Frequently Asked Questions

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7. Early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment, it just helps identify potential concerns and determine the best time to begin treatment.

It depends! Both braces and clear aligners can create amazing results. Your orthodontist will recommend the option that best fits your teeth, bite, lifestyle, and treatment goals.

Usually 12–24 months, but every smile is different! Previous orthodontic treatment doesn’t necessarily mean treatment will be shorter. Your orthodontist will create a plan based on your current bite, alignment, and goals.

Both can be effective, and treatment time varies by case. Clear aligners and braces can often take about the same amount of time when worn as directed. For many patients, treatment may last 12–24 months, but your orthodontist can provide a more personalized estimate.

Braces may cause temporary soreness or pressure, especially after they’re initially placed or adjusted. At SmileOn, we make comfort a priority with our SmileOn Pain Eraser (SOPE) to help make orthodontic treatment more comfortable!

Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Think: popcorn, hard candy, gum, ice, and biting directly into apples or carrots. These foods are all no-nos.

SmileOn loves these braces-friendly favorites: yogurt, smoothies, pasta, eggs, soft fruits, cooked veggies, cheese, sandwiches, and soft tacos!

Absolutely! You can stay active with braces, but you HAVE to protect that smile! A properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is the perfect way to protect your teeth, brackets, and cheeks while playing sports.

Most patients are seen roughly every 8–12 weeks, depending on their treatment. Regular visits allow us to monitor progress, make adjustments, and keep treatment moving along. Plus, SmileOn the Go remote monitoring helps us keep an eye on your progress between visits!

Your braces come off, but treatment isn’t quite over! You’ll receive retainers to help keep your teeth in their new positions. Retention is a lifelong part of orthodontic care because teeth can naturally shift over time. Wearing your retainers as directed helps protect your new smile. Nighttime for Lifetime!

It depends on the complexity and length of your treatment plan. At SmileOn, our goal is to make treatment affordable for everyone. We offer low down payments and interest-free extended financing, working within your budget to help you get the smile of your dreams.

We are in-network providers with Aetna and Cigna and accept all PPO plans, including Delta Dental, Metlife, United Healthcare, and others. We will verify benefits and file all claims on your behalf.