Orthodontic FAQs

Usually, orthodontic treatment involves wearing braces, or other appliances, fixed to your teeth for between 6 and 24 months. You’ll most likely feel some tenderness as the teeth start to move. During treatment time the teeth and braces should be kept scrupulously clean.

Yes! Follow Dr. Black’s instructions, keep your orthodontic appointments, brush your teeth and braces properly, and see your family dentist regularly. These simple things will ensure a speedy and comfortable period of treatment.

Sweets and soft drinks should be avoided. Also, no chewing on ice cubes or foods that are sticky, hard, or gooey.

With the Damon System, we don’t just align the teeth; we create beautiful smiles. Your Damon orthodontist takes into account a number of factors when first diagnosing your smile. Each individual’s face, profile, and other factors are important in anticipating what they will look like in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. The Damon System is designed to deliver results for a lifetime.

Treatment time with the Damon System is typically much faster than with conventional braces. Also, far fewer appointments are required during treatment.

No. In fact, what makes the Damon System work so quickly is that it uses far gentler, more biologically sensible forces than conventional braces. The low-friction nature of the system assures improved tooth position and improved facial harmony.

Very light “shape memory” titanium wires are used to gently guide your teeth to their ideal position. Many people experience very little discomfort.

Not any more! Braces are much smaller than they were just a few years ago, and new materials are now used that make them very discreet.

No problem. Adults can be treated quickly, easily, and—most importantly—to a high-quality result.

We know that cost is a big question for anyone considering braces. The truth is, only Dr. Black can determine the cost for your specific treatment. It depends a lot on the kind of treatment you need and how long it will take. Damon Braces are usually similar to the cost of traditional braces. Dr. Black offers flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, many with no down payment and no interest.

Because dental benefits differ significantly from policy to policy, you should review your policy coverage. If you have orthodontic coverage, Damon System braces are covered to the same extent as regular braces.

Dr. Black will help you find options to make your treatment affordable. He offers flexible and affordable monthly payment plans, many with no down payment and no interest. Dr. Black also offers third-party patient financing programs specifically designed for healthcare expenses, which makes it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.

Clear aligners are the invisible new way to straighten teeth without braces. These clear, removable aligners gradually straighten teeth, without metal or wires.

Yes. In both clinical research and in orthodontic and dental practices nationwide, clear aligners have been proven effective at straightening teeth.

There are four primary benefits of clear aligners:

1. Clear aligners are nearly invisible—you can straighten your teeth while looking your best. No metal brackets, no wires. You can smile, work, and play, without anyone knowing.
2. Clear aligners are removable—you can eat and drink what you want in treatment; you can also brush and floss normally to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Clear aligners are comfortable—there are no metal brackets or wires to cause mouth irritation; no metal or wires also means you spend less time in our office getting adjustments.
4. Clear aligners allow you to view your own virtual treatment plan before you start—so you can see how your straight teeth will look when your treatment is complete.

Clear aligners are made of clear, strong medical-grade plastic that is virtually invisible when worn.

Aligners are nearly invisible and look similar to clear tooth-whitening trays, but are custom-made for a better fit to move teeth. Some orthodontists and dentists have referred to them as “contact lenses for teeth.”

For years, orthodontists and dentists have used removable appliances for limited treatment. Today, with the application of computer technology, Clear aligners treat a broader range of cases with greater precision.

Of course one of the big benefits of clear aligners is the fact that you can remove your aligners to brush, so you would brush just as well as you always have—except more often, and—we hope—a little more thoroughly. You should brush your teeth after each meal, and whenever you’ve eaten a snack. You just don’t want to get food or beverages up inside the aligner and have it sit there for several hours.