FAQ
Choosing an orthodontist and understanding the options available for your situation often brings several questions to mind. Feel free to call and discuss any questions you have with our staff! Here are some of the popular questions we hear.
What’s the best age to see an orthodontist?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, a checkup with an orthodontic specialist should happen before age 7 (sooner if referred by your child’s dentist).
Orthodontists are able to spot issues that may happen in the future while the baby teeth are still present by looking at subtle differences in the jaw bone or emerging teeth.
What orthodontic treatments are available?
For orthodontic treatment in Idaho Falls, Randall Orthodontics, provides:
- The Damon System
- Ceramic Braces
- Metal (Traditional Braces)
- Clear Spark Aligners
Until you have your initial consultation with your orthodontist, there is no way to choose which orthodontic treatment will be right for you. If you are looking to save time, The Damon System will be your best option. Conversely, if you don’t mind wearing braces for a longer amount of time as long as they are “invisible” Invisalign might be a more appropriate option. Along with how the systems work in terms of length of time, different orthodontic systems are designed to assist with different types of dental issues.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
If it’s your first time at our Idaho Falls office, we will give you a tour of the facility and introduce you to our staff. Dr. Randall usually will come in after his assistant has asked some simple questions about your dental history, taken x-rays, and answered any questions you have before meeting the orthodontist.
You'll then meet with the orthodontist, who will ask what your concerns or questions are. The orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth either toward the end of this appointment or at your second appointment depending on what you need.
We know many people (kids especially) may be nervous about seeing an orthodontist for the first time. We are here to put you at ease. This initial appointment at our Idaho Falls orthodontics office is short and is relatively simple.
Will I have to change my dental routine?
Yes, you will need to make some dental hygiene and dietary adjustments to keep your teeth clean with braces. Keeping your teeth clean while you wear braces will help to reduce the risk of cavities and discoloration of your teeth.
It is recommended to brush and floss your teeth once in the morning and once at night as well as, between meals if necessary, which is a recommendation even without braces! Flossing with braces can take some time to learn, but our team can help to show you the best way to floss and brush with braces along with the right tools you’ll need to make it easier.
If you have a retainer, make sure to take the retainer out while brushing your teeth and gently brush it with your toothbrush to keep it clean. Finally, even though you will be seeing your orthodontist at least every three months, it is imperative that you keep your regular 6-month dental checkup appointments.
How long does treatment take?
Your treatment time depends on the type of braces you receive and the amount of treatment you need.
Most patients can expect to wear fixed braces anywhere from 18 to 24 months and in some cases three years. With the Damon System, it is typically much faster than with conventional braces. Also, far fewer appointments are required during treatment.
Similarly, individuals with only a few teeth needing correction will have a faster treatment process. Clear spark aligners are often used for more minor adjustments and can take less than a year!
Your Idaho Falls orthodontist can give you a rough estimate of how long it will be at the beginning of your treatment.
How much will braces cost?
The cost of braces is determined by many factors, primarily how severe of a problem needs to be corrected, the length of time that the treatment will take, and the type of orthodontic equipment (type of braces, invisible aligners, or retainers) the orthodontist recommends. The average cost for braces is $5,000 to $6,000, some individuals pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000.
Most of the cost of braces will be covered by dental insurance depending on your provider. Talk with your Idaho Falls orthodontist to learn more about what types of questions you need to ask your insurance provider to get the most out of your dental insurance benefits.
What payment options are available?
Our Financial Coordinator will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. We offer flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, many with no down payment and no interest.
We also offer third-party patient financing programs such as Care Credit that are specifically designed for healthcare expenses which make it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.
Aren't braces big and bulky?
Not anymore! Braces are much smaller than they were just a few years ago, and new materials are now used that make them very discreet.
What is the Damon System?
Our Idaho Falls orthodontics office uses the Damon System with many of our patients to create beautiful smiles in a short amount of time. Not all orthodontists will have this new technology available so be sure to ask if your orthodontist uses and is trained in the Damon System if you are interested in this method of orthodontic care. So what is The Damon System?
The Damon System uses gentle forces (unlike traditional braces) that are designed to protect the health of your teeth and gums while in treatment. The Damon System achieves a smile that is more than straight teeth—it provides a beautiful, natural smile. You can learn more about the Damon System and frequently asked questions specific to the system, here.
Does insurance cover Damon System treatment?
