Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional braces adjustment appointments are typically scheduled every 4-6 weeks, while clear aligner appointments are every 8-10 weeks. These appointments are essential for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment stays on track.

Missing appointments can delay your treatment progress. Please reschedule as soon as possible, ideally within the same week. We understand emergencies happen and will work with you to find alternative times.

Following your treatment plan exactly as prescribed is the best way to ensure efficient progress. Skipping appointments, breaking brackets, or not wearing rubber bands as directed can slow down treatment significantly. Having excellent oral hygiene has been proven to speed up treatment.

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Avoid hard foods (ice, nuts, hard candy), sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy), and foods that can get stuck easily (popcorn, corn on the cob). Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces.

Clean your aligners twice daily with lukewarm water and gentle soap or specialized cleaning crystals. Pay special attention to the inside of the aligner that touches your teeth. Store them in their case when not wearing them.

Contact our office immediately. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself. We’ll schedule you for a retainer repair or replacement as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting.

It’s best to brush after every meal or snack when you have braces or aligners. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped around brackets or under aligners, increasing the risk of cavities and staining. If brushing isn’t possible right away, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush as soon as you can. And don’t forget to floss at least once a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy!

Leave the bracket in place if it’s still attached to the wire. Cover it with orthodontic wax if it’s causing irritation. Call our office during business hours to schedule a repair appointment.

If a wire is causing irritation, try covering the sharp end with a small piece of orthodontic wax. You can also gently push the wire back into place using the eraser end of a pencil.

If the wire continues to bother you and you can’t visit our office right away, you may carefully trim the end using a clean nail clipper or small wire cutter. Be sure to disinfect the tool first with rubbing alcohol and use good lighting and a mirror. After trimming, smooth any rough edges with wax.

If the problem persists or you’re uncomfortable making any adjustments yourself, call our office to schedule an appointment.

True emergencies include severe pain, significant trauma to the mouth or teeth, or swallowed orthodontic appliances. For emergencies, call our 24/7 emergency line at (603) 225-5242.

Many insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. We’ll verify your coverage and help you understand your benefits. Coverage typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 depending on your plan.

We understand that financial situations can change. Contact our office to discuss modifications to your payment plan. We’re committed to working with you to continue your treatment.

Your treatment fee includes all regular appointments and adjustments throughout your orthodontic care. Additional charges may apply for lost or broken appliances, extra visits required due to poor oral hygiene, or treatment extensions resulting from non-compliance. Please note that your orthodontic fee does not cover services provided by other dental professionals, such as your general dentist or an oral surgeon.