FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQs)

GENERAL FAQs

Who's the best orthodontist in Spokane?

No need to look further for the best orthodontist in Spokane, it’s us! Whatever your orthodontic need, we can help! Use our site to find the orthodontic services that you are looking for, or schedule a consultation!

What is the best orthodontic practice?

The best orthodontic practice is one that delivers optimal results, no matter what the orthodontic need is. If you are looking for cosmetic changes, we might recommend the use of braces or Invisalign. Whatever treatment your orthodontist recommends will depend on your particular needs and how much time they think it will take to complete.

Is an orthodontist a good choice for someone who is looking to straighten their smile?

An orthodontist is the perfect option for braces, and depending on what you need, may be a perfect option for further treatment. If you’re looking for the cosmetic benefits of braces, the orthodontist is a safer course to go, though not necessary. However, if you’re looking to improve your oral health, then seeking an orthodontic professional is imperative.

What is the average cost for an orthodontist visit?

The average cost for an orthodontist visit can vary depending on your insurance and a variety of other factors. Comprehensive insurance typically includes some form of dental or orthodontic benefits.

What are the benefits of having a great orthodontist?

Having the best orthodontist in Spokane is a valuable thing. It helps get the perfect smile, and healthier teeth; and in today’s world where people are concerned with both cosmetic beauty as well as health.

Having the best orthodontist in Spokane ensures that you will have the best care available. When you make the decision of scheduling an appointment with your local Hi5 orthodontics office, it will provide you with peace of mind as well as a healthier more comfortable smile that is worth any investment.

INITIAL VISIT AND THOROUGH EXAMINATION

DO YOU CHARGE FOR AN INITIAL VISIT?

No fee for this. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the benefits of Invisalign, braces or tooth straightening esthetic options without charging a fee. Other diagnostic lab or 3D imaging procedures may be indicated.

WHAT AGE DO YOU START SEEING PATIENTS?

As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8.

WHY DO YOU EVALUATE PATIENTS THIS YOUNG?

HOW LONG WILL THE FIRST VISIT TAKE?

Between 45-60 minutes for lots of information.

DO YOU SEE PATIENTS FOR EMERGENCIES?

Yes, clinicians are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even during the holidays to be available to you for any emergency visit.

DO YOU TAKE PATIENTS TRANSFERRING FROM OUT OF TOWN?

Yes we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started. Unlike most practices, we do not ask for a large down payment but merely assess a monthly fee to complete the treatment in progress. Our office is well known nationally, so many doctors send patients to us from other locations.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADULT PATIENTS?

Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adult. New, more cosmetic appliances like Invisalign, are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ORTHODONTIST AND A DENTIST?

CAN I MAKE ALL MY APPOINTMENTS IN THE AFTERNOON AFTER SCHOOL AND LATE IN THE DAY?

In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patients, some procedures need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs. We offer appointments Monday through Friday and both early morning and late day choices to try and accommodate everyone’s schedules.

FINANCIAL

CAN WE MAKE PAYMENTS?

Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for necessary services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE INSURANCE?

After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee.

DO YOU TAKE AMERICAN EXPRESS, MASTER CARD, VISA AND/OR DISCOVER?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

DO YOU HAVE DIRECT DEBIT?

Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as automatic withdrawals from your checking/savings and payments over the internet.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADULT PATIENTS?

Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adult. New, more cosmetic appliances like Invisalign, are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient.

DO YOU CHARGE INTEREST?

DO YOU GIVE FAMILY DISCOUNTS?

We have special programs and fees for multiple patients from the same family.

MOVING OF TEETH (MECHANICS)

I NEED TO BE PRE-MEDICATED FOR THE DENTIST. DO I NEED TO TAKE MY MEDICINE FOR THE ORTHODONTIST?

Yes.

HOW DO BRACES WORK?

DO YOU USE RECYCLED BRACES?

No.

MISCELLANEOUS

RETAINERS

DO RETAINERS NEED TO BE WORN AFTER BRACES?

Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.

WHY DO TEETH GET CROOKED AFTER WEARING BRACES OR ALIGNERS?

WISDOM TEETH (THIRD MOLARS)

DO WISDOM TEETH CAUSE TEETH TO GET CROOKED?

Research has shown this not to be true.

WHY DO WISDOM TEETH NEED TO BE REMOVED?

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS (TMJ AND TMD)

CAN BRACES OR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TREAT OR CAUSE TMJ PROBLEMS?

Scientific literature has documented that there is not a direct link between orthodontic treatment or occlusion and TMJ. Problems with TMJ can be present or absent in the presence of all types of good and bad bites.

HEALTH IMPACT

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WEARING BRACES?

Orthodontics helps to improve the comfort of the bite, make it easier to brush and floss your teeth for good dental health, and many times helps to balance the facial musculature. The positive self-esteem benefits are immeasurable.

HOW DO ENLARGED ADENOIDS AND ALLERGIES AFFECT BRACES?

Mouth breathing, as a result of enlarged adenoids or tonsils or allergies, may cause your upper and lower jaws to grow apart and elongate facial form during growth, resulting in crowding and often narrow arches. Evaluating for these conditions early on is optimal for best patient care.

HOW DOES A TONGUE THRUST OR LOW TONGUE POSTURE AFFECT BRACES?

The effects are similar to enlarged adenoids. Plus, the pressure on front teeth from the tongue thrusting can aggravate protrusion and spacing.

Q & A WITH DR. W

WHAT IS PHASE 1 TREATMENT?

Phase 1 treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted. The purpose of this early care is to provide jaw orthopedics and to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later without surgery. Phase 1 treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontics done during adolescence. Examples of phase 1 treatment include correcting individual tooth or jaw crossbites and severe underbites and overbites where function, esthetic or psychological concerns are identified.

WHAT IS PHASE 2 TREATMENT?

Phase 2 treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment. It may start while the last baby teeth are falling out and continue until the 12 year molars have been evaluated or straightened. This treatment usually lasts between 2 and 3 years and can be treated either braces or Invisalign Teen.

HOW DO I KNOW IF PHASE 1, 2 OR BOTH TYPES OF TREATMENT ARE NECESSARY?

An early visit is suggested. About 10 to 20 percent of young patients may benefit from phase 1 treatment. Most other patients are observed until the appropriate time to initiate care. We do the right thing at the right time.

DOES EARLY TREATMENT ENSURE A BETTER RESULT?

Not always. Experience and research shows that early treatment achieves meaningful goals but the quality of the result is determined at the end of care. For this reason, we do not encourage early treatment unless significant benefits can be achieved.

HOW LONG DO BRACES TAKE?

Complete treatment can usually be accomplished in within 18-36 months. Sometimes, this active movement is divided into two or more periods (Phase I and Phase II) of time with a rest of 6 to 18 months in between. (See phase 1 and 2 treatment above).

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO HAVE WISDOM TEETH REMOVED?

The best time according to oral surgeons is when approximately 2/3 or so of the root is formed. Some time after age 16 or 18 seems to be the average.
Hi 5s always follow the exceptional, the amazing, the extraordinary – and we work hard to demonstrate this same level of greatness in our office.
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