Why get braces?

Appearance is the main reason people seek Orthodontic treatment, but it's not only about appearance. "Malocclusions" or "bad bites" can affect the way you chew or talk, and can even lead to more serious (and expensive) oral health problems. Here are some of the common conditions that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment:

• Crowded teeth: teeth are crooked, turned or overlapping
• Overjet (protrusion): the upper teeth are too far in front of the lower teeth
• Overbite: the upper teeth overlap too much of the lower teeth
• Underbite: the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth
• Spacing: teeth that have gaps or spaces between them

Ask yourself or your child this question: "Do I like my smile?" If the answer is no, then orthodontic treatment is for you.

Am I too old (or young) for braces?

It's a common misconception that braces are just for teenagers. The fact is that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment – whether it's correcting a long–time bite problem that wasn't addressed in younger years or catching developmental problems early. You're never too old for a beautiful smile. If you've been living with a bite problem for a long time, or been hiding your smile, it's time you found out how orthodontics can transform your smile – and your life. Most people would never guess that Dr. Fillman's oldest patient was 86.

When should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

To ensure the best overall dental and facial development, all children should have an orthodontic consultation sometime around the age of 7. Usually, nothing more than observation is needed (and we will continue to monitor progress at no charge) but if a problem is evident, taking action early can spare a lot of treatment and expense down the road. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by age 7 – sooner if something is obviously wrong.

Will my child's teeth straighten as they grow?

The jaw space available for your child's teeth does not increase with age. In fact, in many cases, it decreases between the ages of 9 and 13. Consequently, crowded teeth rarely straighten themselves. If your child has crooked or crowded teeth, it is best to have an orthodontic evaluation sooner than later.

Can my family dentist do orthodontics?

Orthodontists are dentists that complete at least two additional years of very comprehensive, full–time specialized university training. So even though orthodontists are dentists, they are very specialized in their training. Some dentists take weekend courses in orthodontic treatments, but for specialized care, you should see an orthodontist.

Do I need to be referred?

No, you do not need a referral. Although many of our patients are referred to us by their family dentist, if you have concerns about the health and appearance of you or your child's smile and would like a free evaluation, just call or email to book an appointment.

How do I schedule an initial exam?

It's easy to schedule your initial appointment – just give us a call. Our number is 909–790–7799. You can also request an appointment online by .

Is there a charge for the initial exam?

There is no charge for your examination. It is an important first step for your orthodontic health.

Do we still need to see our family dentist?

You still need to see your regular dentist for checkups and cleanings during braces. Patients with braces or other orthodontic appliances can find it difficult to keep their teeth clean. Your family dentist will advise you as to how often to come in for checkups.

What about invisible aligners?

Invisalign is often a fast and easy way to straighten teeth without poking wires and a metal smile. Dr. Fillman is in the top 5% of Invisalign providers in the U.S., having achieved Premier Provider status by treating more than 200 cases. Patients are excited about this newest innovation in orthodontics, especially when they see the rapid results. Make a consultation appointment today to see if you are good candidate for Invisalign.

What foods do I have to avoid?

Most foods are fine with braces. However, there are a few foods that should be avoided while in braces – primarily hard foods and sticky foods. For example, foods such as peanut brittle and candied apples can not only be very difficult to clean from braces but can even damage and break them. We will go over with you in detail at your initial bonding appointment what foods to avoid. We will also send you home with a shopping bag full of tools to get you started on taking care of your braces.

How long will treatment last?

There are number of factors that determine how long you will wear braces, but in most cases, you'll be ready to show off your new smile in about 18–24 months. And with today's modern orthodontic appliances, treatment is getting faster – and easier – all the time. Braces are used to straighten your teeth gradually, not overnight, so a little patience is needed. Just remember, any discomfort you may feel will be brief. Your beautiful, healthy smile however will last a lifetime.

Will a retainer be necessary?

Wearing a retainer after braces is an important step in treatment because they keep the teeth stable while the bones and gums adapt to the newly straightened teeth. Without retainers, teeth start moving back to into their old positions – not good.

What about costs?

Your initial consultation is free, so it costs you nothing to get an assessment. The total cost will vary by case and complexity. But because our modern techniques often require fewer visits, you might be surprised how affordable orthodontic treatment can be.

A beautiful, healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make for you or your family's future. And to help you fit this investment into your budget, we offer a variety of payment methods:

• In–house financing with no interest, an appropriate down payment and the remaining balance paid over your treatment time. With an in–house financing plan, automatic payments can be set up through us or through your financial institution
• Outside financing through Chase Health Advance. They offer no down payment and low monthly payments paid over your treatment time. If financed less than two years, it is interest free.
• Payment in full discount
• Automatic credit card payments (Visa and Master Card)
• Most major insurances plans (we will fill out the necessary paperwork for you)

During your first visit and evaluation, our Treatment Coordinator will be happy to explain all the financial options to you and work with you on customizing a payment plan that fits your needs.