Orthodontic FAQs
No! Hiser Orthodontics prides itself on offering the same staff at each of our office locations– Alpharetta, Cumming, and Midway. This guarantees that no matter what office you choose to visit, you'll always see the same familar face and recieve the same quality orthodontic care from our award-winning team.
They're free! Hiser Orthodontics is happy to offer in-person consultations at our Cumming, Midway, and Alpharetta locations or virtually using Smile Snap at no cost to you! There's never been a better time to see what your new smile could look like.
Yes, we absolutely offer virtual consultations! We understand that convenience is key and want to make sure that all of our patients have access to the care they need. Our virtual consultations are completely free of charge and allow you to connect with Dr. Hiser from the comfort of your own home via SmileSnap. You can expect a response in about 1 business day where we'll discuss your treatment options, answer any questions you may have, and help you determine the best path forward for your orthodontic care.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate the orthodontic condition.
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow.
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
Your teeth will still move as long as your trays are a tight fit. Continue with that tray unless otherwise specified by your orthodontic assitant.
Because of new advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
90% of the time you can just move onto the next tray. The new tray might be a tight fit, but try to wear this one for a couple extra days more than your instructed time. If the next tray doesn’t fit, go back to your previous tray and call the office to reorder the tray you lost.
Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 months.
It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we perform an examination. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have several financing options available and will also review insurance policies to help maximize a patient’s benefits.
Most patients in braces will be seen every 6 to 8 weeks. If you are in Invisalign treatment, you will be seen every 10-12 weeks. This can vary depending on the treatment plan.
Yes! There is no reason a student can’t return to school the same day.
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students after school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will make a sincere effort to meet scheduling needs.
Yes! We understand busy schedules, and we are happy to help make the most of a parent’s time. We may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
Yes! Regular checkups with a family dentist are important while in braces. The dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while the patient is in braces.
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). Most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces can be avoided by carefully following our instructions.
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
Phase One treatment is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 -10 and lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
It is best to assume that a child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!