to have orthodontic treatment, be diligent about brushing and flossing to prevent complications.

Ultimately, the decision to start orthodontic treatment during pregnancy should be made in consultation with your healthcare providers. They can help you evaluate the potential risks and benefits based on your individual circumstances.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation between the age of 7 and 8. This may seem early, but it allows orthodontists to identify and address potential orthodontic issues while a child's mouth and jaw are still growing.

Children typically begin to lose their baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or deciduous teeth, around the age of 6. This process continues through their early teenage years, and by the time they reach adolescence, most children will have lost all of their baby teeth and replaced them with permanent adult teeth. However, the exact timing can vary from child to child.

The order in which children lose their baby teeth can also differ, but generally the teeth fall out in the same order that they arrived:

• Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) are usually the first to be lost, typically around 6 to 7 years of age.
• Upper central incisors (top front teeth) are next, often lost between 7 and 8 years of age.
• Lateral incisors (the teeth adjacent to the central incisors) follow, typically around 7 to 8 years old.
• First molars (the large back teeth) are usually lost between 9 and 11 years of age.
• Canine teeth (the pointed teeth next to the lateral incisors) are lost around 9 to 12 years of age.
• Second molars (the last set of molars in the back of the mouth) are the last to go, typically between 10 and 12 years old.

It's important to note that these ages are general guidelines, and there can be considerable variation among individual children. Some children may start losing teeth earlier or later than the average, and that's perfectly normal. Typically, by age 7 many of the permanent teeth have come in, and orthodontists can evaluate the alignment of the teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Early intervention may be recommended if significant issues are identified, or the orthodontist may recommend periodic check-ups to monitor your child's growth and development, with treatment starting at a later age when it's most effective.

Not all children will need orthodontic treatment, and the decision to pursue it should be made in consultation with an orthodontist who can assess your child's specific situation with a physical exam and a full set of x-rays.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.

Orthodontic treatment can certainly improve the alignment and appearance of teeth, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. But it's not just about having a bright and beautiful smile; your oral health can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of your body. Here are three ways in which oral health might impact you:

1. Heart Health and infections: Poor oral health, particularly gum disease (periodontitis), has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke. The mouth is a gateway for many infections. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of infections entering the bloodstream, which can affect various organs and systems in the body. Inflammation in the mouth may contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which can affect the heart. Chronic inflammation in the gums can contribute to systemic inflammation, which is associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. Orthodontic treatment can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and health by aligning the teeth and jaws making it easier to clean between them.
2. Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with gum disease may be at a higher risk for complications such as premature birth and low birth weight. The inflammation from gum disease could potentially trigger an inflammatory response elsewhere in the body.
3. Digestive Disorders: Oral health issues can affect your ability to chew food properly, leading to digestive problems. Properly aligned teeth are essential for effective biting and chewing. Orthodontic treatment can correct issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites, which can affect a person's ability to eat comfortably and speak clearly.

It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular dental check-ups and cleanings, to prevent oral health problems. The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body, and taking care of your oral health is an integral part of maintaining good overall health. So, while the cosmetic aspect of orthodontics is undoubtedly important and often the primary reason people seek treatment, it's important to recognize that orthodontics can have a broader impact on your health. Many orthodontic cases involve a combination of cosmetic and functional considerations. It's essential to consult with an orthodontist to determine the specific benefits and goals of treatment for your individual needs.

For more information about orthodontic services, or to speak with one of our board-certified specialists contact us online or call 302-678-3000.