Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision and you might have questions about our services, processes, and more. Below you’ll find answers to our frequently asked questions. If you have a question that’s not included below, let us know and we’d be happy to help!
FAQs About Braces
How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about our Financing & Insurance policies on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns or missing teeth?
Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Do braces hurt?
Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Can I return to school/work the day I receive my braces?
Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
It’s essential to continue visiting the dentist during treatment, as failing to do so can lengthen treatment time.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Once you get your braces, we will review which foods you should avoid during treatment. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods such as ice, hard candy, raw veggies, and all sticky foods.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
You should brush your teeth after each meal, in tandem with your regular morning and night time routine. We’ll show you the best ways to care for your teeth while wearing your appliances.
Do you recycle braces?
Absolutely not! Each patient requires personalized treatment to achieve the best results possible.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!
Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One treatment?
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.
FAQs About Invisalign
How long do I have to wear the aligners?
There is no set time frame for how long a person must wear their Invisalign aligners. It all comes down to the individual's specific needs, the rate that their teeth move, and the overall dental health of the patient.
Do I have to wear the aligners even at night?
Yes, but don't worry! They are very comfortable to sleep in. In order for Invisalign to be successful, patients need to wear these consistently for 22-24 hours every day (including nights).
Are there certain foods I must avoid eating that might break my aligners?
One of the greatest benefits of Invisalign is that you don't have to give up any specific foods. In general, we recommend consuming less sugar (we still want healthy teeth that are cavity free). The best part is you can remove your aligners to eat whatever you want, brush your teeth, and then immediately replace your aligners without impacting your treatment.
Will my speech be affected?
You may notice when you first start wearing aligners that you need to adjust the way you speak - but within a few days this should not be an issue! Most people can speak with their aligners at professional engagements without anyone even knowing they are wearing them.
Can I chew gum?
No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.
Is it OK to smoke with my aligners in?
We highly discourage the use of any tobacco products during and even after any dental or orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign. Tobacco can lead to bigger issues such as gum disease and oral cancer.
How do I keep my aligners clean?
Keeping your aligners clean is simple. We recommend just brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and then rinsing. Our office does offer Invisalign Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to freshen up the trays 1-2 times per week!
How often do I need to visit your office during treatment?
Again, every patient has different needs. We generally recommend a follow-up or 'check-in' appointment every 2-3 weeks when you first begin your Invisalign treatment. After the first few aligner sets, we may bump that out to once every 2 months. We play it by ear for every individual!
Will I have to wear a retainer once I’m done wearing my aligners?
Yes. Invisalign is an investment, and to protect your success we highly recommend the use of a retainer.
FAQs About Kids
Will my child's teeth straighten as they grown?
Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.
Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other. By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development. Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.
Can I schedule all of my kid’s appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment. We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.
Can Orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.
What is Phase One (Early) Treatment?
Between the ages 7 and 10, some patients require phase one (early) treatment, which usually lasts about 6-18 months. The goal of early treatment is to address more significant orthodontic issues to make later treatment processes smoother. It also drastically improves the child’s confidence and self-esteem levels.
Will my child need an expander?
You’ll find out if your child will need an expander after your initial consultation.
Will my child need braces if he/she has Phase One Treatment?
It’s best to assume that braces will be needed after phase one treatment, but we’ll monitor your child’s growth and development to ensure the best treatment methods occur next.
Can my child still play sports?
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouth guard to protect your mouth during treatment.
FAQs About Teens
Do braces hurt?
Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
Will my teeth straighten as I grown?
Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
Can I still play sports with braces or aligners?
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
Will my speech be affected?
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
FAQs About Adults
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes, absolutely! A tooth with a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Will my speech be affected?
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.
Can I still play sports with braces or aligners?
Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
Is it OK to smoke with my aligners in?
Because cigarette smoke can discolor and stain your aligners, smoking is not a good idea while wearing Invisalign.
FAQs About Orthodontics
What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.
Why choose and orthodontic specialist?
Orthodontic specialists have the education, training and experience to effectively alter teeth, jaw, and facial structures to help patients achieve optimal oral health. It’s critical that treatment is personalized to each individual and properly completed, and choosing a specialist, like Dr. Griffiths, Dr. Simister, or Dr. Whiting ensures that everything is done correctly.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist?
It’s not required, but often times our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends, and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
You can schedule an appointment online or call us to schedule an appointment at any of our four convenient locations.
- North: 6365 Simmons St., Suite 110 - call (702) 835-7979
- South: 6710 S. Fort Apache, Suite 101 - call (702) 254-4335
- East: 4240 E. Charleston Blvd. - call (702) 452-2267
- West: 8710 W. Charleston Blvd., Suite 150 - call (702) 256-7846
One of our staff members will take down some of your basic information, and let you know what you need to bring to our office for your appointment.
What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
Before you leave, be sure to have all the necessary information needed to complete our new patient forms, including your insurance information. Then, Dr. Griffiths, Dr. Simister, or Dr. Whiting will complete the examination, which can include X-rays and photographs, to properly diagnose you or your child’s condition. If you want to learn even more about what happens, you can find more information on our First Visit page.
How often will I have appointments?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues. The average patient wears appliances anywhere from 4-6 months, and total treatment time ranges from about 12-24 months.
Do you give shots?
No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.
Our Patients Love Us
How it Works
1. Getting to Know You
Your initial visit to Las Vegas Braces is the first step toward your ideal smile. We understand that choosing orthodontic care is significant. During your first visit, our orthodontists use diagnostic records, including photos and X-rays, to create a customized treatment plan. These records also track your progress as your teeth shift, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of your needs and goals.
2. Custom Treatment Plan
We’ve invested in the latest orthodontic technology to provide each patient with a customized treatment plan that’s perfect for their specific goals and budget. If you’re a good candidate for braces, our team can help you get started with Same-Day Braces! We save our patients money and time! No matter your age, we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted with treatment as comfortable and convenient as possible.
3. Your New Smile
Our friendly Treatment Coordinators will ensure you understand your financing options and insurance benefits. We offer simple financing with payments as low as $123 a month for braces or Invisalign® with no credit check. If you have dental or orthodontic insurance, we’ll happily assist you in applying your benefits, and the price becomes even better! We accept Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental®, Guardian, and many more insurance plans to make braces in Las Vegas affordable.
What are you waiting for?
Feel Confident in Your New Smile!
Ready to start your smile transformation? Look no further than Las Vegas Braces, where we specialize in creating beautiful smiles that will leave you feeling confident and happy. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care tailored to your unique needs. Visit us today, and let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams!
