Orthodontic FAQs

At Caruso Orthodontics, your complimentary consultation is much more than a quick look at your teeth. We take the time to get to know you, understand your concerns, and perform a comprehensive evaluation of your orthodontic needs. Your orthodontist will explain the findings and recommended options, and a treatment coordinator will review costs, insurance benefits, and payment options. You will leave understanding your needs, treatment options, and investment, without pressure to begin treatment.

We believe orthodontic treatment should be individualized to each patient, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Our doctors evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, jaw relationships, TMJ, facial development, treatment goals, and lifestyle, using advanced diagnostic technology when appropriate. Depending on your needs, treatment may involve braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances. Our goal is a beautiful smile, stable bite, and healthy jaw relationship that can last a lifetime.

Treatment time depends on your individual needs. Your orthodontist will discuss a personalized estimate at your consultation.

Our philosophy is simple: we treat every patient the way we would treat a member of our own family. We combine board-certified specialist expertise, advanced technology, and genuine personal attention to develop individualized treatment plans. Our goal is not simply straight teeth, but beautiful smiles, stable bites, and healthy jaw relationships.

Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision. Our board-certified orthodontic specialists combine advanced training, years of experience, and technology to provide individualized treatment for children, teens, and adults. We take time to explain your options, insurance benefits, treatment costs, and payment options, and we would be honored to care for your family.

Every smile is different. Your treatment, and your treatment fee, should be customized to you. Because every orthodontic case and every person’s needs are different, there is no single fee for braces or Invisalign. Treatment fees are customized based on the complexity of your treatment needs, the type and extent of treatment required, and the anticipated length of treatment. Explore clear aligners →

Yes. We discuss approximate fees, insurance benefits, and payment options before treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision.

Many dental insurance plans provide some coverage for orthodontic treatment, although benefits vary significantly from one plan to another. Our treatment coordinators will review your insurance information, help you understand and maximize available benefits, process the necessary paperwork, and submit claims on your behalf. We also accept eligible HSA and FSA funds for orthodontic treatment. Explore clear aligners →

In many cases, yes. Eligible orthodontic expenses can generally be paid using HSA or FSA funds, subject to your particular plan. Our treatment coordinators can help you understand how these funds may be applied, and your plan administrator or tax professional can confirm specific eligibility questions. Explore clear aligners →

Invisalign® can be an excellent option for many teenagers. Invisalign Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners, which can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions. It does require patients to wear aligners as directed, typically about 20 to 22 hours per day. During your consultation, we will determine whether it is the right option for your teenager. Explore clear aligners →

Invisalign® can be a popular choice for adults who want to improve their smile and bite without traditional braces. Because aligners are clear and removable, many adults appreciate their discreet appearance and flexibility. Invisalign can treat many common concerns, but it is not the ideal solution for every patient. We will explain whether Invisalign or another treatment will provide the best result for your needs. Explore clear aligners →

Yes. Invisalign® is an excellent option for many adults who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces. Clear aligners are removable, making it easier to eat normally, brush and floss, and maintain your usual professional appearance. We will use a comprehensive examination and digital scanning to determine whether Invisalign can achieve the result you want. Explore clear aligners →

In many cases, Invisalign® can treat certain types of overbites, although the appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity. During your consultation, we evaluate the position of your teeth, bite, and jaw relationships to determine whether Invisalign or another approach will provide the better result. The important thing is to treat the cause and function of the bite, not simply move visible teeth. Explore clear aligners →

Yes. Invisalign® can effectively treat many cases of crowded teeth. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, treatment may involve carefully creating space and moving teeth into healthier positions. For more complex cases, traditional braces may sometimes provide advantages, so our recommendation is based on the best orthodontic result for you. Explore clear aligners →

For Invisalign® to work effectively, aligners generally need to be worn approximately 20 to 22 hours per day. Remove them primarily for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. If aligners are not worn consistently, treatment can take longer and teeth may not move according to the original plan. Explore clear aligners →

If you lose or damage an Invisalign® aligner, contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in treatment, we may recommend temporarily wearing the previous aligner, moving to the next aligner, or replacing the missing aligner. Do not simply skip an aligner without contacting us first. Explore clear aligners →

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This does not mean every seven-year-old needs braces. An early visit helps identify developing concerns with tooth eruption, jaw growth, crowding, crossbites, overbites, and other bite issues, and lets us recommend the right time to return if treatment is not needed yet.

