FAQ

Do you charge for an initial visit?

No. As a courtesy to you and your family, we will provide a personalized, complimentary consultation.

At what age do you start seeing patients?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7. At this age, some permanent teeth have typically erupted, allowing orthodontists to assess potential issues with tooth alignment, jaw development, and bite

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

In some cases, early orthodontic treatment, known as Phase I or interceptive orthodontics, may be recommended for certain dental or skeletal issues. This treatment is typically done in younger children, usually between the ages of 7 and 11, to address specific problems and guide proper jaw development.

How long will the first visit take?

On average the first visit takes approximately an hour. This visit includes X-rays and diagnostic records, a comprehensive exam from Dr. Corbridge and a discussion of the treatment findings. The treatment coordinator will also present a schedule of fees at this exam.

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 evaluate the current status and completion time.

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 adults! Newer cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

An orthodontist is trained as a general dentist, but has had at least 2-3 more years of full-time specialty training in orthodontics. .

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 needs.

Do you see patients for emergencies?

Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our emergency care page for more information.

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?

After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases, changes or the carrier under pays, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee.

Do you take American Express, Master Card and/or Visa?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

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 offer a family Courtesy?

We do offer a family courtesy for multiple patients from the same family.

I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?

Yes.

Do retainers need to be worn after braces?

Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 3 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely, RETENTION IS FOR LIFE. The orthodontist will go over retainer wear after treatment

Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?

Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not.  It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over  lifetime.