Throughout the years, quite a few questions have repeatedly been asked by our patients. Here are the answers to some of them. Of course, we also hope you talk to us in person about any concerns you have.
What is the best age to start wearing braces?•Do you treat adults?
Do you treat adults?•Do you offer clear braces and Invisalign?
Do you offer clear braces and Invisalign?•How long will I need to wear braces?
How long will I need to wear braces?•How often are my appointments?
How often are my appointments?•Will I have to wear a headgear?
Will I have to wear a headgear?•Will I have to wear a retainer?
Will I have to wear a retainer?•How long will I have to wear my retainer?
How long will I have to wear my retainer?•Should I see the dentist while I'm wearing braces?
Should I see the dentist while I'm wearing braces?•What different payment options do you provide?
What different payment options do you provide?•Do you accept referrals?
Do you accept referrals?•How soon can I get an appointment?
How soon can I get an appointment?•How does Dr. Paulus stay up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
How does Dr. Paulus stay up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?•Do you accept my insurance plan?
Do you accept my insurance plan?•What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?What is the best age to start wearing braces?
Children should be evaluated by the orthodontist at age 7. Since all cases are individual, treatment timing varies depending on the type of malocclusion. For more information on when to start treatment and orthodontics for children, click here.
Do you treat adults?
Yes. We have many adult orthodontic patients. For more information on adult orthodontic treatment in our office, click here.
Do you offer clear braces and Invisalign?
Yes. Clear braces are offered if desired for adults and we also offer Invisalign, a "braces-free" way to straighten minor problems in adults.
How long will I need to wear braces?
Patients generally wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Very difficult cases may require longer treatment. Certain minor tooth movement may be completed in less than one year.
How often are my appointments?
Dr. Paulus will see patients in braces every 4 to 6 weeks to make adjustments as necessary.
Will I have to wear a headgear?
Usually not. Most patients in Dr. Paulus' practice are treated successfully without headgear.
Will I have to wear a retainer?
Yes. After braces are taken off, all patients get retainers. This is because teeth can move back toward their original position.
How long will I have to wear my retainer?
This varies from patient to patient. For the first several months, Dr. Paulus likes patients to wear their retainers all the time. After that, most patients do fine just wearing retainers at night. After one year, most patients find they can wear their retainers less. Some patients need permanent retainers or constant retainer wear indefinitely and this varies with the individual.
Should I see the dentist while I'm wearing braces?
Yes! You must see the dentist every 6 months even while wearing braces. Your dentist can still clean your teeth and check for decay and this is even more important while wearing braces.
What different payment options do you provide?
We accept checks and major credit cards, such as American Express, MasterCard, Discover and Visa. We also offer payment plans over the course of your treatment and Orthodontic Fee Plan/American General Financing.
Do you accept referrals?
We love referrals. Our main goal is to have happy, satisfied patients who will refer their friends and family. We're always looking forward to helping new patients.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We try to see patients within a week. We are very flexible to meet your needs. We have timely appointments and try to see emergencies that day.
How does Dr. Paulus stay up-to-date on all of the current techniques and materials?
Dr. William Paulus is a big believer in continuing education to keep current with new techniques and materials. For you the patient, this means you couldn't be in more competent hands when it comes to orthodontics. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art treatment to our patients.
Do you accept my insurance plan?
Dr. William Paulus accepts most types of general insurance and will file the claim for you. We will call your insurance company to verify benefits and coverage to provide you with the best estimate of fees. If you have any questions about your insurance, please feel free to give us a call.
What precautions do you take to ensure patient safety?
We rigorously follow the infection control guidelines by the American Dental Association and Centers for Disease Control. To ensure your safety, we sterilize all dental instruments after every procedure.
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