FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know about your smile.

Have questions about orthodontic treatment? We’re here to make your journey simple, comfortable, and stress free.

General Orthodontic Questions

  • The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, children have a combination of baby and permanent teeth, allowing us to identify potential concerns with jaw growth, crowding, and bite development.

    An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean your child needs braces right away. It simply allows us to determine the best time to begin treatment, if needed.

  • Not necessarily! Many children do not need treatment at age 7. However, certain orthodontic problems are easier to address while a child is still growing.

    If treatment isn’t necessary yet, we may recommend periodic visits to monitor your child’s growth and dental development until the ideal time for treatment.

  • Absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teenagers. Adults of all ages can benefit from straighter teeth, an improved bite, and a healthier smile.

  • Orthodontic treatment offers benefits beyond a beautiful smile. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can:

    • Make brushing and flossing easier

    • Reduced cavity risk and periodontal disease

    • Improve bite function and chewing

    • Reduce premature tooth wear by creating a more stable bite

    • Center tooth roots in the bone for long-term stability

    • Prepare patients for restorative general dental work (ie obtain space for implants or fillings)

    • Help address crowding, spacing, and bite problems

    • Support long-term dental health

    • Improve smile confidence and self-esteem

    Our goal is to create a smile that is not only beautiful but also healthy and functional.

  • While both dentists and orthodontists care for your oral health, orthodontists complete additional specialized training after dental school focused on straightening teeth, correcting bites, and guiding jaw development.

    Dr. Albert Ngo is a board-certified orthodontist who completed his dental education, orthodontic residency, and Master’s degree at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF).

Consultations & Getting Started

  • No! You can schedule an orthodontic consultation directly with our office without a dentist's referral.

    We welcome patients who are simply curious about their smile or want to explore their treatment options. Schedule your free consultation and we can review ways to improve your smile together!

  • Your free consultation includes a comprehensive orthodontic examination, with X-rays, photographs, and a digital scan as appropriate to evaluate your smile and bite.

    Dr. Ngo will discuss his findings, answer your questions, and review personalized treatment options. There is no obligation to begin treatment.

  • Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know you and your smile!

    During your consultation, our team will review your dental and medical history, evaluate your teeth and bite, and gather any necessary diagnostic records.

    Dr. Ngo will explain whether orthodontic treatment is recommended, discuss your options, and review the estimated treatment timeline.

    We'll also help you understand treatment costs, insurance benefits, and available payment arrangements.

  • Please bring your ID, dental insurance information, a list of medications, and any relevant dental records you may have.

    We also encourage you to bring any questions or concerns about your smile. Our team is happy to help you feel informed and comfortable throughout your visit.

Braces & Clear Aligners Treatment

  • Both braces and clear aligners can be excellent options for straightening teeth.

    Braces are attached to your teeth and work continuously, making them effective for a wide range of orthodontic concerns.

    Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible trays that offer greater flexibility when eating, brushing, and flossing.

    The best option depends on your bite, treatment goals, lifestyle, and willingness to wear aligners consistently. Dr. Ngo will help you choose the right treatment.

  • Metal braces are made with durable stainless-steel brackets and are a reliable choice for patients of all ages.

    Clear braces use tooth-colored or translucent ceramic brackets that blend more naturally with your teeth, making them less noticeable.

    Both can effectively straighten teeth and correct bite problems. During your consultation, we'll help you determine which option best fits your preferences.

  • Yes! We offer clear aligner treatment options, including Invisalign® and Angel Aligners®.

    Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays designed to gradually straighten your teeth. They are a popular choice among teens and adults seeking a discreet alternative to traditional braces.

    Dr. Ngo will evaluate your orthodontic needs and determine whether clear aligners are appropriate for your smile.

  • Clear aligners generally need to be worn 20–22 hours per day, or as directed by Dr. Ngo, for effective treatment.

    You should remove them when eating, drinking anything other than water, and brushing or flossing your teeth.

    Consistent aligner wear is one of the most important factors in achieving the best results on schedule.

  • Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case, your individual biology, and the type of treatment needed.

    Many comprehensive orthodontic treatments take approximately 12–24 months, although some cases may take less or more time.

    During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Ngo will provide a personalized estimate of your treatment duration.

  • You may experience mild soreness or pressure during the first few days after braces are placed, an adjustment is made, or a new set of aligners is started. It is a similar feeling to muscle soreness after a work-out.

