Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining oral health during treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have usually erupted, allowing for a proper evaluation of your child’s orthodontic needs.

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase with age. In fact, the space may decrease after the permanent molars erupt.

Simply call our office, send us an email, or fill out our online appointment request form. Our front office team will guide you through the process and schedule a convenient time for your visit.

During your first visit, our team will take photographs and X-rays to make a proper diagnosis. Dr. Peikar will perform a thorough examination, and we will explain the findings and treatment options.

If there is an orthodontic problem and what it is; what needs to be done to correct the problem; whether any teeth need to be removed; how long treatment will take; and what the treatment will cost

In some cases, removing teeth is necessary to achieve the best result. However, thanks to new technology, extractions are often not required.

Treatment time varies depending on each patient’s orthodontic issue. Typically, treatment can last anywhere from 8 to 30 months, with the average time being 12-18 months.

• The exact cost of treatment will be discussed during your initial examination. We offer several financing options and will help maximize your insurance benefits by filing claims for you.

Appointments are usually scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on your treatment needs. If closer monitoring is required, we will adjust your appointment schedule.

• Yes. However, we may request to speak with a parent afterward, so we ask that parents check in with our team before leaving.

• Braces don’t typically hurt. After certain adjustments, you may feel some soreness for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relief like Advil or Tylenol can help ease discomfort.

• Yes! There’s no reason to miss school due to getting braces.

• No, shots are not needed for orthodontic treatment.

• No, we provide new, customized braces for every patient to ensure the best results.

• Yes, but we recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your teeth and braces during sports activities.

• Yes, certain foods can damage braces. You should avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like caramel, taffy, hard candy, and raw vegetables.

• We recommend brushing at least four times a day: after meals and before bed. We will show you how to floss with braces, and we may prescribe a special fluoride treatment if needed.