Medical benefits differ from policy to policy, so the answer to this depends on your individual policy. You should review your policy coverage so it can show if it covers this treatment. If you have orthodontic coverage, Damon System braces are covered to the same extent as regular braces in that plan!
Are all braces the same?
No, we offer multiple types of braces! This includes:
- The Damon System
- Ceramic Braces
- Metal (Traditional Braces)
- Clear Spark Aligners
What materials are used for braces?
Damon System metal braces are available in stainless steel or polycarbonate for exceptional strength and durability.
Spark Clear Aligners are made of TruGEN™, a proprietary branded material that is proven to have higher sustained force retention that is still gentle on your teeth. Like the name, they're clear, which avoids the look of wire braces.
Damon Clear braces are composed of ceramic for durability and enhanced aesthetics.
Damon System braces offer several types of arch wires that come in varying materials and sizes, as well as a nickel free solution.
Talk to Dr. Randall to determine which solution is best for your treatment!
Since the Damon System works so quickly, does that mean it is harsh or unsafe?
No. In fact, what makes the Damon System work so quickly is that it uses far gentler, more biologically sensible forces than conventional braces. The low-friction nature of the system moves your teeth with less pain. It uses very light “shape memory” titanium wires that gently guide your teeth to their ideal position. Most people experience very little discomfort.
How much does the Damon System treatment cost?
This depends a lot on the kind of treatment you need and how long it will take.We know that cost is a big question for anyone considering braces, so at your free initial consultation with Dr. Randall, the cost for your specific treatment will be discussed. Damon Braces are usually similar to the cost of traditional braces.
The average cost for braces is $5,000 to $6,000, some individuals pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $10,000. It varies depending on type of braces, severity of needs, and length of treatment. Our office offers flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, many with no down payment and no interest.
Why More People Are Choosing The Damon System
You may have already heard that self-ligating braces, like Damon braces, work faster than traditional braces. And, while this is one of the critical benefits that Damon braces provide, it isn’t the only reason more people are opting for Damon braces over traditional methods. If you have been referred for braces by your dentist or are considering them for yourself or your children, Damon braces are the best choice to create a smile that you can’t help showing off.
Continue reading to discover why more people are choosing the Damon system to create healthy and beautiful smiles.
The Damon System: How It Works
As a certified Damon System orthodontist in Idaho Falls, Randall Orthodontics combines three key components to deliver faster treatment, greater comfort, fewer appointments, and consistent, high-quality results for each of our patients that use this system. These three key components are:
The Self Ligating System – Damon braces are passive self-ligating braces. What this means is that this system eliminates any need for elastic or metal “ties.” These tie-less braces allow for a full treatment system without tightening.
Shape Memory Wires – The light, high-technology of the shape-memory wires used in this system move teeth in a shorter amount of time and require fewer adjustments than traditional braces.
Facial Aesthetics – When you change the shape of your smile, you are, in part, changing the shape of your face. Our Idaho Falls Damon braces provide a proven treatment approach that not only aligns your teeth but also enhances your facial aesthetics. This is done without extractions or rapid palatal expanders.
Damon Braces: Should You Get Metal or Clear Braces?
Our orthodontist office in Idaho Falls offers two options for Damon braces, metal and clear. Choosing which option is right for you will require a consultation with your orthodontist, along with personal preference and financing options. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if your policy covers Damon braces. Here is a brief overview of each type of braces offered in the Damon System:
- Metal Braces – Damon metal braces look similar to traditional braces, except they are and appear to be less bulky. Damon metal braces are available in two materials, stainless steel or polycarbonate for exceptional strength and durability. Similar to traditional braces, Idaho Falls Damon braces are suitable for all types of alignment issues.
- Clear Braces – Damon Clear braces are composed of transparent ceramic, making them virtually invisible and durable. Damon Clear is designed for a patient that is considering an invisible aligner but needs a more effective system to straighten their smile. Choose Damon Clear for a robust system that is aesthetically pleasing and will give results that are intended to last for a lifetime.
For more information about how you can get fitted for Damon braces in Idaho Falls, contact Randall Orthodontics today. As a professional orthodontist for almost 20 years, Dr. Randall has helped thousands of people get the smile of their dreams. To get started, you can fill out our pre-registration forms and avoid the in-office paperwork. We can’t wait to help you smile with confidence!