    This discomfort is generally temporary and is a normal part of the tooth movement process.

    Most patients adjust quickly and can manage mild soreness with soft foods and other comfort measures recommended by our team.

  • A palatal expander may be recommended for children with a narrow upper jaw, certain crossbites, or other problems related to jaw development.

    Because children's jaws are still growing, expansion can sometimes help address these concerns more effectively.

    Not every child needs an expander. Dr. Ngo will evaluate your child's growth and bite to determine whether expansion would be beneficial.

  • Yes! Dr. Ngo evaluates a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including complex bite discrepancies and cases that may require coordinated treatment with other dental or medical specialists.

    For patients who may benefit from corrective jaw surgery, we can discuss the necessary treatment planning and coordination with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Life with Braces or Aligners

  • Most patients are seen approximately every 6–10 weeks, depending on their treatment plan and stage of treatment.

    These appointments allow Dr. Ngo to monitor your progress, make adjustments, and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. Keeping your scheduled visits helps your treatment stay on track.

  • With braces, we recommend avoiding foods that are especially hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy, as they can damage brackets and wires.

    Examples include hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice, sticky caramel, pretzels, nuts, gummy bears, pizza crusts, apples, carrots, and chewing directly into very hard foods.

    If you have clear aligners, you can generally enjoy your usual foods after removing your aligners before eating.

  • Absolutely! You can continue participating in sports throughout orthodontic treatment.

    We recommend wearing an orthodontic-friendly mouthguard during contact sports and activities where there is a risk of injury to your teeth or mouth.

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important while wearing braces or aligners.

    Brush thoroughly at least twice daily, floss every day, and clean around your orthodontic appliances carefully. We recommend using an electric toothbrush, water flosser, floss threader, and interproximal brushes to get in between the brackets. Don’t forget the clean the gum-line as that is where most bacteria like to hide. Pro-tip: always check in the mirror after cleaning to make sure you left no food behind!

    With clear aligners, remove your trays before eating and clean your teeth before putting them back in whenever possible. Brush your trays twice a day at the same time when you brush your teeth!

  • Yes! Your general dentist and orthodontist play different but complementary roles in keeping your smile healthy.

    You should continue visiting your general dentist for regular examinations and professional cleanings, usually every six months or as recommended.

  • If a bracket becomes loose or a wire is irritating your cheek, contact our office so we can determine whether an additional appointment is necessary.

    Orthodontic wax can often temporarily relieve irritation from a poking wire or bracket.

    For severe injury, uncontrolled bleeding, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Insurance, Pricing & Payment Options

  • The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, including treatment complexity, expected duration, and the type of appliances used.

    During your complimentary consultation, we'll provide a personalized treatment estimate and review your financial options.

    Our goal is to make high-quality orthodontic care accessible and help you understand all costs before beginning treatment.

  • We work with major dental insurance plans to help patients verify and understand their orthodontic benefits.

    Orthodontic coverage varies depending on your specific plan, including network participation, lifetime maximums, and eligibility requirements.

    Our team can help review your estimated insurance benefits and explain any expected out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

  • At this time, New Leaf Orthodontics does not participate in Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal orthodontic coverage.

    However, we welcome patients to contact our office to discuss available self-pay treatment options.

  • We understand that orthodontic treatment is an investment in your smile and oral health.

    We offer interest-free, 0% APR payment arrangements that may allow eligible patients to divide treatment costs into manageable payments.

    During your consultation, our team will explain the available options and help you find an arrangement that works for your family.

  • Of course! Dental insurance is not required to begin orthodontic treatment.

    We welcome patients with and without orthodontic insurance coverage and will review your treatment costs and available payment arrangements before starting.

Retainers & After Treatment

  • Yes! Retainers are essential for maintaining your new smile.

    Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, even after successful orthodontic treatment. We recommend full time wear for 6 months to allow your bone to heal (remove when eating/brushing). After that, retainers are to be worn nightly for a lifetime, as long as you want to keep your teeth straight!

  • Please contact our office as soon as possible if your retainer is lost, broken, or no longer fits properly.

    Teeth can begin shifting without proper retention, so replacing a damaged or missing retainer promptly is important. On average, retainers last 3-5 years, and should be replaced periodically to keep them clean and durable.