Orthodontic FAQs

Common Questions About Orthodontics

At Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics, our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident throughout your smile journey. Whether you are just beginning to explore orthodontics or are well on your way to your smile transformation, Dr. Jodi has answered some of the most common orthodontic FAQs––including braces, clear aligners, financing and more. If we don’t cover your questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is always happy to help!

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Common Orthodontic FAQs From Parents

Parents—we know that getting your child started with orthodontic treatment can feel daunting. That’s why Dr. Jodi has answered some of the most common orthodontic FAQs, helping you feel informed and confident as you guide your child through their smile journey.

Does my child need braces?

This mostly depends on the age of your child. Overlapping teeth, underbite or overbite and problems chewing or speaking are signs that a child may be ready for orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure, Dr. Jodi recommends scheduling a complimentary consultation by the age of 7 to figure out the best next steps for both you and your child and answer you orthodontic FAQs.

Once my child’s treatment is completed, will they need to wear retainers?

Dr. Jodi recommends that all patients wear retainers after treatment––at least while sleeping. Wearing retainers helps ensure you maintain your beautiful new smile.

Is orthodontic care expensive?

We understand that orthodontic care can be costly. We recommend checking with your dental insurance provider to see what coverage options are available. We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving the smile of your dreams, which is why we offer flexible, customizable payment plans and interest free financing to make treatment options more affordable.

Does orthodontic care hurt?

Most patients will experience discomfort or soreness at the beginning of treatment or after adjustments to their orthodontic appliances. Dr. Jodi recommends taking over-the-counter pain medication right before and after adjustments to help manage any soreness.

Can my child receive treatment if they still have some baby teeth?

Absolutely! Dr. Jodi believes it’s important to begin creating space for incoming permanent teeth even while baby teeth are still present. This approach helps guide proper growth and ensures your child’s smile develops as smoothly and beautifully as possible.

Orthodontic FAQS From Patients

Starting your smile journey is exciting, but it often comes with many questions about orthodontics. Our team has gathered some of the most common orthodontic FAQs patients ask every day. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident, supported, and cared for throughout your treatment.

Young boy playing in the game room at a top rated orthodontic office in columbia and waterloo

What if a wire or bracket breaks or comes loose?

Whenever you have an issue with any of your orthodontic appliances, Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little recommend calling our office to schedule an appointment. If a bracket or wire is broken or loose, gently push any poking wires flat with a cotton swab or similar tool and cover it with orthodontic wax to prevent further irritation. For more information or urgent issues, please refer to our Orthodontic Emergencies page.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment length varies depending on the patient and the type of treatment. Patients wear braces or aligners for an average of 18-24 months. During your complimentary consultation with Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little, they will provide a personalized treatment plan along with an estimate of how long your treatment is likely to take.

What do I do about a broken or lost retainer?

Come see us! We can help you quickly replace your retainer if you lose or damage it. Keeping your new smile in place is so important. We want to help you preserve your results for aesthetic reasons and to maintain optimal oral health.

How often will I need to come in for appointments or check-ups?

Appointment frequency depends on the type of treatment you are receiving. If you have braces, Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little recommend coming in for a check-up or adjustments once every 4-6 weeks. If you have aligners or retainers, appointments typically occur every 6-8 weeks. These visits allow Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little to monitor your progress to ensure your smile journey is progressing smoothly, and address any concerns or questions about orthodontics you may have.

How do I take care of my teeth during orthodontic treatment?

Dr. Jodi and Dr. Little recommend only eating soft foods and sticking to water or lightly colored drinks. If you’re interested in what you can or can’t eat or drink while you are going through orthodontic treatment, please check out the Diet Restrictions For Braces page! Also, remember to thoroughly brush your teeth after each meal, and floss at least once per day to keep your teeth and appliances clean and healthy.

How soon will I start seeing changes in my smile?

Many patients will start to notice subtle changes in their smile during the first few weeks of treatment. Dr. Jodi or Dr. Little will monitor your smile journey at each visit, guiding you through your smile transformation and helping ensure lasting results every step of the way.

Office Orthodontic FAQs

Have orthodontic FAQs about our office, your visit, or your treatment? We’re happy to help! Keep reading for helpful information about visiting our office, financing your treatment and more.

What are your office hours?

Our Columbia office hours are:

Monday: 9  AM–5 PM
Tuesday: 9  AM–5 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday: 7:30  AM–3 PM
Friday: CLOSED

What orthodontist am I seeing?

There will be no surprises at your appointment! You’ll receive a confirmation beforehand that includes all the important information you need such as the time, office location and orthodontist.

Do you take my insurance?

We work with insurance plans that allow you to choose your provider. Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

Do you offer payment plan options?

We do! Cost should not be a barrier to receiving a healthy, confident smile. We can work with you to create personalized, low down payment plans. These plans are often flexible and can be pushed past the end of your treatment if necessary.

When is my next appointment scheduled? When do I need to come back?

We strive for clear communication with our patient so that you are never wondering about next steps or when you’ll see us next. You will also receive a reminder before your next appointment so that you have no question when it is.

Still Have Orthodontic FAQs?

We hope this guide helped answer many of your orthodontic FAQs. If you still have orthodontic FAQs or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to provide guidance, clarify any concerns and help you feel confident throughout your smile journey. Your smile matters, and we’re here to make sure all of your questions about orthodontics are answered.

Your Smile Journey Starts Here

Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics makes treatment fun, comfortable and patient-focused in both of our welcoming offices. With advanced tools like in-house 3D-printed aligners and precise CBCT scans, we deliver efficient, high-quality results. We proudly give back through school programs, community events and local sponsorships, and we make confident smiles affordable with flexible, no-interest financing. Ready to get started? Request your appointment today and experience the HJO difference!