What does an Orthodontist do?

Just like a specialist in medicine, orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry. And like their medical counterparts, orthodontists limit their practices to their specialty area. At ASO, we partner with your general dentist to provide the best care and expertise for your oral health. Some of the ways we work to give you a brighter, straighter smile – while also eliminating TMJ, crossbites, or headaches – are through clear aligners, braces, or retainers.

What is the recommended age to begin treatment?

Based on the recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontics, we advise that children receive their first orthodontic screening by age seven. Not every child needs early treatment, but by seeing your child early on, we will be able to recognize potential problems and can correct them using limited braces and/or various appliances before they become more serious. The most common age for orthodontic treatment is between ages 11-15. During this period, kids go through phases of rapid growth and development. We can take advantage of this by guiding the growth of the bone and the eruption of teeth to obtain an ideal bite, smile and facial profile. The social element to receiving orthodontic treatment at this age is another important benefit. The increased confidence of a beautiful smile during this time is invaluable. If your teenager needs braces, they aren’t alone! Many of their friends and classmates will also be receiving orthodontic care.

Should I continue with regular cleanings during orthodontic treatment?

Yes! It is essential to keep up with regularly scheduled six month cleanings with your general dentist. Because we are using tools that can act as barriers, having a deep clean will help minimize cavities and optimize your oral health.

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gradually introduces a new set of aligners to straighten your teeth and perfect your bite. This can also be used to help with TMJ and migraines. New aligners are used every couple of weeks, depending on your treatment plan. These will gradually change over time to obtain a straighter smile.¹

Why choose Invisalign over other clear aligners systems?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that gradually introduces a new set of aligners to straighten your teeth and perfect your bite. This can also be used to help with TMJ and migraines. New aligners are used every couple of weeks, depending on your treatment plan. These will gradually change over time to obtain a straighter smile. For questions to consider, please visit the American Academy of Orthodontics. 

How much does Invisalign cost?

Because every case is different, depending on one’s needs and lifestyles, the price of Invisalign is determined at your complimentary consultation. To schedule your initial appointment, please call: 615-472-1800.

How long will my Invisalign treatment be?

You treatment will be determined at your complimentary consultation. There, Dr. Foltz will be able to accurately determine your individualized treatment plan. On average, most Invisalign cases last 12 to 18 months but could be as little as 6 months depending on your needs.

How many hours do I wear my Invisalign aligners per day?

Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours a day, and changed after seven days of wear.

How often do I have to come in for appointments?

Unlike braces, most appointments are typically scheduled 12 weeks out at a time. These will be determined by your treatment plan and progress, but can be more frequent depending on individual needs.

How do I take care of my Invisalign aligners?

The best way to care for your aligners, is to keep them in their case when not being worn. We find that animals love to treat aligners as toys and are often thrown away when out of the case. To clean them, use dish or hand soap with warm water. Avoid scrubbing with toothpaste – this can create cloudy abrasions.

What are attachments and do I need them with Invisalign?

Your Invisalign treatment may require SmartForce® attachments, small tooth-colored shapes that are attached to your teeth. These shapes serve as handles, giving the aligners something to gently push on in order to move your teeth with the right amount of force. These are what make complex tooth movements possible without braces. Invisalign clear aligners fit smoothly and tightly around them, so they’re barely noticeable.

What does it mean to "check my tracking" during Invisalign treatment?

Invisalign trays should seat tightly against your teeth. When first worn, there can be a slight gap where your teeth will gradually move. Use your chewie to help fill in the spaces. If the gap persists longer than your recommended wear, do no switch to the next tray. Prolong the use of the current tray for additional days. If two weeks of constant wear dot not change your results, please give us a call and we can pivot from there!

My Invisalign trays keep popping off my teeth, what do I do?

When Invisalign trays are not fitting and are popping off, remove your aligner and bend the patented thermoplastic with your hands. These are made to bend with your teeth and can handle a little force.

How much do braces typically cost?

Depending on one’s individual needs, your braces treatment price will be decided upon your initial consultation. The price of braces is comparable to Invisalign treatment and is determined by needs and lifestyle. To schedule a consultation, please call 615-472-1800.

How long will I be expected to wear braces? 

Your braces treatment time is determined at your initial consultation to safely and affectively straighten and target your bite. This can be altered by user compliance. Missing scheduled appointment times can increase your treatment time. Every three appointments missed equals one additional month in treatment. Most patients are in braces treatment for 12-24 months.

What do you mean by Phase I & Phase II?

Phase I treatment often starts before the eruption of a child’s permanent teeth. This is used to make room for adult teeth and reduce overcrowding, by addressing his or her bite and jaw. This often begins in children 6-10 years old. Phase II treatment typically begins between the age of 11 to 12, to address concerns with spacing, alignment, and bite concerns. Not every case is recommended in two phases, but can be discussed with Dr. Foltz at their initial consultation to address concerns.

If I start my child in braces treatment for Phase I, does that mean they won't need braces as a teen?

