FAQs
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven, even before all the baby teeth are gone. At this stage, we can spot developing concerns, like crowding, spacing, or bite issues, while there’s still room to guide growth in the right direction. That said, it’s truly never too late to start. We welcome kids, teens, and adults at every stage of life, with treatment always tailored to your needs.
No referral is needed. You’re welcome to schedule a complimentary consultation directly with Gwinnett Orthodontics at any time, whether your dentist recommended us or you found us on your own.
Your first visit is designed to be informative and genuinely exciting. We’ll talk through your goals, complete a comprehensive digital smile assessment, and use advanced 3D imaging to start mapping out a personalized, affordable treatment plan, all before you leave the office.
Yes. Your initial consultation with Dr. Chakote, including your digital exam and a custom treatment plan, is completely complimentary. There’s no obligation, just an honest conversation about your smile and your options.
FAQs
LightForce® braces are digitally preplanned and custom-designed for your specific bite and smile, rather than hand-positioned the traditional way. That precision typically means faster results, fewer adjustment visits, and a more accurate fit than conventional braces, while still delivering the strength braces are known for.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, which is exactly why your consultation matters. Dr. Chakote evaluates your bite, goals, lifestyle, and budget using advanced digital imaging, then recommends the option (or combination of options) most likely to get you the result you want in the most comfortable, efficient way possible.
In many cases, yes. Early interceptive treatment can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address developing bite issues while a child’s mouth is still changing. Catching these concerns early can sometimes mean a shorter, simpler second phase of treatment down the road, or, in some cases, may help avoid more invasive treatment altogether.
FAQs
Most Invisalign® cases take between 6 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your smile and how consistently the aligners are worn (we recommend 20 to 22 hours a day). We’ll give you a personalized timeline estimate at your free consultation.
Treatment time with braces varies by case, but most patients are in treatment for roughly 12 to 24 months. Factors like bite complexity, crowding, and how well appointments and oral hygiene routines are kept all play a role in your exact timeline.
Gwin Monitoring doesn’t replace the biology of tooth movement, but it does help keep your treatment on track between visits. By sending quick scans from home, our team can catch issues early and adjust your plan as needed, often reducing unnecessary in-office visits and keeping your treatment progressing as efficiently as possible.
FAQs
Braces typically range from roughly $3,000 to $7,500 nationally, but your exact cost depends on the complexity of your case, the type of braces you choose (traditional metal or LightForce®), and your treatment length. The most accurate way to know your investment is a free consultation, where we’ll review your case and walk through pricing in detail.
Invisalign® cost is generally comparable to braces and depends on how many aligners your treatment plan requires. We’ll provide a clear, personalized estimate after your digital exam, along with financing and insurance options to help make it work for your budget.
Yes. We believe great orthodontic care should be accessible, so we offer flexible, interest-free in-house financing alongside third-party healthcare lending options. Whether you’d prefer smaller monthly payments or a pay-in-full option, our team will help you find a plan that fits your budget.
FAQs
Most patients feel mild pressure or soreness for a few days after getting braces placed or starting a new Invisalign® aligner. This is simply a sign that your teeth are moving. It’s typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and fades quickly. Many patients find Invisalign noticeably more comfortable day-to-day than traditional braces.
With traditional braces, it’s best to steer clear of hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as ice, popcorn, caramel, and hard candy, since they can damage brackets and wires. Invisalign® patients don’t face this restriction at all, since aligners are removed before eating.
With braces, brushing after every meal and flossing daily (a floss threader or water flosser helps) keeps food and plaque from building up around brackets. With Invisalign®, oral hygiene is simpler: just remove your aligners and brush and floss normally, then rinse your aligners before putting them back in.
Absolutely. We recommend a properly fitted mouthguard for contact sports, whether you have braces or Invisalign®. Most patients adjust to playing instruments within a couple of weeks of starting treatment. Invisalign® patients can simply remove their aligners during games or performances if needed.
FAQs
It depends on your treatment, but thanks to Gwin Monitoring, many of our patients need fewer in-person visits than with traditional orthodontic care. Instead of routine check-ins every few weeks, we can track your progress remotely through simple at-home scans and only bring you in when it’s time for your next real step.
Gwin Monitoring is our digital remote progress-tracking tool. From home, you’ll send quick scans of your smile so our team can monitor your treatment between visits. It means fewer unnecessary appointments, more flexibility for your schedule, and care that fits into your life instead of disrupting it.
Once active treatment ends, you’ll transition to a retainer to protect your results. Teeth can naturally shift over time, so consistent retainer wear, especially in the months right after treatment, is essential to keeping the smile you worked for. We’ll walk you through your specific retention plan at your final appointment.
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