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Frequently Asked Questions

The in’s and out’s of orthodontic treatment can be a little confusing at times, but Dr. Holland and the rest of our team are always happy to shed some much-needed light on the services we offer. Below, we’ve compiled some popular questions we hear almost every day from patients, as well as their answers. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for after reading through this page, don’t hesitate to contact us here in Jacksonville, FL.

What ages do you see at Ortega Orthodontics?

The whole family is welcome! Dr. Holland has a wide variety of orthodontic options available for almost every age range, from early interventive care for young children to discreet clear aligner systems like Invisalign® for professional adults. By seeing everyone in one location, we can also save you valuable money and time that would otherwise be spent on tedious traveling.

When should my son or daughter come in for a first appointment?

Our team agrees with The American Association of Orthodontists, which recommends that children undergo their initial orthodontic screening when they’re around the age of seven. This early visit will help Dr. Holland spot any potential developmental concerns with their teeth and jaw. While your son or daughter won’t be old enough to receive traditional braces just yet, Phase 1 Pediatric Orthodontics can go a long way towards guiding their facial growth and possibly even preventing more serious problems altogether.

I don’t want to wear metal braces. Is there another way to straighten my teeth?

Yes! Our team at Ortega Orthodontics understands very well that for many image-conscious teenagers and adults, committing to wearing traditional braces can be a confidence-shattering event. That’s why Dr. Holland offers several possible treatment options that are much more image-friendly, including Invisalign® Clear Braces, clear/ceramic braces, lingual braces (which are hidden on the back of your teeth, and more. We can explore them in greater detail together during an initial consultation.

How long will I have to wear braces?

This is a hard question to answer without seeing your smile first! Every patient’s needs are different, and the amount of time spent wearing braces will depend on several factors, including the severity of your orthodontic concerns, the type of braces and/or aligners used, and how your smile responds to the treatment process. Our team can say that regarding traditional braces, most patients can expect to wear them anywhere from 6-30 months.

Do you treat orthodontic emergencies?

Absolutely. Whether it’s a broken bracket or a very painful, poking wire, Dr. Holland can provide the relief your family needs from these frustrating experiences and get the treatment process back on track. Our team will do everything possible to fit in emergency appointments as quickly as possible, and same-day visits can even be arranged in certain circumstances – don’t hesitate to call us in Jacksonville!

Are there any foods I can’t eat while wearing braces?

We recommend exercising extreme caution when eating the following foods or avoiding them altogether just to be safe:

Do braces really hurt?

They shouldn’t! While some mild soreness or discomfort is expected following the initial placement of braces and regular tightening appointments, these symptoms should go away after a few days to a week. If you or your child is experiencing severe, chronic oral pain after receiving braces, don’t hesitate to contact Ortega Orthodontics right away – something’s not quite right.