FAQ

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial check-up at age 7. That doesn’t mean your child will need treatment right away – most kids don’t, and Dr. Mullen prides himself on his conservative approach by only recommending treatment when it is absolutely necessary. But if there are any potential issues developing with the eruption of the adult teeth or misaligned jaws, it’s best to catch and address it early to avoid bigger problems later on.

Not at all! Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens, and Dr. Mullen has extensive experience in treating adults with clear aligners and braces. More adults than ever are choosing to straighten their teeth, and Dr. Mullen’s current record for his oldest patient who wanted treatment is 94-years young! If you’ve been thinking about improving your smile, we’re here to help – at any age.

Every smile is different, so treatment times can vary. On average, braces or clear aligners are worn for 12–24 months, but limited cases often take much less time. More significant jaw misalignments or impacted teeth may also require more than 24 months to correct. At your consultation, we’ll give you a personalized timeline based on your needs and goals.

Braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth, while clear aligners (like Angel Aligners) are removable trays that do the same job more discreetly. Both are great options – it just depends on what works best for your lifestyle and your smile. Dr. Mullen never wants finances to prevent a patient from choosing the option that is best for them, which is why he charges the same for clear aligner treatment as he does for braces.

You might feel some mild soreness when you first get braces or switch to a new aligner, but it’s usually short-lived and easy to manage. We’ll guide you through how to stay comfortable during your treatment.

Most patients come in every 6–8 weeks so we can check progress and make adjustments. We do our best to keep appointments quick and convenient so they fit easily into your schedule.

 Yes, absolutely! Your dentist plays a key role in keeping your teeth clean and healthy while you’re in treatment. Keep up with your regular cleanings and checkups throughout the process.

 Many dental insurance plans offer orthodontic benefits, especially for children. We’ll check your coverage and explain everything clearly so you know what to expect. We also offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to make treatment affordable for every family.

 Good brushing and flossing habits are key! We’ll show you how to keep your teeth clean with braces, and if you’re wearing aligners, just be sure to brush after eating and clean your trays regularly.

 Once your smile is looking great, you’ll move into the retention phase. That usually means wearing a retainer to keep your teeth in their new positions. We’ll guide you through how often to wear it and how to take care of it.