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 the treatment. Many options are available for making this investment affordable. We will work with you to fit your individual needs.
Payment Options
- Monthly Payment Plans with No Interest: If you prefer, you may make monthly payments after making the initial down payment.
- For your convenience, our office can arrange for monthly payments to be automatically applied to your credit card each month.
- 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 that covers orthodontic treatment, our office will help you determine your insurance benefits. If your insurance covers orthodontic treatment, you will receive the benefit of reduced personal costs. Many insurance policies have a lifetime orthodontic benefit that is 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, during the course of treatment, your benefits change, 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 the payment of fees charged for that child’s care. If another agrees to payment responsibility, that person must provide a notarized acknowledgment in writing of their desire to pay for care. It is the responsibility of the person bringing the child to the office to obtain a written agreement and to inform the other person of the care being provided.
Your understanding and cooperation with this matter are greatly appreciated. You are helping to keep our overhead expenses, in the form of direct and labor costs, down. In addition, you are helping keep your fees as low as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our business office staff.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions about our financial policy. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we ask that you contact your company regarding 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 really is no ideal age to begin orthodontic care. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that children be evaluated by an orthodontist by the age of 7. While some children may not require treatment right away, many kids 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. Your dental insurance plans may include coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others may have little or no coverage at all.
To determine if your insurance offers coverage for orthodontic care, we advise that you review your plan’s benefits or reach out to your dental insurance company directly. We will do our best to help through the insurance coverage process and assist you with determining coverage, 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 consult 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 is usually between the ages of 6 and 10 when they undergo phase 1 orthodontic treatment. The goal is address specific orthodontic issues 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 the ages of 11 and 13 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, it is not difficult to care for your oral health when you have braces. Additionally, there are many types of dental tools available to help patients care for their oral health while wearing braces. As along as you are brushing and flossing every single day, you should remain in good oral health.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?
Patients can benefit in many ways from orthodontic treatment. Not only will it improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence but it will improve your oral health in many ways. 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. This will reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. It also makes it easier to speak. Pronouncing certain sounds and words properly are often related 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 will last from several months to a few years. After your exam, we can give an estimated timeline base on your need and wants.