Phase I is used to make space for permanent teeth and does not address straighening concerns. It is used to prevent longer treatment and oral surgery over time. To complete your child’s treatment, they will need Phase II to completely address their needs after growth has occurred. Throughout their treatment, Dr. Foltz will continue to monitor and the best options with your child.

I broke a bracket, what should I do?

Dont’ panic! These things happen. At your convenience, please give us a call to add additional time to your next appointment or to schedule a time to fix the broken bracket.There is no reason to rush, but one should not go more than a week with a bracket off. If you do not get your brackets cared for, it can push back your treatment time.

I have a wire that is poking, what should I do?

Pokey wires happen from time to time. Please give us a call to schedule a quick comfort appointment to trim your wire. If you are not able to come in, you may also trim wires with nail clippers or use wax to make yourself more comfortable until the next visit.

How do I turn my expander key?

Once your child’s rapid palate expander (RPE) is placed, Dr. Foltz will prescribe a set number of turns until the next visit. Only turn the key once a day and stop after you’ve reached the number prescribed.

What foods can I not eat while wearing an expander?

Expanders are strong enough to do the job, but will not withstand any hard or sticky foods. Common foods to avoid are: popcorn, nuts, raw veggies, or caramels.

How long does my child wear his or hear expander before having it removed?

Once your child’s expander is placed, our team will monitor the the expansion every 2-3 weeks before adding upper braces. Every case is different, but most continue wear of the expander with braces for a portion of his or her treatment.

When I finish treatment, how long do I wear a retainer?

Retainers should be worn every night to stabilize teeth. Wearing a retainer is an essential part of ensuring your smile lasts a lifetime. Remember: night time for a lifetime.

Do you have any insurance programs for retainers?

Yes! We get it. Your dog ate your retainer, you threw it away in the school cafeteria, or you wore holes into it- sometimes things happen. And to protect those precious teeth you invested time and energy in, you’ve got to wear your retainer every night. (#Nightime4lifetime) We offer a Smile Protection Program, that allows you to replace your retainers for a small co-payment instead of paying full price. For questions about the program, give us a call at 615-472-1800.

How much does the initial consultation cost?

Our consultations are complimentary! Dr. Foltz will spend time assessing your lifestyle and needs before prescribing an individualized treatment plan. These appointments last an hour and can be booked as early as 7:00AM or as late at 3:00PM.

Do you offer payment plans?

We offer in-house payment plans for individualized treatment plans. After a down payment, monthly payments render on the 1st or 15th depending on one’s preference and will not effect your credit score. Once you’ve been presented a treatment quote, please give us a call at 615-472-1800 to discuss payment options.

How much does orthodontic insurance cover?

Orthodontic insurance is dependent on the individuals personalized plan. To find out if you’re covered, contact your insurance provider and ask the following questions: 

• Does my policy cover orthodontic treatment? 
• What is the lifetime maximum? 
• Has any amount been used already? 
• Is there a deductible? 
• Is there a waiting period? 
• Is there an age limit Is orthodontic work-in-progress covered 
• Do standard coordination of benefits apply if there is more than one policy? 

As a courtesy, we are happy to verify your benefits on your behalf. Please schedule a new patient consultation to discuss treatment and coverage.

What if my orthodontic insurance is out of network?

We accept most insurance plans and provide complimentary benefit checks at your initial consultation. Once booked by phone, please fill out your new patient paperwork 48 hours in advance to have insurance verified by your appointment time.

What insurance plans do you accept in your office?

We accept most insurance plans and provide complimentary benefit checks at your initial consultation. Once booked by phone, please fill out your new patient paperwork 48 hours in advance to have insurance verified by your appointment time.

My insurance plan has changed mid-treatment, does this change my coverage?

Orthodontic coverage is dependent on one’s individual plan and is estimated. Most plans pay an initial downpayment and pay the rest of the estimated sum either monthly or quarterly until the agreed upon debond time. If you receive new insurance mid-treatment, your initial estimated insurance will most likely stop payments. Coverage is never guaranteed but we are happy to coordinate with both providers. Please contact us as soon your insurance information changes, to maximize your coverage.

What if I don't have orthodontic insurance?

Many of our patients have opted out of orthodontic insurance and pay for their treatment out-of-pocket. We offer individual payment plans to help you meet your needs and ease any barriers that hinder your from the treatment you deserve. All payment plans are discussed at your initial consultation. Please call to schedule at 615-472-1800.

Do you accept transfer patients?

Yes! Our first recommended step would be to speak with your current provider to discuss remaining months of treatment and payments needed to finish your current office. If you would like to move forward with us, we are happy to book you for a complimentary consultation. Before the consult, we would need your current provider to fill out an AAO Transfer Form and/or Invisalign Transfer Form to properly asses your treatment plan beforehand. You may email this to info@avenuesouthortho.com.

I'm moving! Can I continue treatment with your office?

Yes, many of our patients move out of state during their treatment with us. Please give us a call as soon as expected to make adjustments to your treatment plan accordingly.

Do you offer American Sign Language in your office?

Yes! We offer ASL interpreters upon request. Please contact our office at 615-472-1800.