Orthodontic FAQs

Orthodontic FAQs

Get answers to common questions about braces, clear aligners, treatment timing, cost, comfort, and more.

How do I know if my child needs early treatment?

Signs may include crowded or spaced teeth, difficulty chewing or biting, mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or a noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite. The best way to know is through an orthodontic evaluation.

An early orthodontic evaluation can help identify developing concerns, create room for incoming permanent teeth, guide jaw growth, and address harmful oral habits before they become bigger issues.

Not always, it depends on your child’s needs. In some cases, early treatment may involve expanders, partial braces, aligners, spacers, or habit-breaking appliances. Many children are simply monitored until the timing is right.

Early orthodontic treatment may include guiding jaw growth, creating space for incoming teeth, correcting bite problems, or addressing habits like thumb sucking. Not every child needs treatment right away, and many are placed in complimentary observation until the timing is right.

Possibly. Early treatment sets the foundation, but many children still need a second phase of braces or aligners during their teen years to fine-tune the final smile.

Yes. Complimentary observation visits allow us to monitor your child’s growth and development over time at no cost and with no pressure.

What are clear aligners?

Clear aligners are a series of custom-made, nearly invisible trays that gradually move your teeth into place without brackets or wires.

For many cases, yes. Clear aligners can be a great option for mild to moderate alignment issues and are especially popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet treatment option. For more complex bite or tooth movement concerns, braces may still be the better fit.

Treatment time varies depending on your smile and treatment goals, but many patients wear clear aligners for several months to a little over a year (6-24 months). We’ll give you a more personalized timeline at your consultation.

Yes! For the best results, clear aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours a day. You’ll remove them for eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing your teeth.

Consistent wear helps keep your treatment on track and your teeth moving as planned.

They’re smooth and custom-fit to your teeth, so most patients find them more comfortable than traditional braces. Some pressure is normal when switching to a new tray.

In many cases, yes. Clear aligners can be a great option for patients whose teeth have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment. We can evaluate your smile and let you know whether aligners are the right fit.

Clear aligners can work well for many teens, and in some cases for younger patients too. It depends on the child’s needs, stage of dental development, and ability to wear them consistently. We’ll help determine the best option during your consultation.

What age is best for getting braces?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but most kids start between ages 10 to 14. However, teens and adults can benefit from braces too!

Braces can cause some mild soreness when they’re first placed or adjusted, but most patients adjust quickly. Any discomfort is usually temporary and manageable.

We offer both metal braces and clear braces. Metal braces are a durable, reliable option for many orthodontic needs, while clear braces offer a more discreet appearance. We can help you decide which option is best for your smile and lifestyle during your consultation.

You’ll still be able to eat many of your favorite foods, but you’ll want to avoid anything especially hard, sticky, or chewy that could damage your braces.

Treatment time depends on your smile and treatment goals, but many patients wear braces for several months to a couple of years. We’ll give you a more personalized timeline at your consultation.

Brushing and flossing with braces takes a little extra care, but it’s very manageable with the right technique. We’ll show you how to clean around your brackets and wires to help keep your teeth and gums healthy during treatment.

Some patients do need rubber bands or other orthodontic appliances to help correct their bite and improve treatment results. It depends on your individual treatment plan.

If a bracket, wire, or other part of your braces breaks, contact our office so we can guide you on the next steps. Some issues can wait until your next visit, while others may need to be seen sooner.

Yes. Retainers help keep your teeth in their new positions after braces, which is an important part of protecting your results.

Absolutely! Braces can be a great option for adults looking to improve their smile, bite, and overall oral health.

How do I know if I need a retainer?
If you’ve finished orthodontic treatment or notice your teeth shifting, a retainer might be the perfect next step.
We offer both clear, removable retainers and fixed (bonded) retainers, depending on your needs and lifestyle.
We’ll review your dental history, examine your teeth, and discuss your goals. Then, we’ll recommend the best retainer option and walk you through the process.
Most patients start with full-time wear and gradually transition to nights only. We’ll create a customized plan just for you.

Specialty Services

Is gum treatment cosmetic or medical?
It can be both. Some patients seek visual balance, while others benefit from improved hygiene access.
Placement is quick and relatively painless. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel.
We don’t diagnose sleep apnea, but we can identify contributing factors and collaborate with your healthcare team to support treatment.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your bite, jaw alignment, and facial balance. If traditional orthodontics isn’t enough to achieve the best result, we may recommend a surgical approach in partnership with a trusted oral surgeon.
With Digital Smile Design (DSD), we coordinate orthodontic planning alongside your restorative dentist to ensure the final result is not only aligned, but also balanced, functional, and long-lasting.
Whitening is generally safe for most adults, but we’ll review your dental health to ensure it’s a good option for you.
Some people experience mild sensitivity during or after whitening, but it usually goes away quickly. We can help minimize discomfort.
Whitening is most effective on surface stains caused by food, drinks, or lifestyle. Deep or intrinsic stains may require other treatments, which we can discuss during your consultation.
Is treatment different for adults?
Only in that it’s designed around your lifestyle. Clear aligners and discreet braces options are often ideal.
Yes! Braces are a great option for adults looking to improve their smile or bite at any age.

Getting Started

Where are you located?

RH Orthodontics is located in The Colony near Main St. and S Colony Blvd, next to Paris Baguette. Our address is 5101 Main St. Bldg C Ste 100, The Colony, TX 75056.

Yes! You’ll get all the info you need without any commitment or cost.

Absolutely not. We’ll present your options and you decide if and when to begin.

Yes. We offer flexible in-house financing, including 0% financing over the term of treatment. We also offer Cherry for patients who want longer payment terms.

Insurance & Financing

Do you accept insurance?

We work with most PPO insurance plans. If you send us your insurance information ahead of your appointment, we can verify your benefits before your consultation.

Coverage depends on your plan. We work with most PPO insurance plans and ask that you send us your insurance information before your appointment so we can verify your benefits and give you accurate financial information during your consultation.

Emergencies & Repairs

What happens if I break a bracket or lose an aligner?

Call our office and we’ll guide you through the next steps. Depending on the issue, we may recommend a quick repair visit or advise you on what to do until we see you.

Still have questions?
We’re just a message away, and encourage you to reach out anytime.