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Common Questions About Orthodontics

FAQ About Braces & Invisalign in Ballantyne & Matthews, NC

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Got Questions? We Have Answers!

We know patients come to us with excitement, but they also may have uncertainty, apprehension, and even discomfort from previous bad experiences with a medical professional. At Connolly Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment is a huge step. That's why we are here for our patients to answer any questions and address any concerns they may have. You will always get total honesty from us, and we want you to know that here, you are HEARD. Have a question? Just ask!

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Learn About Orthodontics

We never want our patients to wonder if they were told the truth, if they had the best possible experience, or if they got the best results possible. That's why relationships are important to us — it's our chance to be honest and prove we care about your experiences, results, and especially you. We're always ready to answer any questions you have about orthodontics because honesty is the linchpin of Connolly Orthodontics. 

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Common Questions About Orthodontics

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Treatments
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Treatment times vary from patient to patient and depend on the type of treatment used. In general, treatment with braces lasts an average of 12-24 months, and Invisalign treatment can last 9-15 months. Treatment may be longer depending on the severity and number of dental issues.

You're never too old for a beautiful smile! At Connolly Orthodontics, we treat patients from the young to the young at heart! We have many adult patients; you won't be alone! 

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that a child first visit an orthodontist at age 7 to determine whether treatment will be needed now or in the future. 

Ideally, retainers should be worn for the rest of your life to maintain your perfect smile. That time is usually limited to overnight after the first year post-braces. Right after treatment with braces or Invisalign ends, it's recommended you wear your retainer at least 22 hours a day. After several months, we usually recommend reducing that time to overnight.

If you're wearing Invisalign, there are no food restrictions because you can remove the clear aligners from your mouth to eat. If you're wearing braces, you will have restrictions against hard, chewy, or sticky foods. This includes popcorn, gum, hard candies, tortilla chips, taffy, or hard, raw vegetables. 

The cost of braces can vary, depending on the complexity and length of treatment. On average, braces cost $3,000-$7,000. Clear braces cost $4,000-$8,000.

Invisalign costs are on par with the cost of braces, though it can be slightly higher in some cases. The average cost of Invisalign is $3,000-$8,000 for treatment.

Yes! We offer in-house, zero-interest financing with affordable down payments. We also accept most major insurances and CareCredit.

Yes! You can use your Health Savings Account to pay the balance of your orthodontic treatment.

Yes! We do accept insurance payments. However, most insurance policies don’t cover the full cost of orthodontic treatment. That’s why we accept HSA and offer in-house financing to pay the remaining balance.

We have two offices! One office is in Ballantyne, NC, on Copper Way. We also have an office in Matthews, NC, on Senna Drive.

Absolutely! We aim to make our office comfortable and welcoming for everyone! If you require additional accommodations please feel free to contact ahead of time! 

Appointment times can vary, depending on what we have planned. Your initial appointment will include x-rays and a thorough exam, as well as consultation on treatment and financial plans. It could take up to two hours. Regular appointments will be much shorter, usually less than an hour.

You’ll visit our office every 4-8 weeks, depending on your type of treatment. We work with you to set up a schedule that works best for you.

Yes! We have a waiting room with plenty of amenities including video games! There's something for the whole family to enjoy and ample, comfortable seating for everyone!

Yes, you can floss with braces! We recommend using a floss threader to help get under your braces wire. These are available at most major retailers and pharmacies. 

We recommend you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent damage to your braces and irritation to your gums. An electric toothbrush works best, but a manual toothbrush is OK, too!

Contact us immediately if you have a wire break or a loose or detached bracket. We will get you in for repairs as soon as possible.

Some patients may need to wear special appliances before their braces, such as a palate expander to make room for their teeth or a tongue crib to move the tongue and stop habits such as thumb sucking. We’ll explain what you might need and when during your initial consultation.

Discomfort from new or tightened braces can be managed by rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater or taking over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.

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Ballantyne Office

Come sit in our comfortable lobby and visit with our friendly staff in our Ballantyne, NC, office. We're so glad you're here!

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Matthews Office

Have a cup of coffee while you wait, then enjoy the comfort of our open-concept exam room in our Matthews, NC, office. We can't wait to welcome you!

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Virtual Consult

We know your time is precious. Our virtual consult tool lets you start your journey with us anytime, anywhere, from any laptop, desktop or mobile device!

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