Orthodontic FAQs

When you come to our San Antonio office for your first visit, we’ll give you all of the information you need to undergo a successful, smooth orthodontic treatment process.

Use these FAQs to prepare for your consultation or refresh your memory throughout your treatment. If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to give us a call. We’d love to hear from you!

If you have any unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at our San Antonio location.

No, with Dr. Senties, you have options! We don’t expect every patient to prefer the same treatment route. Each of our patients lives a different lifestyle with different needs.

We offer different types of braces, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Invisalign® for teens and Invisalign for adults.  

Whether you prefer a traditional braces look or a more discreet look, we have a treatment option to suit you. Dr. Senties will discuss with you what treatments suit you and your needs best, so you will always know what your options are!

The AAO advises that children receive their first orthodontic screening no later than age 7. Early screenings are critical for detecting problematic orthodontic conditions before they progress further. 

Through early detection and early intervention of orthodontic problems, Dr. Senties can minimize the need for future treatment and treat current symptoms related to the teeth or jaw bones. Children whose malocclusions (misalignments) are left untreated may require corrective jaw surgery or an extensive treatment length in the near future. 

Treating the teeth and jaw bones while they’re still developing is ideal. Our goal is to help you or your child establish a healthy, strong foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth to emerge.

There is no set cost of braces or Invisalign. Your entire treatment experience with us, from your treatment plan to your payment plan, will be personalized to your needs. The cost of braces or Invisalign will depend on the length of your treatment, your insurance coverage (if applicable) and the payment plan you choose.  

We want everyone to afford orthodontic care, without compromising the quality of treatment. That’s why we offer a number of affordable payment plans to meet our patients’ financial needs. We also accept a number of insurance plans to help you manage the cost of braces, and we’ll file your insurance claims for you! 

At your first visit to our office, we’ll discuss your financial needs to develop a payment plan that works for you.

Yes! Dental cleanings are still as important as ever. We want to ensure that your teeth and gums are clean and healthy and able to support your new smile for years to come.

Dr. Senties will coordinate with your dentist if necessary during your treatment process. We advise you to visit your dentist every six months (or as often as your dentist tells you) for regular cleanings and checkups.

We don’t have to know your age to know that you’re not too old for orthodontic treatment! You’re never too old to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. 

Orthodontic treatment is ideal for anyone who wants to live their greatest life. Adult orthodontic treatment is more common than you may think!

The best way to determine whether you’d benefit from treatment is by scheduling your free exam with Dr. Senties. (Your exam is no-risk, no-cost, no-obligation—so what do you have to lose?)

Once Dr. Senties assesses your smile, including complimentary x-rays and diagnostic photos, he’ll be able to determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary or would be beneficial for you.

In the meantime, here are some common signs that indicate a need for treatment:

-You have crowding or spacing

-You’re not confident in your smile

-You have difficulty breathing, or you mouth-breathe often

-You have difficulty sleeping

-Your teeth overlap

-Your top teeth overlap your bottom teeth

-Your bottom teeth overlap your top teeth

-You experience persistent soreness in your teeth or gums

Toward the end of your treatment, once your teeth have shifted into the desired position and you enter the retention phase, your teeth will stabilize and stop wiggling. 

If any of your teeth are wiggling considerably and it concerns you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We want to calm your fears and ensure that you’re working toward the best possible results from your treatment.

Have questions about orthodontics?

We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you to know your options!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Senties and our experienced team are here to help guide you throughout your treatment process, from your first visit to your last visit.

Ready to begin your smile transformation process? Let’s get started with your complimentary exam at our convenient San Antonio location!