Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? Does your child need braces? We can help. Orthodontic dental services can treat and prevent problems like overcrowding, malocclusion, and abnormal jaw alignment. At Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates, our dentists offer many orthodontic services for patients in Mt. Airy, MD. Although we specialize in pediatric services, our dental practice also provides braces for adults. So it’s never too late for you to straighten your smile.
Orthodontic Services in Mt. Airy, MD
Our office provides full orthodontic services to our patients:
- Emergency Orthodontic Care
- Oral Hygiene with Braces
- Orthodontic Appliances
- Orthodontic FAQs
- Orthodontic Terms
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Two-Phase Treatment
Financial and Insurance
Treatment fees vary depending on the severity of the problem, the difficulty of the treatment, and the time necessary to complete it. Many options are available to make this investment affordable. We will work with you to fit your individual needs.
Payment Options
- Monthly Payment Plans with No Interest: After making the initial down payment, you may prefer to make monthly payments.
- For your convenience, our office can arrange for monthly payments to be automatically applied to your credit card.
- Online bill payment through PayPal.
- Payment options include the following:
- Cash
- Checks
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
- Online Bill Payment through PayPal
Insurance Participation
If you have insurance covering orthodontic treatment, our office will help you determine your benefits. You will benefit from reduced personal costs if your insurance covers orthodontic treatment. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit distinct from regular dental insurance. Once treatment has started, we will file your claims.
Dr. Sheer is a participating member of the following PPO insurance companies:
- Aetna
- Alliance
- Ameritas
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Connection Dental/GEHA
- Delta Dental
- Dominion
- Dental Health Center
- DentaMax
- DentaQuest
- EHP
- Guardian
- HumanaDental
- MDIPA
- Metlife
- Principal
- United Concordia
- United Healthcare
Please remember that orthodontic insurance is a benefit for you or your child. If your benefits change during treatment, you are accountable for all charges.
Separated or Divorced Parents
For separated or divorced parents, the parent who brings the child to the office is legally responsible for paying fees for that child’s care. If another agrees to payment responsibility, that person must provide a notarized written acknowledgment of their desire to pay for care. The person bringing the child to the office is responsible for obtaining a written agreement and informing the other person of the care being provided.
We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this matter. You are helping to keep our overhead expenses, including direct and labor costs, down. In addition, you are helping to keep your fees as low as possible. If you have any questions, please ask our business office staff.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions about our financial policy. We want you to be comfortable dealing with these matters. If you have any questions about your insurance, please contact your company for the specifics and details.
Orthodontic Services FAQs
Learn more about the orthodontic services we provide in Mt. Airy with answers to these commonly asked questions:
At what age should I begin orthodontic treatment for my child?
There is no ideal age to begin orthodontic care. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that an orthodontist evaluate children by age 7. While some children may not immediately require treatment, many will benefit from early orthodontic care. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth alignment or development, you should schedule a consult with your orthodontist at any age.
Does dental insurance cover orthodontic care?
Dental insurance coverage for orthodontic care varies depending on the specific insurance plan. Some plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others may have little or no coverage at all.
To determine if your insurance covers orthodontic care, we advise that you review your plan’s benefits or contact your dental insurance company directly. We will do our best to help you through the insurance coverage process, assisting you with determining coverage and estimated costs and showing you your financing options.
Do you offer orthodontic care for adults?
Yes! Mt. Airy Children’s Dental Associates offers orthodontic care for adults. It is never too late to get straight teeth. Orthodontia is not limited to children and teens. We treat many adults who want to correct misaligned teeth, overcrowding, bite issues, or aesthetic improvements. If you are considering orthodontic care as an adult, book a consultation today with our orthodontist. They will evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and suggest the most appropriate treatment.
What does phase 1 and phase 2 treatment mean?
A two-phased orthodontic treatment plan refers to two distinct stages of care. Phase 1 typically occurs before the primary teeth have erupted. A child usually undergoes phase 1 orthodontic treatment between the ages of 6 and 10. The goal is to address specific orthodontic issues to guide the proper growth and development of the jaws, dental arches, and permanent teeth.
Then, phase 2 treatment will take place later in life. Children are usually between 11 and 13 years old, and their permanent teeth have erupted. During this phase, the orthodontist will focus on the final alignment of the teeth and refining the bite.
Is caring for braces hard?
Caring for braces may require some extra steps, time, and attention. However, caring for your oral health when you have braces is not difficult. Additionally, many types of dental tools are available to help patients care for their oral health while wearing braces. If you brush and floss daily, you should maintain good oral health.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients in many ways. Not only will it improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence, but it will also improve your oral health. It can correct many types of bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. This will enhance oral function and prevent many dental problems from developing.
Aligning teeth makes oral hygiene easier and more efficient. It also reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. Proper tooth alignment also makes it easier to speak. Pronouncing certain sounds and words properly is often related to proper tooth alignment.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
The length of your orthodontic treatment is solely based on your needs, the complexity of your case, and how you respond to treatment. Most orthodontic treatments last several months to a few years. After your exam, we can give an estimated timeline based on your needs and wants.