Frequently Asked Questions

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. However, adults can start treatment at any age. If you notice issues with bite, crowding, or alignment, schedule a consultation to discuss your options.

Your first visit includes a comprehensive examination with digital X-rays, photos, and 3D scanning. Dr. Borda will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan with timeline and cost estimates. The consultation is complimentary.

Treatment duration varies based on your specific needs. Most cases take 12-24 months, though some may be shorter or longer. Dr. Borda will provide an estimated timeline during your consultation.

Braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to teeth with wires to move them into position. They're highly effective for complex cases. Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that gradually shift teeth—nearly invisible and convenient for eating and cleaning. Dr. Borda will recommend the best option based on your case.

No! Orthodontic treatment works at any age. Many adults seek treatment to improve their smile, oral health, or correct issues from the past. We offer discreet options like clear aligners and ceramic braces that fit professional lifestyles.

Phase 1 treatment is for children ages 6-10 with baby and permanent teeth present. It guides jaw growth, creates space for erupting teeth, and addresses bite problems early. This can simplify or shorten later treatment during adolescence.

If you lose an aligner, move to the next one in your series and wear it for the prescribed time. If you're on your last aligner, wear the previous one and contact us immediately. For a cracked aligner, if the crack is small, continue wearing it. If it's broken or uncomfortable, contact our office.

If your aligner isn't seating completely over your teeth, remove it and try again. Use your aligner chewies to help seat it properly. If it still doesn't fit after several attempts, contact our office. Don't force it—we'll assess whether you need to wear a previous aligner longer.

Rinse aligners with lukewarm water each time you remove them. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap. Avoid hot water, which can warp them. Always store them in their case when not wearing them. Clean your teeth before putting aligners back in.

If a bracket detaches from your tooth but is still on the wire, leave it in place and cover it with orthodontic wax if it's irritating. If it comes off completely, save it and bring it to your next appointment. Contact us if it's causing discomfort or you're concerned.

Use the orthodontic wax we provided to cover the poking wire. Place a small ball of wax over the sharp area. If the wire is out of the bracket, try using clean tweezers to gently push it back in. If you can't resolve it, contact our office and we'll get you in right away.

Avoid hard foods (ice, hard candy, nuts), sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy), and foods you bite into with front teeth (apples, corn on the cob). Cut these into small pieces instead. Also avoid popcorn, bagels, and hard pizza crust. These can break brackets or bend wires.

Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Spend extra time around brackets and wires. Use a proxy brush or floss threader to clean between teeth and under wires. An electric toothbrush and water flosser can make cleaning easier.

Yes, we work with most insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage. We'll submit claims on your behalf and handle the paperwork to make the process as smooth as possible.

We offer flexible payment plans with no interest, accept credit cards, and provide in-house financing options. We believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile, so we'll work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget. Visit our payment page or discuss options during your consultation.

Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of your case and the type of treatment. During your free consultation, Dr. Borda will provide a clear cost breakdown with no hidden fees. We're committed to transparent pricing and will discuss all financial options upfront.

You may experience mild soreness for a few days after getting braces or starting new aligners. This is normal as your teeth begin to move. Over-the-counter pain relievers and eating soft foods help. Any discomfort typically subsides within a few days. Contact us if you have significant pain.

Most patients visit every 6-8 weeks for adjustments and progress checks. Aligner patients may have longer intervals between visits. We'll schedule appointments at times convenient for you, including after school and work hours when possible.

Yes! We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth during contact sports. We can provide a special orthodontic mouthguard designed to fit over your braces. Let us know if you play sports so we can ensure you're properly protected.

If you experience a true emergency (severe pain, injury to your mouth, or loose appliance causing distress), contact our office immediately at (206) 707-7650. Dr. Borda lives nearby and is available for urgent situations. For minor issues like a poking wire, use wax and call during office hours.

Yes, retainers are essential to maintain your results. Teeth naturally want to shift back, so retainers keep them in their new position. We'll provide specific instructions on how often to wear your retainer—typically full-time at first, then nightly long-term.

To maintain your smile permanently, plan to wear your retainer nightly indefinitely. This ensures your teeth stay in their beautiful new position. Many patients find this routine becomes second nature. If you stop wearing your retainer, teeth may shift.

Contact us immediately if you lose or break your retainer. Teeth can shift quickly without retainer wear. We'll schedule an appointment to take new impressions and create a replacement. In the meantime, if you have an old retainer, wear it—even if it doesn't fit perfectly.