Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from patients and parents about orthodontic treatment. These FAQs are designed to help you better understand bite correction, early orthodontic care, Invisalign, costs, and how to choose the right orthodontist, so that you can feel informed and confident as you explore your treatment options.
Bite Correction
Most overbites are corrected in 12–18 months, depending on the severity of the bite and the type of treatment used. Some early or more limited bite issues can be addressed in a shorter timeframe. Treatment length is influenced by:
• age and growth potential
• complexity of the bite correction
• consistency with elastic (rubber band) wear
• timing and spacing of appointments
When treatment is well planned and visits occur at ideal intervals, overbite correction is often more efficient.
An untreated overbite can worsen over time and may lead to functional and dental issues beyond appearance. Potential long-term concerns include:
• excessive wear or chipping of the front teeth
• periodontal (gum and bone) recession
• jaw discomfort, muscle strain, or headaches
Early evaluation, especially during growth, allows treatment to be timed appropriately and often prevents more involved correction later on.
A crossbite is typically caused by a size imbalance between the upper and lower jaws, and it rarely corrects on its own without guidance. The ideal time to address a crossbite is during childhood, when the jaws are still growing and more responsive to treatment. Correcting it at the right time can often simplify future orthodontic care and improve long-term stability.
If a crossbite is left untreated, potential concerns may include:
• asymmetric jaw growth
• functional shifts when biting
• uneven tooth wear
• increased complexity of treatment later in life
That said, not every crossbite requires immediate treatment. In mild or developing cases, careful monitoring may be appropriate. The goal is to intervene only when growth can be used to improve long-term function and stability.
Early (Phase 1) Orthodontic Treatment
Phase 1 (early) orthodontic treatment is a limited phase of care used in children to address specific bite or developmental concerns while the jaws are still growing. The focus is on improving function and guiding growth, rather than fully straightening the teeth. Phase 1 treatment may be recommended to:
• guide jaw growth and development
• correct front or back crossbites
• address crowding or eruption issues
• improve esthetics when a self-confidence or social concern is present
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment. In many cases, careful monitoring is the most appropriate approach until the timing is ideal. The goal of Phase 1 orthodontics is to intervene only when growth can be used to improve long-term function and simplify future treatment.
In many cases, it is perfectly appropriate to wait and simply monitor growth and development. Early orthodontic treatment is not routine and should only be recommended when it can meaningfully improve function or simplify future care. Phase 1 treatment is most helpful when growth can be used to:
• correct crossbites or jaw width imbalances
• address severe crowding that may prevent permanent teeth from coming in
• guide jaw growth in developing bite discrepancies
When these issues are present, waiting may allow the problem to become more complex and harder to correct later. In other situations, delaying treatment avoids unnecessary intervention and leads to a more efficient single phase of care. The goal is not to treat early for the sake of starting treatment, but to intervene only when timing and growth provide a clear long-term benefit.
Early (Phase 1) orthodontic treatment does not automatically mean a child will need braces twice.
Phase 1 treatment is designed to address specific growth or bite concerns early, rather than to fully straighten all the teeth. Its purpose is to improve function and create a healthier foundation for future treatment, if it’s needed. In many cases, Phase 1 treatment can:
• reduce or eliminate functional concerns, making future braces more optional
• decrease the complexity and length of a second phase of treatment
• sometimes eliminate the need for future braces altogether
Most children will still benefit from a second phase of braces once all permanent teeth have erupted, but some may need little to no additional treatment beyond monitoring.
Invisalign and Adult Orthodontics
No, it’s almost never too late to straighten teeth or improve your bite with Invisalign. Adults of all ages can be candidates for clear aligner treatment, as long as the teeth and gums are healthy. What matters most for adult orthodontic treatment is:
• overall dental and gum health
• the type and severity of the bite concern
• realistic goals for tooth movement
Invisalign is a great option for many adults who want a discreet, flexible approach to orthodontic care. In more complex cases, traditional braces may be recommended as the more effective option. The best way to understand what’s possible is through a personalized evaluation, where treatment options are tailored to your specific needs, regardless of age.
