Mattioli Orthodontics FAQ

Initial Visit

Do you charge for an initial visit?

No! As a courtesy to you as your family dentist, we’ll always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee. There may be a co-payment for X-rays and other diagnostic procedures. If you’re looking for a reliable source of orthodontic braces, give us a call today.

At what age do you start seeing patients?

As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of six and eight. We recommend by age 7 to bring your child in for an orthodontic evaluation. If you’re looking for child-friendly orthodontists, give us a call!

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

The purpose of early evaluation is more to inform and observe than to treat. At this early age, the child’s eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. We evaluate habits, discuss medical issues, and arrange an observation schedule. Looking for a reliable orthodontist? Call today to learn more about our services!

How long will the first visit take?

The first visit can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. We may simply need to do a visual exam and explain the situation or we may recommend additional X-rays. Some visits also include diagnostics such as casts of the teeth. To learn more about our services as orthodontists, give us a call today.

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. Unlike most practices, we don’t ask for a large down payment. We can assess a monthly fee to complete the treatment in progress. Contact us today to learn more about our orthodontist services!

Do you have any adult patients?

Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults. In recent years, technological growth has made adult treatments much more comfortable and convenient. Give us a call to learn more about our adult orthodontic braces.

What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?

An orthodontist is a general dentist that has had at least two additional years of full-time training in orthodontics, resulting in a nationally-accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits his practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics. As an experienced orthodontist, we specialize in fine-tuning your smile.

Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?

In order to have early and late appointments for orthodontic braces available for the majority of patients, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9:00 and 3:00. We’ll do our best to work with your schedule to accommodate your family’s needs.

Do you see patients for emergencies?

Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website as well as the phone answering machine.

Financial

Can we make payments?

Yes. Whether you have insurance or not, we’ll structure a convenient payment plan that allows you to pay for necessary services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan. Looking for orthodontists today? Give us a call to get started!

How do you handle insurance?

After verification of coverage, we’ll agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. That said, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the fees agreed upon. Give us a call today to learn more about our orthodontic braces.

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 give family discounts?

We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.

Types of Treatment

What is Phase 1 Treatment?

Phase 1 treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later. Phase 1 treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics done during adolescence. Examples of phase 1 treatment include correcting individual tooth or jaw crossbites and severe underbites and overbites where function, esthetic or psychological concerns are identified.

What is phase 2 Treatment?

Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12 year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts between 2 and 3 years.

How do I know if Phase 1, 2 or both type of treatments are necessary?

An early visit is suggested. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care.

Does early treatment ensure a better result?

Not always. Experience and research show that early treatment achieves meaningful goals but the quality of the result is determined at the end of care. For this reason, we do not encourage early treatment unless significant benefits can be achieved.

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

Retainers

Do retainers need to be worn after braces?

Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.

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.

How about retainers glued to the backs of teeth?

For some patients, permanent retainers are attached to the back of lower teeth to keep them in place. This requires special hygiene procedures and regular recalls to the family dentist.