Orthodontic FAQs

Pioneer Orthodontics is so excited to start your orthodontic journey with you! We know that when you learned you would need braces, your mind became a notepad filled with questions. Dr. Cserna believes in patient education so you can confidently make the necessary decisions and have peace of mind during your entire experience. To help you, we’ve put together our answers to some orthodontic FAQs!

In-Person Vs. Dentist Vs. Orthodontist

In today’s day and age, you have a few choices for where to receive your orthodontic care. You can get it from your dentist, an online provider, or an in-person orthodontist like Dr. Cserna. An in-person orthodontist has a hand above the competition, though, with benefits that make your care more pleasant and efficient!

An orthodontist is a dentist who chooses to continue their education so that they may specialize in bite and alignment needs. In short, they have more training than a dentist in orthodontic matters which means they can offer deeper insight, meticulous and accurate care, and multiple treatment options for a broader range of needs. (This is not to discourage you from seeing your dentist! Your dentist is a fantastic oral healthcare provider, and you should see them regularly before, during, and after orthodontic treatment to maintain good oral health.)

Though online providers use orthodontists to administer your care, you lose much of the experience. Yes, you might save some time by having your appliances shipped to your door and attending all your appointments from your laptop, but you don’t get to do the following:

  • Have a personalized treatment plan created using all the available and necessary information that an online provider has no means of getting.
  • Form a relationship with the orthodontist who is administering and planning your care.
  • Perform DIY orthodontic work at home because a team of professionals at our office will do it all for you!
  • Have access to our top-of-the-line technology, like our iTero 3D scanner and our Propel devices, that make treatment a breeze.
  • Support a local business and help your community thrive and grow.
  • Have thorough, in-person examinations to carefully and closely monitor your teeth’s health throughout treatment.
  • Safer treatment with better results.
  • And more!

Both online providers and dentists usually only offer clear aligners to treat orthodontic needs. While we love clear aligners at Pioneer Orthodontics (so much so that we’ve become an Invisalign Premier Provider), we know it might not be the best choice for everyone’s smile or lifestyle needs. That’s why we also offer Damon self-ligating metal braces and Damon clear braces. With these fixed appliances, we can treat patients of various ages and a broader range of alignment cases!

Orthodontic FAQs

Is There A Specific Age For Treatment?

Nope! As previously mentioned, our treatment options let us treat patients of all ages!

Children should see an orthodontist by age seven! Though most children will not begin treatment until a few years later, it is best to have your child assessed early, just in case. You want to find and keep an eye on potential concerns as soon as possible so that treatment can be provided as soon as necessary. Being one step ahead will help minimize the severity of care needed and the side effects of improper alignments.

If you’re way past the age of seven, you’re not too old for braces! Orthodontic care is beneficial for everyone. Treatment in adults might take a little more time, but you’re still qualified for care! It’s never too late to invest in yourself, and you’ll never regret investing in your smile—you’ll only wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

Are Braces Expensive?

Dr. Cserna is honored to provide Lincoln, York, and surrounding communities with budget-friendly orthodontic care. We work with and accept insurance plans from different companies and will help you get the most out of your benefits. We have also teamed up with OrthoFi to offer flexible payment plans to our patients. 

Pioneer Orthodontics does not believe in hidden fees or vague billing statements. We are always transparent about what you’re paying for and why, and you have 24/7 access to your expense records through our online portal. 

We don’t want anyone’s reason for not pursuing care to be, “It’s too expensive,” so please don’t hesitate to speak to our team about your budget and options.

Are Braces A Lot Of Work?

Braces require some out-of-office efforts on your part for a safe, pleasant experience and the best final results. Fortunately, it shouldn’t take up much of your time! For fixed braces, you must maintain a braces-friendly diet and clean your braces after every meal. For removable braces, rinse the mouth after meals, wash your aligners daily, and keep up with them when you’re not wearing them. Overall, you should only spend a few minutes of your day dedicated to orthodontic maintenance! 

When considering the different braces you qualify for, we encourage you to carefully and realistically assess the work that comes with them. We don’t want your braces to feel like a chore or disrupt your lifestyle!

Orthodontic FAQs

Is A Retainer Really Necessary?

Yes! When we finish your braces treatment, your mouth needs a little time to adapt to its new layout. While you might already be used to seeing your gorgeous and functional smile in the mirror, your teeth are not used to being in their new locations! Without a retainer to hold your teeth in place, your teeth will try to shift back to their original homes. This process is known as regression, and it takes as little as one day to notice a difference!

To avoid needing retreatment in the near or distant future, wear and care for your retainer as directed!

Visit Pioneer Orthodontics For More Information!

We cannot wait to watch you and your smile transform over the course of your treatment! If you have already started, congratulations! We’re excited to get to know you!  We’re excited to get to know you! You can contact our offices if you have any questions or concerns about your care or out-of-office responsibilities!