Braces Omaha strives to keep our patients well informed so that they feel at ease for the entire duration of treatment. We hope that the information on this website will help educate you about the treatments we offer and the conditions we treat at our practice. The entire team at Braces Omaha in Omaha, NE, is available to answer any questions you may have regarding you or your child’s orthodontic treatment, including questions about cost. Please give us a call at your convenience.
We love sharing FAQs, so here’s some just for the adults!
Parent-Specific FAQ
When should I schedule my child’s first orthodontic screening?
By the age of 7, most children will likely have a few permanent teeth already, and the orthodontist will have an opportunity to evaluate the development of these teeth and your child’s overall orthodontic condition. Therefore, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening for children at age 7. Treatment may not start at this age, but the earlier your child is evaluated by an orthodontist, the sooner the development of your child’s teeth can be tracked and a plan for early intervention can be formulated if needed.
Can my child (or can I) still play sports or an instrument with braces?
Absolutely! Our patients can play an instrument or a sport while they have braces or retainers. Braces and appliances may take a little getting used to at first, but orthodontic treatment will not stop you from participating in any of your favorite activities. If you or your child plays a contact sport, we recommend a mouthguard to protect the braces and teeth during play.
Can my child return to school the day they receive braces?
At Braces Omaha, we focus on providing efficient, safe, and comfortable appointments. Most of our patients have no discomfort the day they receive their braces. Your child may feel some minor discomfort while adjusting to new braces, but there is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment at our practice.
What will I learn at the initial examination?
Your consultation appointment with Dr. Stevens is your opportunity to ask questions about treatment options, cost, and anything else of concern. Some of the things we will cover during your initial examination include
- If you have an orthodontic issue that needs to be corrected
- A proposed plan for correcting any orthodontic issues
- If you or your child will be referred to an oral surgeon for additional procedures to complete your orthodontic treatment
- An estimate of the length of you or your child’s orthodontic treatment
- An estimate of the cost of your or your child’s treatment
Adult Patients FAQ
Do you offer orthodontic treatment for adults?
At Braces Omaha, 30% of all orthodontic patients are over the age of 21! We strongly believe that health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important at any age. With innovative treatment options providing maximum dental and cosmetic benefit, such as Invisalign® and clear ceramic braces, more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment than ever before. It’s never too late!
How much do braces cost? Are there financing options? How about insurance?
The costs for orthodontic treatment will vary case by case, so the best way to learn about your specific costs for orthodontic treatment is to give Braces Omaha a call to schedule your initial examination with Dr. Stevens. During this initial appointment, we will go over the estimated cost of your custom treatment plan as well as your financial options and insurance coverage. We have several financing options available for your convenience, and we will review these with you as well. Our team will work closely with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits.
During orthodontic treatment, are regular dental checkups still required?
Yes. Both kids and adults receiving orthodontic treatment have a responsibility to maintain their oral health by regularly visiting the family dentist every six months or so for a thorough cleaning and exam. Excellent brushing and flossing habits are a must as well — brushing at least three times per day is recommended to keep cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease at bay. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure your teeth stay healthy during your orthodontic treatment.
How do I care for my braces?
Excellent oral hygiene while in orthodontic treatment is a must. You should brush at least three to four times each day; after each meal and before going to bed. A daily floss will help get in between your braces where your toothbrush can’t reach. Once treatment begins, we will provide special toothbrushes, flossing aids, toothpaste and mouth rinses to help achieve that beautiful, healthy smile. Your Braces Omaha team will show you/your child the best way to brush and floss once the braces are on.
Are there foods to avoid while in braces?
Most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be completely avoided by following the instructions we will provide once you begin treatment, including dietary guidelines. Once orthodontic treatment begins, there are a few foods to avoid because they can cause damage or distort the brackets and wires of braces. These include ice, hard candy, nuts, apples, raw vegetables, sticky foods, and gum.
How long will orthodontic treatment last?
The length of orthodontic varies between patients. While the average orthodontic treatment lasts around two years, the best way to determine the length of your treatment is to give us a call and schedule your complimentary consultation.
What are routine orthodontic appointments like?
Routine appointments generally involve an oral hygiene review and checking of your braces. Sometimes the wires will be changed, or new procedures will be initiated to further align your teeth and improve your bite. These appointments are usually short, and last around 20–40 minutes. We are happy to work with you to arrange appointment times that fit with your school and work schedules.
How often are the appointments?
In general, we like to schedule appointments about every six to eight weeks. If your/your child’s treatment is more extensive, we may schedule appointments more often, but we will make every effort to ensure the appointments are as efficient as possible.
What is the beginning of treatment like?
Your orthodontic treatment begins by taking X-rays and photos of your teeth. After a custom treatment plan has been created, you may have impressions taken of your teeth for the custom creation of certain appliances, or if you/your child have chosen traditional braces, we may apply the chosen style and type of brackets that day!
What is Phase One treatment?
Phase One treatment is early orthodontic treatment for children that most often begins between the ages of 7and 10. This phase of treatment can last from 12 to 21 months. Phase One treatment is often initiated to correct significant problems that we detect during a child’s first exam so that we can prevent more severe orthodontic problems for your child in the future. After Phase One and the resting period, an additional treatment with braces may be recommended for your child — this is called Phase Two. The team at Braces Omaha will keep you completely informed along the way.
Why choose an orthodontist and not a dentist for orthodontic treatment?
A board-certified orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontic specialists with extensive and specialized training, such as Dr. Stevens, are the very best choice for you and your family’s orthodontic treatment. When seeking braces of any kind, you/your child’s orthodontic needs should be expertly assessed by an orthodontist so that a professional, safe, and personalized treatment plan can be developed and carried out from start to finish.
