Resources

Treatment times vary case-by-case but the average time is 2 years. Actual treatment times vary by the patient’s growth rate and the complexity of the correction. Treatment time is dependent on a number of factors that include patient compliance, the extent and direction of the patient’s continued growth rate.

At Central Park West Orthodontics we offer convenient payment options to make orthodontic treatment affordable. In order to begin treatment, a standard deposit fee is required at the first appointment followed by monthly payments which can range on average from $200-$350. Our in office payment plan has no finance charge to you. We will provide you with a payment plan as part of the initial consultation process, having discussed the options with you and trying to accommodate your requests.

In general, braces do not hurt. Sometimes after an adjustment appointment, the teeth feel sore. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s treatment plan. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

You have a few options. If the wire is loose, you can use tweezers to try to put the wire back into place. If the wire is too long, you can use a pencil eraser to push the poking wire down or you can place wax on the wire to cushion it. As a last resort, you could also clip the wire with a clean nail clipper. If you clip the wire, call the office to make an appointment to have it repaired.

If a brace loosens, you can try to stabilize it with wax; to prevent it moving around and possibility irritating you. In most case, a loose brace is not an emergency unless you are in pain.

Yes! Oral hygiene maintenance is stressed to our patients during orthodontic treatment. We recommend our patients see their dentist for 4-month recall visits until completion of treatment.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. While most treatments typically begin between the ages of 7 and 14, some cases may benefit from earlier or later intervention. An initial consultation helps determine the ideal timing for your child’s care.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential when wearing braces. Brush your teeth after every meal, and use floss or interdental brushes to clean between your braces.

Yes, you can play sports with braces, but it's essential to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and mouth. Consult your orthodontist about the best mouthguard options for braces.

After braces, your teeth can shift without a retainer. Wearing a retainer as instructed helps maintain the results and ensures long-term stability.

Certain foods, like sticky candies or hard nuts, should be avoided while wearing braces to prevent damage. However, most regular foods can still be eaten with some minor adjustments.

Yes, we offer Invisalign for adults seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces. It’s a great option for those who want to straighten their teeth without noticeable metal brackets.