Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost?

As an investment in yourself, there's no doubt that your braces will pay for themselves many times over. However, we do understand that for most families, orthodontic treatment can put a strain on your budget. Dr. Lyons has always had a deep and profound desire to make orthodontics available to everyone. Our fee for complete comprehensive treatment including everything from the exam, all appointments for braces and the retainers ranges from $4441-$6050. Interest free payment plans are available as well as financing for as low as $99 a month (upon credit approval).

Fees for interceptive (early treatment) are substantially lower.

Adult accelerated treatment is $2280-$3500 and includes white braces and teeth whitening.  

Are there any additional costs involved ?

No! The estimate given covers all of the orthodontic treatment including the complete orthodontic examination, all treatment appointments and final retainers. However, extractions, if required, are not included. If white brackets are desired there will be an additional $250 to $500 except for adult accelerated treatment when it is included.

Will it hurt?

Placing the braces is no more sensitive than brushing your teeth. Small brackets are "glued" onto the teeth with a special bonding agent. The fixed appliances themselves have rounded corners to minimize possible irritation of the cheeks and tongue. Dr. Lyons uses the differential straight arch technique which means only very small forces ( 2 to 4 ounces) are used. He uses no headgear.

You can expect your teeth to become more sensitive to pressure for a few days following each orthodontic appointment.

How long will it take?

The duration of the active treatment will obviously depend upon the complexity of the malocclusion. Typical comprehensive treatment usually lasts between 18 and 24 months. Accelerated treatment for adults which consists only of straightening the teeth out typically lasts three to six months. Interceptive (early) treatment usually lasts approximately 6 months.

Good patient cooperation with things such as wearing your elastics and watching what you eat will help to achieve the desired results in a lesser amount of time.

What will it look like?

Types of braces

With today’s orthodontic appliances you don’t have to have a mouth full of metal to treat your malocclusion.

What will my insurance cover ?

Your dental insurance may cover up to 50 percent of the cost of treatment. To determine what your specific plan covers you may send a copy of the consultation report to your insurance provider for a predetermination. Since the consultation at our office is free you won't have to pay anything for the estimate. If your insurance plan fails to cover for orthodontic care we can provide affordable payment plans as well as financing for as low as $99 a month (with credit approval).

Will I have to wear a headgear?

Dr Lyons never asks his patients to wear a headgear.

We use the differential straight arch technique. This system requires much less force than conventional straight wire orthodontics (four to 6 ounces compared to 30 to 40 ounces) which translates into less sensitivity. With this technique extra oral anchorage such as the headgear is not required.

The use of sophisticated Tip Edge Plus brackets allows us to schedule appointments every six to eight weeks rather than the conventional four-week interval.

New technological advancements in the field of orthodontics such as space-age thermo-elastic wires ,computer scanning and imaging for tooth positioning, robotic wire bending, (i-braces), multifunction brackets (Tip Edge +) and TADs (temporary anchorage devices) have made orthodontics easier and more predictable.

Desired results can often be achieved within 12 to 24 months and all this with less schedule-altering check-ups.

Will I still be able to practice sports?

Absolutely! However, for those involved in contact sports we recommend a special mouthguard to fit over your braces.

Speaking of contact, it's very unlikely for two people with braces to lock together when kissing. TP orthodontics has researched the topic carefully and reports no evidence of peoples braces ever getting stuck together during a kiss The story seems to be an urban legend

Is there any guarantee that my teeth will remain straight?

Our code of ethics does not permit us to guarantee the treatment outcome. However, we will not finish the treatment until you are entirely satisfied with the new position of your teeth. Also, during a period of five years after removal of the braces, we will correct at no extra charge any relapse or undesired tooth movement. You must however maintain your yearly orthodontic checkups and inform us immediately if you break or lose your retainer.

Am I too old for braces?

You're never too old to get braces. Teeth will move if a constant pressure is applied to them. This holds true if you are one or a hundred years old. It's never too late to make a decision to improve your life.

By the end of treatment many adult patients tell me that they have but one regret: they wish they had done it sooner.