Orthodontic FAQs
At Smile Studio Orthodontics, we believe in clear communication and individualized care to help you achieve your best smile. Led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Yubin Lee, our practice offers a range of treatments tailored to adults and children, utilizing modern technology for comfortable and effective results. Whether you’re exploring options or have specific questions, this page answers common orthodontic questions to guide your journey. If you don’t see your query here, schedule a consultation today for personalized advice.
General Questions
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Your dentist may offer orthodontic treatment, but it does not mean that he or she is an orthodontist. Dentists do not have the same level of education and experience in orthodontic treatment as orthodontists have.
Orthodontists go through another 2-3 years of specialty training in addition to dental school and receive additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
If your dentist provides general dental services such as cleanings, fillings, and overall management to maintain or restore oral health, then he/she is probably not an orthodontist.
You are never too old for orthodontic treatment! Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Currently one in four orthodontic patients is an adult.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7. By that age, a child will have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and the orthodontist will be able to recognize orthodontic problems (“malocclusions”) even in their earliest stages.
As young as 6! The youngest child I’ve treated for braces was just 6 years old and had only four lower permanent teeth.
One of the most common orthodontic questions is about treatment duration. At Smile Studio Orthodontics, braces typically take 12 to 24 months, depending on your age, dental needs, and compliance with care instructions. For children, early intervention can shorten this time, while adults may see results faster with accelerated orthodontics.
- Benefits: Customized plans ensure efficient progress without unnecessary delays.
- Process: We start with a digital scan, monitor adjustments regularly, and provide clear updates.
Ready to start? Book your consultation for a timeline tailored to you.
Braces pain relief is a top concern for new patients. Mild discomfort is normal in the first week after adjustments, but it fades quickly. Use over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and orthodontic wax for irritation. Our accelerated orthodontics options can reduce overall treatment time and discomfort.
Adult orthodontics options at Smile Studio Orthodontics include braces, Invisalign, and esthetic treatments for subtle corrections. Many adults choose digital orthodontics for precise, faster results without disrupting daily life.
Adult Orthodontic treatment improves bite, confidence, and oral health with our board-certified expert. The best first step is to start with a consultation to explore options and discuss the treatment plan that is right for your lifestyle and budget.
Accelerated orthodontics utilizes devices and treatment methods that help speed up your treatment time. The benefits include shorter treatment times, often 30-50% faster, using advanced techniques to stimulate bone remodeling. Perfect for busy patients at our practice.
Orthodontic retainers after treatment are essential for maintaining your new smile. You will receive your first retainer as soon as you finish your treatment plan.
We provide custom retention options, worn full-time initially, then nights only.
Comparing clear braces vs Invisalign? Clear braces offer esthetic, fixed correction while Invisalign provides removable aligners for milder issues. Both a great options and highly effective. Which is right for you depends on your case complexity, treatment needs, lifestyle and budget.
The best way to determine what’s right for you is to schedule a free consultation in our office!
Orthodontic treatment plans are personalized based on your unique needs, age, and goals at Smile Studio. Whether for adults, children, or teens, Dr. Yubin collaborates with you to decide what’s right for you, considering budget and lifestyle for a transparent journey.
At Smile Studio Orthodontics, digital orthodontics consists of precise, technology-driven planning for faster, more comfortable results. At our practice, we use advanced scanning and 3D modeling to design treatments like Invisalign or braces, eliminating traditional impressions for a seamless experience.
Esthetic orthodontic treatment options prioritize a natural look while correcting alignment. Smile Studio offers clear aligners and brackets that blend with your teeth, ideal for adults and teens seeking discreet corrections without metal.
Benefits include a boost to your aesthetics while in treatment with minimal visibility of your appliance.
- session to explore these subtle solutions.
We accommodate busy schedules with flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, plus virtual options for consultations and monitoring. This makes adult orthodontics or children’s treatments easier for families in Westchester and Scarsdale.
Consultation
At your first visit to the orthodontist, you will meet Dr Yubin and her team. We will ask about any concerns you or your child may have and take photos and x-rays to understand your dental needs. Digital scans may be taken as well. Then, Dr Yubin will talk to you about the findings, treatment options, and answer any questions you have. We will create a personalized treatment plan, provide an estimate of the cost, and give you an idea of how long the treatment may take. It’s a friendly and informative visit to kickstart your orthodontic journey!
Your initial consultation is complimentary.
Your Child’s First Visit
Age 7! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends all kids to see an orthodontist at age 7 (or as soon as a concern there may be an orthodontic problem prevents itself).
Waiting until all baby teeth fall out might seem like the right thing to do, but early evaluation is key for several helpful reasons.
Early detection and intervention: Orthodontic problems are easier to tackle when caught early. By age 7, a child has a mix of baby and adult teeth. At this time, orthodontists are able to identify issues and take preventive measures. We can guide proper jaw and dental development, making treatment less complex in the long run.
Habits: Habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting can impact teeth and bite development. Early evaluation helps identify and discourage these habits.
Monitoring growth: Orthodontists can track permanent teeth eruption, jaw alignment, and other factors affecting oral health.
It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your child might need to see an orthodontist before they turn 7. If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s pediatric dentist. Here are some important signs to consider:
Crowded baby teeth: Baby teeth should come in with spaces in between them. If baby teeth are crowded, it will mean that your child will need orthodontic treatment in the future.
Early loss of baby teeth: If your child loses their baby teeth too early or too late or in an unusual position, it can indicate an issue that may need orthodontic evaluation.
Extended thumb-sucking or pacifier use: Kids who keep on thumb-sucking or using a pacifier after age 3-4 may need an orthodontist’s help.
Mouth breathing: If your child tends to breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, it can affect how their jaw and teeth develop.
Jaw position: Keep an eye on your child’s jaw alignment. If it’s sticking out too much or not enough, it might be time to see the orthodontist.
Overbites and “Underbites”: These are when the upper and lower teeth don’t match up correctly. Your dentist can often spot these early.
Working with your pediatric dentist and orthodontist, you can make sure that any potential orthodontic concerns are caught and addressed at the right time.
At your child’s first visit to the orthodontist, you will meet Dr Yubin and her team. We will ask about any concerns you or your child may have and take photos and x-rays to understand your child’s dental needs. Digital scans may be taken as well.
Then, Dr Yubin will talk to you about the findings, treatment options, and answer any questions you have. We will create a personalized treatment plan, provide an estimate of the cost, and give you an idea of how long the treatment may take. It’s a friendly and informative visit to kickstart your orthodontic journey.
Not all kids will need immediate treatment at age 7; many will be monitored. However, early evaluation can significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of orthodontic treatment, as recommended by the AAO. Don’t wait!
Payment & Insurance
We work with most insurances. Please call the office and we’d be happy to check for you!
Many people have dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits, usually provided by their employer. Such insurance covers a portion or percentage of the fee for orthodontic treatment, many times there may be a specific dollar amount or lifetime cap.
Yes, funds from flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts can be used to pay for your orthodontic treatments.
Yes, we offer a variety of payment plans, such as interest free payment plans, to make orthodontic care fit your budget.
Invisalign cost without insurance varies based on case complexity. As an esthetic treatment option, Invisalign uses clear aligners for discreet straightening, making it popular for adults and teens. We offer flexible payment plans to make it accessible.
- Benefits: Nearly invisible and removable for eating, with fewer office visits thanks to digital monitoring.
- Process: Begin with a free assessment to get an exact quote. Contact us to discuss how.