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment is performed while a child still has a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth. In selected patients, it can help address developing problems while the jaws and teeth are still growing. Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, and many are best treated with a single comprehensive phase when they are older.

Not necessarily. Some developing problems are best addressed while a child is young, while others are better treated after more permanent teeth have erupted. During an early evaluation, we look at tooth development, bite, jaw growth, and eruption pattern. If waiting is best for your child, we will tell you.

A palate expander may be recommended for children with a narrow upper jaw or certain types of crossbite or crowding. Whether your child would benefit depends on their individual development and bite. We use a clinical examination, digital imaging, and 3D technology to evaluate each patient before recommending treatment.

A palate expander is designed to widen a narrow upper jaw. It may correct a crossbite, create additional space for erupting permanent teeth, or improve the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. Our doctors will explain why expansion is recommended, what the appliance will accomplish, and what to expect during treatment.

No. Most children do not automatically need two phases of orthodontic treatment. Phase 1 is recommended only when there is a specific problem that can benefit from treatment during growth. For many children, the best approach is to wait and complete treatment in one comprehensive phase.

Getting braces is not usually painful, but some soreness or pressure is normal when braces are first placed and after certain adjustments. This discomfort is generally temporary. We will give you instructions to help you stay comfortable, and our team is always available if you have significant or unusual discomfort.

You can still enjoy most favorite foods while wearing braces, but avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires, such as hard candy, chewing gum, and ice. Some foods simply need to be cut into smaller pieces. We will provide detailed instructions and are happy to answer questions about specific foods.

Not necessarily. Modern orthodontic techniques allow many patients to be treated without extractions, though removing teeth may provide a healthier, more stable result in some situations. The decision depends on crowding, tooth size, facial structure, bite, jaw relationships, and tooth position. Our goal is always to preserve healthy teeth whenever possible.

Most patients are seen approximately every 6 to 10 weeks, although the exact interval depends on your treatment and where you are in the process. At appointments, we monitor tooth movement and bite, make adjustments when needed, and make sure everything is progressing as planned.

Yes. Creating a healthy bite is one of the most important goals of orthodontic treatment. We evaluate the entire bite and jaw relationship, not only the appearance of the front teeth. A healthy bite can improve chewing function, reduce excessive tooth wear, and support the long-term stability of your result.

Absolutely not. There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment as long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy enough for treatment. Adults can be treated with traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign®, depending on their individual needs. Explore clear aligners →

Your orthodontic treatment does not truly end when braces come off or you finish Invisalign® aligners. Teeth naturally tend to move throughout life, and retainers help maintain the alignment you have worked hard to achieve. We will provide a personalized retainer plan and explain exactly how and when to wear your retainers. Explore clear aligners →

After braces or Invisalign® treatment, your orthodontist will provide a personalized retention plan. Typically, patients transition from wearing retainers more frequently to wearing them primarily at night. The most important thing is that retention protects the investment you have made in your smile. Explore clear aligners →

To maintain straight teeth over a lifetime, some form of long-term retainer wear is generally necessary. After the initial retention period, many patients can maintain their results by wearing retainers primarily at night.

Your teeth may gradually begin to shift. If you have stopped wearing your retainer and it no longer fits, do not force it onto your teeth. Contact our office so we can determine the best next step. The sooner you contact us, the easier it may be to address unwanted movement.

An orthodontist is already a dental specialist with additional orthodontic training. Board certification is an additional voluntary process demonstrating knowledge and clinical expertise in the specialty. Both Dr. Caruso and Dr. Micaroni are board-certified orthodontic specialists.

Invisalign® is a technology, not a specialty. Orthodontic specialists complete additional training focused on moving teeth and managing the relationship between teeth and jaws. Dr. Caruso and Dr. Micaroni each completed an additional two-year orthodontic specialty program and are board-certified orthodontists. Explore clear aligners →

The iTero® intraoral scanner creates a highly detailed 3D digital model of your teeth without traditional impressions. It gives our doctors detailed information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progress, while making the experience more comfortable and convenient for many patients. Technology gives our doctors better information to make treatment decisions.