Answers to Common Questions
Why is orthodontic treatment so important?
Orthodontic treatment is not just about improving appearance—it plays an important role in maintaining overall oral health, function, and comfort. Whether you’re looking to correct bite problems, prevent future dental issues, or enhance your smile, orthodontic treatment offers long-term benefits for people around 7 years of age and older that go beyond aesthetics alone.
Why see an orthodontist (and not a general dentist) for orthodontic treatment?
An orthodontist specialized in tooth movement (orthodontics) and guiding facial growth and development (dentofacial orthopedics). They are initially trained as a general dentist, but, on average, only 5-6% of dentists go on to become orthodontists. Orthodontists have at least 2 more years of full-time training specializing than general dentists and graduate with a nationally accepted specialty certificate.
An orthodontist goes through a lot of specialized training to focus solely on your development and smile. Drs Kaplan and Campbell took their education one step further and became Diplomats of the American Board of Orthodontics, in which they submitted cases of varying difficulty and passed a rigorous oral and written exam to prove they are experts in the field.
At what age should I bring my child for their first orthodontic checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for the first time by age 7.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults, and according to the American Association of Orthodontics, 1 in 4 patients are over the age of 18! Newer cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.
I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
Yes.
How long does treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment usually takes one to three years. Drs. Kaplan and Campbell can determine and discuss what your timeline is at your in office consultation.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Yes, we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patient appointments, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. These typically are longer procedures in the morning, but sometimes, scheduling during school or work hours is unavoidable. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family’s needs.
Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation.
Can we make payments?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.
How do you handle insurance?
At Orthodontics of West Nyack, we are committed to helping each patient choose a treatment plan that is effective and fits within their budget. We offer complimentary orthodontic consultations, flexible payment options, and in-house financing plans.
We accept all PPO insurance plans and provide the convenience of HSA and FSA fund usage for orthodontic care. Our goal is to make achieving a beautiful smile accessible and stress-free. Our team will work with you to find the best treatment and payment plan for your needs.
Do you take all major credit cards?
Yes.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as payments over the internet.
Do you charge interest?
No, we do not.
Do you give family discounts?
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the patient’s current situation or any concerns the doctor may have. We may just do a visual exam and explain the situation, or we may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics, including impressions of the teeth with photographs to document the current position.
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Drs. Kaplan and Campbell will provide guidance on how long you should wear your retainers after orthodontic treatment. Following their recommendation is essential to prevent your teeth from shifting. There are several reasons why teeth can move after orthodontic treatment. The bone of our jaws is constantly undergoing changes.
This natural process of breaking down and rebuilding bone can cause teeth to shift once your treatment has finished. Wearing your retainers as directed will help maintain your teeth in a stable position that Drs. Kaplan and Campbell have achieved this throughout your treatment. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over a lifetime.
