FAQs

• When is the best time to begin orthodontics?

  Though an orthodontist can enhance a smile at any age, there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Beginning treatment at this time ensures the greatest result with the most efficient use of your time. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that the initial orthodontic evaluation should occur at the first sign of orthodontic problems or no later than age 7. At this early age, orthodontic treatment may not be necessary, but vigilant examination can anticipate the most advantageous time to begin treatment while catching any complications that may be developing in the future.

• What will happen at my initial visit?

  Your initial appointment will consist of a full series of digital photographs and any digital x-rays as needed. You will then receive a thorough clinical examination by either of our highly qualified orthodontists, Dr. Cooney and Dr. Tyner. A full discussion and explanation of our findings, treatment options and alternatives will be presented. This appointment takes approximately one hour and is provided at no cost to you. During the initial examination for each patient we will address any questions you may have and cover the basics of orthodontic treatment. Members of our staff will be also able to discuss scheduling and financial arrangements with you.

• What if I have to miss my new patient consultation?

  We understand that life happens and sometimes you’ll need to reschedule. Our new patient schedule is regularly booked months in advance, so please let us know as soon as possible about any potential conflicts for your appointment. Our team will do its best to re-schedule you in the near future with at least 24 hours notice. Any appointments that are cancelled on the day of, or that are no-shows will require special consideration to be re-scheduled. Thank you for your understanding!

• What is the Complimentary Tracking Program?

  We offer a complimentary tracking program for patients who are not yet in the ideal dental situation for treatment. The patient is seen on a regular and consistent basis in our active observation program. This allows us to identify the most ideal time to initiate treatment in the future while ongoing growth, development, and eruption are closely and professionally monitored. As with our initial screening appointments, active observation and monitoring of your child’s ongoing orthodontic needs is a complimentary service we have offered our patients and their general dentists for over 50 years.

• What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?

  Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems that may arise in the future and greater opportunity for more effective treatment. Prudent intervention guides growth and development, preventing potentially serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not essential at that time, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development to begin treatment when it is ideal.

• What are common orthodontic problems?

  Some of the common orthodontic problems that we are able to treat include:

  • Underbite
  • Spacing
  • Upper Front Teeth Protrusion
  • Crowding
  • Overbite
  • Openbite
  • Skewed Dental Midlines

• How long will treatment last?

  Since everyone’s biology and dental situations vary, treatment times will be different for each patient. We will be able give you an estimated treatment time prescribed specifically for you during the initial screening appointment.

• What are the advantages of interceptive treatment?

  Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:

  • Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
  • Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
  • Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
  • Preserving space for unerupted teeth
  • Reducing the need for tooth removal
  • Reducing treatment time with braces
  • Reducing the likelihood of teeth becoming impacted

• Do you accept my insurance?

  We are not a direct participator with insurance companies, though we do accept assignment of benefits if they are available through your plan. We offer many financial options in addition to any insurance assignment benefit, including lower down payments and customizable payment options. All financial options will be discussed and given to you at the initial consult.

• Does COVID-19 affect my orthodontic treatment?

  Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow all official recommendations from these agencies because your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Our affiliation with these organizations ensures that we are up to date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. For more detailed information regarding our procedures and protocols please click here.

• What types of braces are there?

  We offer a variety of options when it comes to obtaining your ideal smile. Many times, different types of appliances may be necessary prior to or in conjunction with braces systems. For our bracket systems, we offer conventional metal brackets as well as less noticeable clear ceramic brackets. We are also an Top Provider for the Invisalign clear aligner system in Upstate New York. All these systems can get you the results you’re looking for depending on which option works best with your lifestyle. We will thoroughly discuss which options will be most advantageous for you at your initial screening.