No, a referral from your family dentist is not necessary to schedule an orthodontic exam with Dr. Lewis. Many of our patients are referred by their dentist, but you can call and schedule an appointment directly for your initial consultation.
We recommend that children have their first orthodontic checkup around age 7. This doesn’t always mean they’ll need treatment right away — it simply allows us to spot developing issues early. Habits like thumb-sucking, a narrow palate or crossbite, mouth breathing, early loss of baby teeth, congenitally missing adult teeth, or noticeable crowding are often easier to address when caught at a younger age.
Not at all. Orthodontic treatment can work at any age, and many adults choose to improve their smile and bite. Today’s clear braces and Invisalign aligners are more comfortable and discreet than ever. We tailor treatment plans to your goals, lifestyle, and timeline, and mild crowding can sometimes be corrected in as little as 2–3 months.
Most patients finish treatment in about 12–24 months, depending on the type of treatment and how complex the case is. Some minor adjustments can be completed in just a few months, while more involved plans take longer. During your free consultation, we’ll examine your teeth, review your options, and give you a personalized estimate of your timeline and cost.
You may feel some pressure or mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, or when you switch to a new Invisalign aligner. Most patients describe this as temporary discomfort that fades quickly. Modern braces and aligners use lighter, gentler forces, which makes treatment much more comfortable than it used to be.
Braces use brackets and wires that stay on your teeth and are adjusted over time. Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable trays. Both can straighten your teeth effectively. Braces are always working, while Invisalign trays can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, which makes everyday care easier. We’ll help you choose the option that best fits your smile goals, lifestyle, and comfort level.
With braces, most patients are seen every 6–8 weeks for routine adjustments. Invisalign check-ins are usually every 8–10 weeks so we can monitor your progress and give you the next set of aligners. In either case, most visits are quick and take about 30 minutes or less.
With braces, you’ll need to avoid very hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can break brackets or bend wires. With Invisalign, you remove your aligners to eat, so your diet doesn’t need to change as much. When treatment begins, we’ll go over all the foods to steer clear of and the best ways to protect your appliances.
Yes. Retainers keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from slowly shifting back over time. Wearing your retainer exactly as instructed is the best way to protect the results of your treatment. We offer both removable retainers and fixed retainers that are bonded behind certain teeth to help keep your smile stable.
In some cases, yes. Correcting your bite and aligning your teeth can improve your smile, jaw alignment, and overall facial balance. During your consultation, we’ll talk about how treatment might affect your facial features and create a plan that supports both a healthy bite and an attractive, natural appearance.
Good brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are essential. We’ll show you the tools and techniques that make it easier to clean around braces or aligners, and we usually recommend seeing your family dentist for cleanings at least three times a year during treatment. You’ll also receive a hygiene kit and, in some cases, a fluoride toothpaste recommendation to help protect your teeth.
Mild jaw issues can often be improved by correcting how your upper and lower teeth fit together with braces or aligners. More significant jaw concerns may require a combination of orthodontic treatment and jaw surgery. During your exam, Dr. Lewis will explain what type of approach is best for your situation.
Yes. Improving the alignment of your teeth and jaws can make chewing more comfortable and efficient, and in some cases it may help with certain speech issues. At your consultation, we’ll discuss how treatment could benefit your bite, function, and overall oral health.
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