Orthodontics FAQ

Traditional metal braces consist of metal brackets, thin metal archwires, and o-rings. The archwires are threaded through the brackets—which are bonded to the teeth—and secured with the o-rings. At regularly scheduled treatment visits, the archwires are gradually tightened to apply constant, gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws, helping to guide them into the proper alignment.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners. A clear aligner treatment plan uses a series of thin plastic trays that are molded to fit your teeth to gradually shift the teeth into place. You will receive a new set of aligners are each visit, as well as directions on when to change them out. While the aligners are removable, they must be worn between 20-22 hours a day to be effective.

Orthodontic treatment times vary by individual and depend on several factors, including the current position of the teeth and gums, the extent of the treatment needed, the age of the patient, patient oral hygiene, and adherence to your orthodontist’s guidance.

Your treatment will be monitored closely and regularly by your orthodontist at routine treatment visits. These appointments are important because they allow your doctor to evaluate progress, adjust your appliances, and determine the next steps toward achieving your smile goals.

Invisalign and braces are comparable in treatment time, with average treatment lengths anywhere between 12 to 18 months. However, your individual treatment may take less time, or up to 24 months or longer. Your orthodontist will discuss your projected treatment time with you during your first visit and keep you updated at your subsequent appointments.

To find out more about treatment times and options, schedule a consultation with our on-site orthodontist at any of our 4 DFW area locations.

Damon brackets are a type of self-ligating braces. While traditional metal or clear braces use archwires, o-rings (or elastics), and brackets that are gradually tightened to apply pressure and shift teeth, Damon braces use a passive “self-ligating” bracket to adjust pressure. Instead of being secured to the teeth with elastics, Damon brackets are and archwires are secured with a small metal door that allows the bracket to slide easily along the archwire, allowing for more flexible tooth movement and minimizing friction.

Damon brackets can offer more precision in alignment, more comfort during treatment, and shorter treatment times than traditional braces.

To find out if Damon brackets are right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation at any one of our four DFW area Dental Depot locations. To find the one closest to you, visit our locations page. 

Orthodontic treatment costs are unique to every patient and vary by treatment time and extent, as well as your insurance plan, the type of treatment, and your age. Traditional braces and clear aligners, like Invisalign, typically average between $3,000 and $7,000. Clear ceramic braces or lingual braces, such as Damon brackets, can range from $4,000 to $10,000

There are a variety of options to pay for braces. Many dental or health insurance plans will partially cover orthodontic treatment for patients under the age of 18. If not, you may also be able to purchase supplemental orthodontic insurance or see if you qualify for coverage under Medicaid.

You can also use pre-tax dollars from your health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), health reimbursement account (HRA), or medical savings account (MSA) to cover the costs.

If you are still concerned about how you will pay for orthodontic treatment, speak with your orthodontist about creating a payment plan. Many offices will work with their patients to offer flexible, affordable payment options that ensure you or your child receives the orthodontic care necessary without causing a financial burden.

To find out more about your orthodontic treatment options and potential costs, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of Dental Depot DFW’s dedicated orthodontists. We offer flexible scheduling and Saturday appointments at each of our four area locations, making it easy for you to receive the care you deserve. Request an appointment today.

While most dental or health insurance plans do not cover orthodontic treatment for adults over the age of 18, they will partially cover children under the age of 18, sometimes up to 50%.

If your insurance does not cover braces, or you do not have insurance, you have an option to purchase supplemental orthodontic insurance, but verify the lifetime maximum and percentage covered. You can also discuss flexible payment plans with your orthodontist or use pretax dollars from your medical savings account (MSA), health reimbursement account (HRA), health savings account (HSA), or flexible spending account (FSA).

Medicaid may cover braces if they are determined medically necessary, but, again, make sure you know the lifetime maximum and percentage covered.

Orthodontic care is an investment in the healthy development and function of your or your child’s mouth, teeth, and jaws. Receiving the proper treatment and maintaining good oral hygiene following treatment can help ensure this investment lasts a lifetime.

For more on orthodontic treatment options and costs in the DFW area, schedule a consultation at one of our 4 Dental Depot DFW offices. With Saturday appointments, flexible scheduling, and full orthodontic care and treatment capabilities, Dental Depot DFW makes receiving the orthodontic care you deserve fast and easy. Request an appointment today.

Orthodontic treatment involves the shifting of teeth and jawbones into proper alignment. Because the physiological process is the same for every patient, orthodontics can benefit anyone at any age.

According to the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), nearly 25% of all orthodontic patients today are adults and for a variety of reasons. A healthy, properly aligned smile is more than just beautiful—it’s essential to your health. Teeth that are too crowded, overlapping, or crooked can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Improper alignment, or malocclusion, can impact chewing, swallowing, biting, speech, and breathing. It can also put excessive strain and stress on the jaw muscles, leading to facial pain and teeth grinding, and on certain teeth, causing cracked, fractured, or broken teeth.

