Thinking about braces or clear aligners usually comes with plenty of questions. When should your child first see an orthodontist? How much will treatment cost? Are clear aligners a better fit than braces? And is it ever too late for an adult to straighten their teeth? 
At Clubhouse Orthodontics, Dr. Brock Frazee believes families should feel informed and comfortable before making any decisions about treatment. As a locally owned, single-doctor orthodontic practice in East Edmond, Clubhouse offers a personal experience where patients see the same orthodontist from their first consultation through their final results.
To make your research a little easier, we’re answering five of the most common questions people ask when looking for an orthodontist in Edmond, OK.
1. When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?
The recommended age may be earlier than you think. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
That does not mean your 7-year-old will walk out with braces. In fact, most children at this age are not ready to begin treatment. The goal of an early visit is simply to take a look at how the teeth, bite, and jaws are developing.
During an early evaluation, Dr. Frazee may check for:
- Crowding or spacing
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Permanent teeth that are not coming in properly
- Early or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Jaw growth concerns
- Habits that could affect dental development
If treatment is not needed, your child may join the Clubhouse Orthodontics Kid’s Crew. Through this complimentary growth-monitoring program, Dr. Frazee can check their development every six to 12 months. It is a simple way to keep an eye on their smile and begin treatment at the time it will be most helpful.
And if your child is older than 7 and has never visited an orthodontist, don’t worry! It is never too late to schedule an evaluation.
2. How Much Do Braces Cost in Edmond, OK?
This is one of the first questions most families ask, and understandably so. The honest answer is that orthodontic treatment costs are different for every patient.
The total cost can depend on:
- How much tooth movement is needed
- Whether the bite also needs to be corrected
- The type of treatment selected
- The anticipated length of treatment
- Available orthodontic insurance benefits
At your complimentary consultation, the Clubhouse Orthodontics team will explain the recommended treatment, estimated timeline, and cost before you make any decisions. You will also have an opportunity to discuss insurance benefits, payment options, and the possible use of HSA or FSA funds. We strive to make this process super simple for our families!
When comparing the cost of braces in Edmond, it is important to look beyond the initial price. Orthodontic treatment includes detailed planning, regular progress appointments, ongoing supervision, adjustments, and retention after treatment.
3. Should I Choose Braces or Clear Aligners?
Both options can create a beautiful smile, but they work a little differently!! Braces use brackets and wires to steadily guide the teeth into position. Because they stay in place, you never have to remember to wear them. Braces can also provide excellent control for a wide range of tooth and bite concerns.
Clear aligners use a customized series of removable trays. They are discreet and can be taken out for eating, brushing, and flossing. However, they must be worn consistently to work as planned.
When helping you compare braces and clear aligners, Dr. Frazee will consider:
- The type of correction your smile needs
- Your age and daily routine
- Your ability to wear aligners consistently
- Your eating and oral-hygiene preferences
- Your personal goals for treatment
There isn’t one treatment that is automatically best for everyone. The right choice is the one that can safely and predictably address your needs while fitting into your lifestyle. If you are researching braces or clear aligners in Edmond, a consultation is the best way to compare your options without any guesswork.
4. How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Every smile moves at its own pace. Some patients need a relatively small correction, while others require more comprehensive treatment to improve both tooth alignment and the bite.
Your treatment timeline may be affected by:
- The amount of crowding or spacing
- The complexity of the bite
- Age and growth
- The type of orthodontic treatment
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How closely treatment instructions are followed (wear those aligners!!)
Keeping regular appointments, taking good care of your braces, and wearing aligners or elastics as instructed can all help keep treatment moving forward.
At the beginning of your orthodontic journey, Dr. Frazee will provide an estimated timeline based on your individual needs. He will personally monitor your progress throughout treatment and make adjustments along the way. Annnnnd, because Clubhouse Orthodontics is a single-doctor practice, you won’t have to wonder who will be overseeing your care. Dr. Frazee is there from the first conversation to the day you see your finished smile. That’s right, every step of the way!!
5. Am I Too Old for Braces or Clear Aligners?
It’s a no from us! Orthodontic treatment isn’t only for children and teenagers. Many adults decide to straighten their teeth because of shifting, crowding, bite concerns, or simply because they are finally ready to do something for themselves.
As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, age alone does not prevent you from benefiting from orthodontic treatment.
Adult orthodontics may help:
- Straighten teeth that have shifted over time
- Address crowding or unwanted spaces
- Improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Make certain areas easier to brush and floss
- Create a smile that feels more confident
Adults may be candidates for braces, clear aligners, or a shorter treatment option for minor corrections. At Clubhouse Orthodontics, in East Edmond, Dr. Frazee will help you understand what is realistic for your smile and recommend a plan that fits your needs.
Let’s Take a Look at Your Smile
You don’t have to know which treatment you need before visiting an orthodontist. That is what the consultation is for. Clubhouse Orthodontics treats patients in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Guthrie, Stillwater, Jones, Deer Creek and beyond! Ready to get your questions answered? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brock Frazee and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love.