Before committing to orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, it’s understandable that you may have a few questions about what to expect. Thankfully, our team has plenty of answers to share in return! For added convenience, we’ve compiled some of the “FAQ’s” we receive most often below with their respective answers. If you don’t see the information you’re looking for on this page, that’s not a problem either – just contact us directly at our Westfield, Suffield, or Enfield location.
We agree with the American Association of Orthodontics’ recommendation, which is that every child should receive an initial evaluation by the age of seven. This visit will help Dr. Cordes detect and evaluate any developmental problems in their earliest stages, allowing for corrective treatment that is quicker and more affordable in many cases.
Of course! Age doesn’t have to be a factor when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Any adult with strong, healthy gums and good jawbone support is an excellent candidate! We really enjoy helping older patients finally achieve the healthier, more confident smiles they’ve always dreamed of through traditional braces, Invisalign®, or other transformative solutions.
In the first few days after starting treatment, one is likely to experience some mild tenderness and/or soreness as your smile adjusts to the new sensations. However, this should never be more than a mild, temporary annoyance that can be easily relieved with over-the-counter painkillers. Today’s braces are extremely comfortable, and our orthodontic office uses the highest quality materials available to ensure a smooth treatment experience from beginning to end.
Yes. In addition to traditional orthodontics, Dr. Cordes is happy to offer several treatment options that are more image-friendly for patients who want or need to make their appearance a top priority throughout the process. Possible choices include Invisalign Clear Braces, clear ceramic braces, and 3M™ Clarity™ Clear Aligners – during an initial consultation, we can help you determine which one best fits your personal goals!
Every case is different! After your initial consultation, Dr. Cordes can provide an estimate for the lengths of certain types of treatment. When using traditional braces, the amount of time spent wearing them can span anywhere from 6 months to 30 months. Several factors influence this number, including the patient’s overall cooperation, the development of the dentition, and the degree of tooth movement we are hoping to accomplish.
Our team members will be happy to work closely with patients and families to help make these procedures as affordable and budget-friendly as possible. We are in-network with most major PPO dental insurances and also offer in-house and third-party financing for your convenience. Whenever possible, Dr. Cordes will be sure to recommend early interventive treatment for younger patients so as to help their smiles avoid more costly problems later down the road.