Your First Visit
First visits can be daunting. The Daly Orthodontist removes the worry making sure you understand that each patient's orthodontic treatment is different, while we give you the personal attention you deserve. Your first orthodontic visit is complimentary and will consist of an examination and discussion of potential options as well as when to start treatment and expectations on length of time.
During your consultation expect an explanation of all aspects of your treatment in detail. There will be a complete clinical diagnosis addressing the nature of your concerns and any orthodontic challenges. Afterwards a detailed plan that outlines your unique treatment goals will be discussed along with any time considerations and fees. You are encouraged to ask questions with ample time provided to ensure your comfort level is met. Your first visit should take the mystery out of orthodontic management and put you at ease.
For your convenience, you may access our Patient Forms prior to your visit.
Early Treatment
Orthodontic Treatment can start at any age, young to old, but there is an optimal time period to begin treatment. Treatments started at an early age are focused on addressing significant orthodontic problems.
What are the benefits of early orthodontic evaluation?
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and offers a better opportunity for more effective treatment. Early treatment is centered around guiding growth and development, and preventing serious problems later. When orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and dental development to determine if and when treatment is ideal.
Why is age 7 considered the optimal time for screening?
By the age of 7, the first adult molars are present, these teeth establish the bite of back teeth. Additionally, many of the front teeth, incisors, will be present as well. The combination of these teeth can provide the orthodontist with valuable information to determine the front to back relationships of back teeth as well other common orthodontic problems, overbite, protruding teeth, crowding, and open bite. Moreover, kids often have habits, such as thumb sucking, at this age. If these habits are allowed to continue into teenage years, significant growth disruptions can occur.
Will my child need treatment after?
Typically, early treatment is centered around correcting significant orthodontic problems. The purpose of early treatment is not to prevent needing orthodontic treatment in teenage years, but to provide a stable healthy base from which facial growth can continue in harmony. Some patients may still need minor alignment changes once all the permanent teeth fully erupt.
Comprehensive Treatment
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment comprises full treatment once all the permanent teeth are in. This area of treatment includes treatment for teenagers up into adulthood. The goal of comprehensive treatment is to position all of the teeth in a stable and healthy position. Tooth alignment can be accomplished at any age, if the gums and bone support for those teeth are healthy.
Are you weighing the benefits of oral healthcare?
Comprehensive treatment can improve your personal appearance in addition to improving the health of your gums and teeth. Crooked teeth and poor position of teeth can contribute to gum and bone loss, cavities, and irregular or uneven wear of tooth surfaces.
Can we consider the technology?
With the changes in technology, new techniques and appliances can reduce treatment time and discomfort. The options for orthodontic correction include metal braces (traditional), ceramic (clear) braces, Invisalign trays, and invisible braces. The types of orthodontic treatment can range from simply fitting all the existing teeth together or needing room to fit all the teeth together.
Orthognathic Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery) treats and corrects abnormalities of the facial bones, specifically the jaws and the teeth. Often, these abnormalities can cause difficulties associated with chewing, talking, sleeping and other routine activities. Orthognathic surgery corrects these problems and, in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, will improve the overall appearance of the facial profile.
Can technology make all the difference?
Using the latest in digital imaging technology, we will demonstrate the overall functional and aesthetic benefits of orthognathic surgery. Computerized treatment planning minimizes treatment times, recovery periods and the overall efficacy of your surgery. State-of-the-art materials such as titanium plates and miniature screws provide stability, strength and predictability to your treatment. These advances in technology, procedures and equipment reduce post-surgical recovery time, thus allowing patients to return to their normal routines soon after the surgery.
Is surgery necessary?
Orthognathic surgery may be unnecessary if orthodontic treatment can correct the problem. With the latest advances in orthodontics, this is sometimes the case. We will determine if orthognathic surgery is the correct treatment option for you.
What happens before and after surgery?
It’s important to start following your doctor’s advice on what medication can be taken and what diet to follow. Your orthodontist will have to apply hooks to the affected area one week before surgery. X-rays will be taken of your jaw as well as impressions. You’ll go through the necessary physical checkups and bloodwork to ensure you’re fit for surgery and an up to date medical history will be taken. The day before surgery will be the “cleanse” or “fasting” period for you. So, do not eat or drink anything at least 12 hours before surgery. Lastly, stop taking any medications to prevent any adverse reactions during surgery unless directed to by your doctor.
After surgery, initial jaw healing typically takes about six weeks, but complete healing can take up to 12 weeks. Also, your orthodontist finishes aligning your teeth with braces. During that time be sure to minimize your activities and pay close attention to your medication, diet, and oral care. Remember that following your recovery plan you’ll have the best success in healing.
