FAQs

General Orthodontic Q & A

Just ask and we’ll answer! Our trained team is here to answer any questions you may have about your orthodontic treatment. If you don’t see your question among these most frequently asked questions, feel free to call us. Our team is happy to help you.

Q: Did the treatment team have to go to school to do this?

A: To ensure that you have an excellent team caring for your smile, we have a highly skilled and trained team of experts. Each team member goes through extensive in-office training, supervised by the doctors, along with continuing education seminars, and are CPR certified. Each assistant is X-ray certified as required by the state.

Q: How soon can I start treatment?

A: Every patient’s treatment is different. After your exam/consultation appointment where we will go over your customized treatment plan and financial information, the next step will be diagnostic records. We want to ensure that you have a full understanding of your treatment and that you are comfortable proceeding. Treatment can begin on your first, second or third appointment depending on your schedule and treatment plan. Call today to get started toward a beautiful smile!

Q: How long will my records take?

A: Your records can be done at the exam/consultation appointment. We always reserve time (10-15 minutes) to do the records to accommodate your schedule. Our office is committed to staying on schedule to prevent you from waiting or being delayed.

Q: Am I going to have impressions taken?

A: Depends on your treatment plan. Some orthopedic appliances require an impression.

Q: Does the gooey stuff taste bad?

A: No. While everyone’s tastes vary, nothing during your records appointment tastes “bad.” Most things are warm and taste like water. However, to alleviate any possible unpleasant tastes, the Records Technician will offer you several flavors to choose from for your impressions.

Q: When is my next appointment?

A: During treatment, your appointments will be spaced every 8-12 weeks unless otherwise specified by the doctor. For your convenience, Westside Orthodontics uses top–of-the-line materials that actively work to improve your smile over 8-to-12 week increments. Because our excellent materials are so effective, patients enjoy fewer in-office appointments without compromising a single benefit.

Q: If I am a Westlake patient, can I go to Lakewood?

A: Yes. You are always welcome at either office. Because your records are housed in one location, we prefer you stay at that location as often as possible; however, we certainly understand that your schedule may change, and we are flexible in accommodating you.

Q: Does your team go to both offices?

A: Yes. Our entire team travels between both offices to ensure that our patients get unsurpassed treatment from the most highly-trained team available — regardless of location.

Q: Do you have before-or after-school appointments?

A: Yes. Our short, ten-minute appointments begin at 7:30 a.m., and the last scheduled appointment of the day is at 4:00 p.m. Because before- and after-school appointments are in high-demand, any patient needing an appointment 20 minutes or longer is seen during the day between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This allows our office to maximize the number of patients we see before and after school for your convenience.

Q: If my child had a first phase of treatment, why does he/she need a second phase?

A: Your child’s first phase of treatment is necessary to work with growth, to reduce the severity of later orthodontic problems, and to decrease the amount of treatment time down the road. The second phase of treatment is to correct your child’s bite and to make the teeth fit together properly for a fully functioning, beautiful smile. A first phase of treatment allows us to achieve an ideal end result with braces that we otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve.

Q: Why is your treatment plan different from my other opinions?

A: As in any medical field, different orthodontists have different training and different approaches to treatment. Our doctors are highly trained and experts in their field. Depending on where the other orthodontists received training, their treatment plans and recommendations may vary.