Because adult teeth and facial bones have stopped growing and have greater bone density, orthodontic treatment may take slightly longer to complete. (The average adult treatment time is approximately two years.) Treatment may also be determined by extenuating conditions of the teeth, such as missing teeth, fillings, gum disease, and misshapen or worn teeth.

While your dentist is trained to recognize irregularities and can be a good resource for recommending or referring orthodontic treatment, treatment is best left to AAO-certified orthodontists. They have the requisite training and experience to safely and effectively apply orthodontic treatment, ensuring you have a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Dental Depot DFW provides comprehensive dental care—including orthodontics—for children and adults. Because our experienced staff includes oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and AAO-certified orthodontists, we can meet all of your dental needs at one convenient location, from routine cleanings and checkups to orthodontic consultations and treatment. With Saturday appointments and flexible scheduling, we make it easy for you to get the care you deserve. To make an appointment at any one of our 4 DFW area locations, or to find the office nearest you, visit the Dental Depot DFW locations page.

Orthodontic treatment helps to guide the teeth and jaws into proper alignment. Proper alignment is necessary not just for a beautiful smile, but for healthy oral function in tasks like breathing, chewing, and speech.

Orthodontic treatment typically begins between the ages of 8 and 14, when most children have lost the majority of their baby teeth, their adult teeth have grown in, but their jaws and facial bones are still developing. However, a certified orthodontist is the best person to determine when your child should start treatment, depending on the cause and severity of the misalignment.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children receive an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While treatment may not begin this early, it allows both the parent and the orthodontist to identify any potential problems and create a plan for any future treatment that may be required. This prevents irregularities in development or jaw formation from becoming bigger problems later on.

Depending on your orthodontist and your child’s teeth, your doctor may recommend interceptive treatment, such as spacers or palatal expanders to help prepare the child’s mouth for braces in the future. This is common in situations such as overcrowding when there is not enough room in the mouth for teeth to erupt properly or teeth are spaced too closely together.

Who you rely on for your child’s orthodontic treatment matters. While dentists are trained to identify alignment problems, they do not have the specialized training necessary to treat them. In addition to dental training, orthodontists certified by the AAO have also completed specific training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This gives them extensive experience and training in the structure of your child’s teeth and jaws, as well as the physiological requirements for guiding them back into alignment. Investing in your child’s smile is an investment in their future health; don’t trust your investment to just anyone.

Dental Depot DFW’s fully staffed team of professionals includes AAO-certified orthodontists who are committed to delivering the quality and continuity of care your child deserves. With four area locations, Saturday appointments, and flexible scheduling, Dental Depot DFW makes orthodontic care easy and convenient for every member of your family. To find out more about our orthodontic treatment options, as well as treatment lengths and costs, schedule an initial consultation.

Braces and other orthodontic treatments work to move the teeth, mouth, and jaws into proper alignment, or occlusion. Proper alignment ensures your child eats, speaks, and breathes correctly; improper alignment or alignment that is not corrected cannot only impede these functions, but it can also lead to more serious problems as an adult. Orthodontics in children is primarily preventative, helping guide facial and jawbones as they develop.

Signs your child may need braces or other orthodontic treatment include:

• Mouth breathing
• Difficulty chewing or biting
• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
• Teeth and/or jaws that are disproportionate to the rest of the face
• Misplaced, crowded, or blocked teeth
• Teeth that do not meet properly or at all
• Jaws that shift, protrude, make sounds, or are recessed
• Thumb or finger sucking

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children have an initial orthodontic exam by age 7, whether or not they exhibit any of these symptoms. While treatment may not start at this time, the consultation allows the orthodontist to identify any potential problems and determine if your child will even need orthodontic treatment in the near future.

While your dentist is an excellent resource for routine care and is trained to notice irregularities in your child’s teeth, jaws, or gums, any orthodontic treatment should be conducted by an AAO-certified orthodontist. These experts have the additional medical training necessary to safely and efficiently implement the physiological changes that need to happen in your child’s mouth.

Dental Depot DFW believes in comprehensive dental care for the entire family, at every stage of life. That’s why at all of our four area locations, you’ll find more than experienced dentists and dental hygienists. Our staff of professionals also includes oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and AAO-certified orthodontists, all committed to delivering the best in quality and continuity of care. With Saturday appointments, flexible scheduling, and the ability to schedule everyone in your family at the same time, Dental Depot DFW makes it easy for your family to receive the care they deserve, no matter the need, at one convenient location. To find out more about our orthodontic services, schedule an appointment.