Neither Invisalign nor braces is universally better — the right option depends on your bite, goals, and lifestyle. Invisalign is often a great choice for adults who:
• want a more discreet appearance
• prefer removable appliances for easier brushing and flossing
• are consistent with aligner wear
Braces may be the better option when bite correction is more complex or when consistent aligner wear may be challenging.
Both options can produce excellent results when thoughtfully planned. The key factor isn’t the appliance itself, but choosing the approach that best fits your needs. A personalized evaluation allows us to recommend the most effective and efficient option for you.
Invisalign treatment can often be completed without rubber bands, but they are commonly used when bite correction is part of the treatment plan.
Rubber bands (elastics) help guide how the upper and lower teeth fit together. They are especially useful for improving overbites, underbites, crossbites, and overall bite coordination.
Small, tooth-colored attachments may also be placed on certain teeth. These attachments give the aligners better grip and allow for more precise control of tooth movement.
While attachments are bonded to the teeth, rubber bands typically hook directly onto the aligners themselves. This allows for effective bite correction without the need for traditional braces.
The best Invisalign provider is a clinician with the training and experience to plan and monitor treatment based on your bite and long-term function — not just on straightening teeth. Clear aligner systems are only as effective as the treatment plan behind them, which is why the provider matters more than the appliance itself. A good clear aligner provider will:
• evaluate your bite and jaw function, not just your smile
• customize treatment based on your goals, lifestyle, and long-term health
• communicate clearly about expectations, timing, and limitations
Orthodontists have specialized training in tooth movement and bite correction, which can be especially important for adults with bite concerns. A personalized evaluation allows the provider to recommend the approach that will be most effective and efficient for your specific situation.
Cost & Insurance
Invisalign does not automatically cost more than braces. The overall cost of orthodontic treatment is driven more by the complexity of the bite and alignment concerns than by the type of appliance used.
In many cases, Invisalign and braces fall within a similar fee range. When a patient can be treated effectively with either option, braces often tend to be more cost-effective, as Invisalign includes additional laboratory fees related to the fabrication of custom aligners.
The best way to understand which option makes the most sense financially — as well as clinically — is through a personalized evaluation, where treatment recommendations and fees for each option can be reviewed together.
We work with most dental insurance plans, but orthodontic coverage varies widely depending on the specific policy. Orthodontic benefits are often different from routine dental benefits and are determined by your individual plan rather than simply being in-network or out-of-network. Most orthodontic insurance plans:
• offer a lifetime orthodontic benefit
• contribute a fixed dollar amount toward treatment
• often have age limits, with coverage more common for children than adults
Insurance benefits can help reduce the overall cost of treatment. Our team is happy to verify your orthodontic benefits and explain how they apply, so you have a clear understanding before moving forward.
Choosing an Orthodontist
Both dentists and orthodontists are trained to care for teeth, but orthodontists receive additional specialized training focused entirely on tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment. After dental school, orthodontists complete several years of advanced education dedicated specifically to orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist’s training focuses on:
• how teeth and jaws move
• correcting bite problems and jaw relationships
• planning complex orthodontic cases
• achieving stable, long-term results
Many general dentists provide orthodontic treatment and can successfully manage simpler cases. For more complex bite concerns, growth-related issues, or detailed bite correction, an orthodontist’s specialized training can be especially valuable.
A consultation is your opportunity to understand both the treatment plan and the philosophy behind it. Asking the right questions can help you feel confident and informed before moving forward. Helpful questions to ask include:
• Why is treatment recommended?
• Are there different treatment options, and what are the pros and cons of each?
• Is this the right time to start, or is monitoring an option?
• Will this focus only on straightening teeth, or also on bite and long-term function?
A good consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. The right orthodontist will take the time to explain recommendations clearly, discuss alternatives, and help you understand what makes the most sense for your specific situation.