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Frequently Asked Orthodontic Questions

When exploring the possibility of orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, it’s very likely that you have some questions about what to expect – thankfully, our team has plenty of answers to share! For added convenience, we’ve compiled some very popular FAQ’s and their answers below. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for below, please contact us in Huntington, NY.

What ages do you treat?

Dr. Justyna is happy to welcome in virtually all ages, from screening young children for potential orthodontic issues that require early intervention to fitting older adults for image-friendly treatments options like Invisalign – and everyone in-between! By seeing whole families in one convenient location, she can help parents save valuable time and money that would otherwise be spent traveling to separate orthodontic offices.

When should my child come in for their first orthodontist’s appointment?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that parents plan their child’s first orthodontic screening for around the age of 7. While your son or daughter will likely only have a handful of “adult” teeth by then, Dr. Justyna should be capable of spotting any subtle concerns regarding jaw growth, tooth eruption, and overall bite by this stage of oral development. Early intervention can not only make later orthodontic treatment much simpler in the future, but it may even prevent more serious problems from developing altogether!

Do braces hurt?

In the first few days following the placement of new braces or a tightening appointment, it is likely that patients will experience some general discomfort and soreness, especially when eating. Your smile needs time to adjust! However, these sensations should go away after a week or so. If they’re severe in nature and/or lingering much longer than expected, please contact Huntington Orthodontics right away for help!

How long will I have to wear braces?

There’s no good way to answer this question – at least, not until you’ve undergone a consultation with Dr. Justyna. The amount of time spent wearing braces can vary widely depending on each individual patient’s needs and goals. Every smile responds differently to the treatment process too! Most standard treatment plans with traditional braces span roughly two years, but individual cases can require anywhere from six months to 30 months.

Is there anything I can’t eat when wearing braces?

We encourage our braces-wearing patients to exercise lots of caution when eating foods that are overly chewy, crunchy, hard, sticky, or sugary. Additionally, it may be best to avoid foods that require a lot of forceful biting to enjoy, like apples or corn on the cob.

I want a straighter smile, but I don’t want to wear metal braces. Is there another option?

Absolutely! In addition to traditional orthodontics, Dr. Justyna also offers several services that are specifically designed to realign teeth in a subtle and confident manner. Possible options include clear/ceramic braces, lingual braces, Invisalign® Clear Braces, ClearCorrect™, and more.

Do you take dental insurance?

Yes. Huntington Orthodontics gladly accepts most major PPO insurances and several community plans as well. To learn more about your family’s payment options, please visit our new patients page or contact us directly.