New Patients

Yes. The initial consultation is complimentary. We will address your main concerns, identify potential orthodontic problems that can be corrected, and outline options before any treatment is scheduled.

The fee for orthodontic treatment varies based upon the phase and complexity of treatment. Early interceptive or phase I treatment is typically several thousand dollars. Comprehensive treatment of the permanent dentition typically ranges from $6000 to $7000 dollars with very simple or limited treatments being less and more complex treatments or multi-disciplinary treatments costing more. The price for each case is quoted either at the time of initial consultation (in the majority of cases) or at a subsequent consultation if further diagnosis or treatment planning is needed.

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans that can be customized to your needs. In some cases we can arrange for payments to extend beyond your actual treatment time.

A referral is not required. We do ask that you have a recent cleaning and that your general dentist complete a dental clearance form before we start treatment. We can get the ball rolling with an in office consultation while you're working on getting your dental clearance.

Choose the office that is more convenient. Hours alternate by week — see the calendar on the Contact page. While we encourage you to pick one office for the majority of your visits, we can accomodate seeing you in either office.

Bring your insurance card to the first visit, or better yet, text it to us ahead of time! Alternatively you can upload it to the new patient intake form filled out online. We will review benefits and go over fees and payment options before you decide on treatment.

Plan on about 30-45 minutes. You will meet Dr. Wesslen and the team, have a complimentary exam, and discuss timing, treatment path, and fees.

The recommendation from the American Association of Orthodontists is that a child should be screened for an orthodontic problem by the age of 7 years old. Often this screening is done by your general or pediatric dentist who may refer the child to the orthodontist for further evaluation.

There are definately some things that should be treated in an early / interceptive / phase I approach. These include:

1. Social concerns
2. Early loss of primary teeth. If a primary tooth is lost or pulled long before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, often a space maintainer is used to preserve the parking place for the next tooth.
3. Functional concerns. These are typically things like crossbite (a tooth or teeth are crossed over the opposing arch opposite from what they should be.), finger habits, tongue habits, airway concerns, extremely large overbites, overjets, or underbites.

While treatment times vary from patient to patient and can depend on certain problems being addressed, it is typical to see the majority of treatments complete in about 18-22 months. With newer custom appliances like LightForce Braces we we seeing this number come down by as much as 40% in some cases with some cases finishing in 8-10 months. Treatment in younger, adolescent aged patients typically goes a little quicker than adults. Things like impacted teeth, extractions, severe crowding, severe bite problems, and palatal expansion tend to add some time to some treatment plans.

Things that you can avoid are: Failed or rescheduled appointments, broken braces, poor oral hygiene, and lack of compliance with wearing elastics or other orthodontic appliances as directed. Follow the instructions and things should move efficiently!

Thats a great question! Our goal is to provide the highest quality result for all of our patients. Although we try to avoid extractions if possible, sometimes the presenting condition leaves us no option but to extract teeth. We evaluate each patient to assess the needs for cosmetic improvement, facial balance, and airway. Contrary to what is sometimes presented on social media, there are occasions when extractions may be required due to tooth position or severe crowding. If needed, extractions are typically referred back to your general dentist. If the extraction is deemed complex, sometimes extractions are done with an oral surgeon.

The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are typically some of the last teeth to form. They are often fully formed in the late teen years. A question or concern we often get is when should I get them removed and can they ruin the result of orthodontic treatment?

For orthodontic treatment we take a pre-treatment diagnostic radiograph and can asses the development status of third molars. A radiograph is typically taken mid way through treatment to asses root position and if needed a final radiograph taken at the end of treatment. At each of these time points, the wisdom teeth are evaluated.

While wisdom teeth are often blamed for moving the other teeth in the mouth, there is no solid evidence backing up the notion that they are a major contributor of this. They may exhibit a little bit of force as they erupt, but its not likely much. If you really think about it, they would have to move second molars, first molars, two premolars and a canine before causing the front teeth to shift. In reality they probably don't move things that much. See also: Why do we get wisdom teeth removed?

We do recommend having them removed for other reasons, however. Sometimes there is just not room for them to develop and erupt and they can get stuck. This is not an immediate problem, but left as is they may interact with the adjacent teeth and cause damage. Another potential issue is if they remain unerupted or partially erupted. In this scenario they can be difficult to keep clean and can get cavities or infections which end up being a bigger problem. For these reasons, we typically recommend removal as a preventative measure.