Craniofacial Orthodontics
Craniofacial Team
Craniofacial orthodontics is dedicated to the treatment of patients with birth anomalies affecting the skull, face, jaws, and teeth. Our orthodontists work with reconstructive plastic surgeon, neurosurgeon, oral surgeon, ENT, geneticist, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, pediatric dentist, and psychologist to plan and stage treatment.
Part of the Process
The craniofacial orthodontist understands facial proportion, growth of the face and jaws, eruption of the teeth, and development of the bite. Our team is involved in the development of comprehensive treatment planning to delivery of orthodontic care. Some examples of orthodontic care in these situations is preparing the teeth and jaws for orthognathic surgery (jaw surgery), open space for implants for missing teeth, preparing the jaws for bone grafting due to bone defects, and to improve the sleeping habits.
Esthetic Orthodontic Treatment Options
Our doctors recognize that braces are personal and depending on a patient’s lifestyle can determine the acceptance of their treatment plan. Using appliance that are discreet allows for their patients to feel more aligned with their care and comfort. Our staff is dedicated in bringing you the most advanced technology and orthodontic treatment plan that is designed to create your perfect smile along with an enhanced orthodontist and patient experience. Therefore, they offer Invisalign and InBrace.
A Clear Option
Our doctors have extensive experience treating patients with Invisalign. It uses the concept of braces, while providing an excellent esthetic option. Invisalign is a series of clear aligner trays that are custom to your teeth delivering specific amounts of pressure to each tooth to correct many types of malocclusions. Invisalign is the perfect example of digital workflow, from digital impressions to digital treatment planning to virtual consultations during treatment, it’s balances technology and lifestyle.
What is Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners are made of almost invisible polyurethane flexible plastic. They work the same way traditional braces do by applying carefully controlled pressure to move teeth into a preferred position. Rather than being cemented or bonded to the teeth as metal or clear braces are, clear aligners are completely removable.
The Ups and Downs
The advantage of Invisalign is that you can discreetly wear them for important social occasions. Also, eating teeth-brushing and flossing can be more manageable. However, the disadvantage is that you must resist the temptation to take your aligners out more than is advised. Here are some other advantages of the Invisalign system:
- Improved Oral Hygiene — With an orthodontic appliance that is removable, you will be able to clean your teeth much more easily than if you were wearing metal braces.
- A Discreet Look — If you consider your orthodontic treatment to be a private matter, or simply feel that metal braces don't fit with your self-image, a practically invisible form of orthodontic treatment might suit you.
- More Dietary Choices — To protect metal wires and braces, some diet modifications are necessary. With clear aligners, you can still bite into an apple or a crispy pizza crust.
- Comfort — The soft, flexible material of which Invisalign is made will not irritate the soft tissues of the mouth, as metal wires and braces can.
- Teeth-Grinding Protection — If you have a teeth-grinding or clenching habit, clear aligners can function as thin nightguards that will protect your teeth from excessive wear.
For more information about Invisalign, speak with you orthodontist or visit
Lingual Braces Aligned
Lingual braces are an alternative option of braces that have practical and cosmetic use and designed to fix misalignments. Compared to traditional braces, they are installed on the back of the teeth instead of the front keeping them virtually unnoticeable. The major benefit to lingual braces is it bridges the gap between precise and efficient tooth movements provided by braces and the maximum esthetic option of not noticing your teeth are being aligned. Our doctors are well trained and experienced to use InBrace lingual bracket system for almost any type of malocclusion.
How it Works
INBRACES, much like lingual braces, are applied behind the teeth. Because they are custom designed for each patient’s unique treatment plan, it is possible for there to be shorter and less frequent appointments.
The Up Side
There are many advantages to choosing INBRACE over other lingual or traditional orthodontic solutions. INBRACE is more esthetically pleasing compared to other orthodontic solution. Also, it is easier to maintain good oral hygiene because there is no special tool like traditional braces and there is no alternating or constantly removing clear aligners.
To find out more about INBRACE speak with your orthodontist or visit inbrace.com.
COVID Consent and Release Forms
For your enhanced safety and that of all of our patients we ask that you complete the following forms prior to entering our practice. To access the COVID19 forms, please click here.
FAQ for You
Is there an online resource for general questions regarding having braces or the care of braces?
Yes, you can use the Bracemate app by visiting http://www.bracemateapp.com/our-apps/bracemate
Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?
No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.
How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office, send us an e-mail or fill out our appointment request form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?
Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.
How long will it take to complete treatment?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.
How often will I have appointments?
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Do braces hurt?
Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”
Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.
Do you give shots?
No. Shots are not necessary in orthodontic treatment.
Do you use recycled braces?
Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.
Can I still play sports?
Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.
Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.
How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
Will my child need full braces if he/she has Phase One/Early treatment?
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption is closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.
Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!
Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
