Atlanta Orthodontists

Do Orthodontists Usually Offer Payment Plans for Braces?

Most orthodonists offer convenient payment options.  Typically it involves an initial payment of perhaps 20% of the entire fee followed by even monthly payments for the duration of your treatment.  Some doctors offer payment plans with no initial fee.  Most offer a discount if you pay the entire amount at the beginning of treatment.

Doug Depew, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist

Would Like to Know More About "No Braces" or "Myobrace" for a 10 Year Old Daughter?

My Daughter is 10 years old. We just visited an orthodontic and he adviced to have a temprory plate for her upper arch, because of crowding. He also advised to get permanent braces for her next year as she still has 10 baby teeth. Many people are advising about "NO Braces" technology. How do they compare with traditional braces? what is more effective(cost wise and results wise)?Are there any side effects of "NO braces". Just worried and need experts advice!thanks

In your last sentence, you said you need experts' advice.  By definition and recognition by the American Dental Association, orthodontists are the experts.   Orthodontics has come a long ways, even in the last 10 years.  There are always new technologies and more efficient ways to treat crooked teeth and other jaw size and malocclusion problems.  Some are removable, and some are attached to the teeth.  Each has their pros and cons.  In general, removable appliances have limited abilities to move teeth and require absolute patient compliance.  But they may work fine in certain minor cases.  Fixed (attached) appliances, such as braces, give the orthodontist the best control to move teeth.

Trust your orthodontist, he/she IS the specialist!

Doug Depew, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist

There's a Groupon Today for Invisalign in my Area. Would You Recommend This?

I have a preferred dentist, but the Groupon is such a good deal. I don't know if this is a gimmick or not, or if there's a way for the dentist to provide less comprehensive Invisalign service.

Since Invisalign treatment is a professional service there are some legal ramifications for offering Groupons or similar discounts for this type of treatment.  Align Techologies, the makers of Invisalign have notified all providers NOT to offer it in Groupons.  Doctors and Align can get in trouble for doing so.  So if a doctor is offering Invisalign in a Groupon, either they are engaged in risky behavior or they are using a cheaper, less effective subsitute. In fact they would have to use a subsitute in order to make a profit.  BEWARE! 

Doug Depew, DMD

Atlanta Orthodontist