Orthodontic FAQs
Have a question about orthodontic treatment? We have the answer for you! With 30 years of experience and over 20,000 smiles treated, we’ve seen it all at Lach Orthodontic Specialists, and are happy to set your mind at ease by answering any questions that come up.
In case this covers the questions you’re pondering, here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions by patients at our office.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child visit a certified orthodontist no later than age 7. At this age, an experienced orthodontist can detect potential growth issues before they begin or worsen over time. While Dr. Lach might not recommend we start treatment at this young age, he can monitor the growth of your child’s smile and use early treatment methods like expanders to gently guide your child’s development when beneficial.
Invisalign® treatment can solve many orthodontic issues, but some complex cases may still require braces for a period of time to achieve the desired results. When you come in for your free consultation, we can determine if Invisalign® treatment is right for you.
Absolutely not! There are many types of braces with different benefits, and we are proud to offer a wide range of them at our office. For example, we were the first office in central Florida to use SureSmile, which is the most sophisticated orthodontic treatment available in the world!
Absolutely. There are many differences between an orthodontist vs dentist. A certified orthodontist starts as a certified dentist. Then, they study for an additional two to three years and complete an accredited graduate residency program in order to become an orthodontist.
Because of the rigorous additional specialty training, orthodontists are in the best position to advise you on orthodontic treatment. They can create customized treatment plans that are the most efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective.
Lach Orthodontic Specialists has a conservative prevention philosophy when it comes to tooth removal, and we believe that starting treatment early is one of the best ways to avoid the need for tooth extractions.
We do our absolute best to avoid the extraction of permanent teeth at our practice. Occasionally, extractions are necessary when there isn’t enough room in your jaw for your teeth, or if it will make a difference in balancing your facial features.
Jaw surgery can be avoided in many patients by timely intervention when a child’s jaws are still growing. This is why we recommend you bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7.
If you are an adult, and your jaws are no longer growing, it’s possible that jaw surgery will be needed for you to achieve the results you are looking for. We take this decision very seriously, and will give you all the information you need to decide if this is the best course of action.
Treatment time varies greatly from person to person, and depends on the severity of your case, the skill of your orthodontist, and the treatment you are using. Once we’ve assessed your smile at your free consultation, we can give you a better idea of your custom treatment timeline.
We do our best to shorten treatment as much as possible at our practice, using advanced technology like Propel VPro5® and SureSmile braces to reduce your treatment time by up to 50 percent!
At our office, treatment costs are 100% customized, just like our treatments. The cost of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of treatment chosen, the severity of the orthodontic issue, and the proposed length of treatment.
When you come to our office in Lake Nona or Oviedo for your free consultation, we can give you more details on your custom quote and flexible finance options.
If you don’t wear retainers, your teeth will attempt to shift back to their pre-treatment positions.
No, orthodontic treatment shouldn’t hurt. We use the most advanced techniques and the latest technologies in order to provide you with the most comfortable experience possible.
You may feel some soreness and discomfort after fitting and adjustment appointments as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance or tooth positions. This minor discomfort usually only lasts a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as needed.
The number of visits will depend on the type of treatment you have chosen. On average, patients can expect to have an appointment every 8 to 12 weeks during their treatment with us, but we have evening and Saturday appointments on request for your convenience.
You are never too old for orthodontic treatment! As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, we can help you shape your smile. In fact, 40% of our patients are adults!
We offer many discreet treatment options like Invisalign® clear aligners and hyper-efficient SureSmile braces, so it has never been more convenient to straighten your smile.
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