We’ve worked hard to simply answer your questions.
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. New technology allows us to use lighter forces to move the teeth over a much shorter amount of time.
You can expect the braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment. These adjustments will make you more conscious of your teeth, but they should not be painful. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever (as directed) for any discomfort.
That’s a tough question because no two cases are alike. We focus on quality and not speed. However, most comprehensive cases are completed in 12 to 18 months in our office. Obviously, depending on things like initial difficulty and patient compliance, some cases will take significantly less time and some will take a bit longer.
This refers to orthodontic treatment when all permanent teeth are erupted (adolescents or adults). It is more commonly used when a two-phase treatment is not performed.
Not really. While adult teeth sometimes move a little slower than children’s teeth, you are never too old to benefit from braces.
A large portion of our practice is devoted to adult orthodontic care. In fact, we have several patients in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s!
Extraction treatment means that permanent teeth need to be removed, most often to allow the front teeth to be pulled back if a patient’s teeth and profile are too protrusive.
Non-extraction treatment is accomplished by expanding the arches to make room for all the permanent teeth. It is less common to have permanent teeth extracted with today’s orthodontic techniques, but we don’t want you to get hung up on this decision. Our first choice is to not extract permanent teeth, but our greater purpose is to give you the best result possible.
We will carefully evaluate your case and recommend the decision that gives you the smile you deserve!
Yes! When teeth are missing, the teeth on each side of the space tend to drift into the empty space. This can create a number of problems. These spaces between the teeth are unattractive and can detract from your smile. Additionally, tipping of the teeth can lead to problems with function and recession of the gum tissue.
Orthodontic treatment will correct and prevent these problems and will also provide proper alignment for your dentist to replace the missing teeth.
It’s sometimes difficult for parents to determine if treatment is necessary simply because there are so many issues that can occur even when your child’s teeth may look straight. Also, some problems that look intimidating and complex may be resolved on their own. Asking your general dentist is a good reference, but we are your best resource since orthodontics is all we do.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends your child consult with an orthodontist by age 7. We would be more than happy to see your child and make any necessary recommendations.
Two-phase treatment is not a clever way for orthodontists to get you into two sets of braces, we promise. It simply means that there will be two separate parts to your orthodontic treatment; however, this is not double the cost and double the time. Though we try to avoid this when possible, in many cases, it is needed for the best end result.
The first phase of treatment, Phase I, is aimed at intercepting a moderate or severe orthodontic problem early in order to reduce the severity or eliminate it. These problems most often include crossbites (of the front or back teeth) and crowding. Phase I treatment takes advantage of the early growth spurt and turns a difficult orthodontic problem into a more manageable one. This can also greatly help self-confidence in a young child who is being teased or embarrassed by the position of his or her teeth. This phase of treatment usually begins while the permanent front teeth are erupting (typically around the age of 8-9). We usually recommend this treatment when waiting could cause orthodontic problems or social problems to worsen.
The second phase of treatment, Phase II, will occur after all permanent teeth have completed eruption. This serves to complete proper alignment which cannot be achieved with baby teeth present. In our office, this phase of treatment is significantly discounted due to the expense of Phase I treatment.
Absolutely not! Only certain orthodontic problems require early intervention. In fact, most of our patients are able to wait until most, if not all, of their permanent teeth erupt, to begin their orthodontic treatment.
Your first visit to our office will consist of a thorough examination and a discussion of potential treatment options. Each individual’s orthodontic case is different and deserves personalized attention.
At the initial visit, complimentary photographs and x-rays will be taken. Then, utilizing state-of-the-art patient education software, Dr. Bills will take the time to discuss in as much detail as you need whether treatment is necessary and, if so, the duration, benefits, and costs of orthodontic care.
Your first visit is a great time for us to get to know each other and for you to ask any questions you may have. Our goal isn’t to put as many sets of braces on as many people as possible, but rather to serve you and your family well.
What you can expect from us is an honest assessment of your situation and a team of people truly dedicated to serving you.
We look forward to seeing you!
To schedule an appointment, simply call our office at (856) 875-4600, send us an e-mail, or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you.
Some of our patients choose to pay in full for orthodontic treatment and can receive a small discount. However, most patients choose to finance their orthodontic treatment over the course of several months or even years.
We have many patients who are in braces or Invisalign for only 12 months that are able to finance their treatment for longer than they are in treatment! We can customize a solution for your financial needs.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Dr. Bills uses the latest technological advances in orthodontics, so the days of going to the orthodontist every 3-4 weeks are gone. Most of our patients will be seen every 6-10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Good news! The answer is no! Unlike many orthodontic offices, we offer COMPLIMENTARY exams and consultations in our office.
There are four essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:
Orthodontic treatment almost always qualifies for FSA reimbursement. If your employer offers an FSA, let us know and we will verify your eligibility and help you get started.
The cost is on a case-by-case basis. Once Dr. Bills has examined you or your child, we will explain the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
The price you pay for your orthodontic treatment will cover your typical treatments. But we know that you sometimes need that extra appointment. So we work alongside you to develop a plan that includes free retainer checks.
No. The price you pay for your orthodontic treatment covers everything we do from start to finish and even includes a lifetime guarantee on retainers.
If you didn’t find the information you were looking for, we want you to feel free to contact us. You can do that through the contact form on this page.
We love offering braces and Invisalign to New Jersey — We’re proud to serve South Jersey, Sicklerville, Woolwich Township, Mullica Hill, and Mount Laurel with great orthodontic care!
