FAQs
Bring Confidence To Your Orthodontic Journey
Choosing orthodontic treatment is an important investment in your smile, your oral health and your overall well-being. At Cain Orthodontics, we believe that informed patients make confident decisions, which is why we encourage questions at every stage of treatment. Below are answers to some of the orthodontic FAQs we hear most often from patients and families. If you don’t see your question here, our team is always happy to help.
Since Cain Orthodontics is a specialty practice, many patients believe that treatment will always cost more than other options. However, the truth is that every patient’s treatment needs are different. Sometimes our fees are higher, and sometimes they are actually lower than other providers.
Rather than focusing on being the least expensive, we focus on providing the highest value. We never overprescribe treatment or recommend procedures that are not necessary. Every treatment plan is carefully designed to achieve an excellent, lasting result using only the appliances and techniques needed for your specific smile.
Long-term stability is one of the biggest differences our patients notice. We frequently see patients who completed orthodontic treatment elsewhere but return because their teeth shifted, their bite became unstable or important finishing details were never addressed. Our goal is to create a smile that lasts a lifetime and to help reduce the need for additional orthodontic treatment in the future.
The majority of our patients use orthodontic insurance benefits to help reduce the cost of treatment. Although Cain Orthodontics is not an in-network provider with insurance companies, many dental insurance plans still provide valuable out-of-network orthodontic benefits. Our knowledgeable team will gladly review your insurance benefits, explain your coverage and help you maximize any available orthodontic benefits.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing and treating problems related to the alignment of the teeth and jaws. After completing dental school, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of advanced specialty training in tooth movement, bite correction and facial growth and development. Orthodontists use treatments such as braces, clear aligners and other specialized appliances to create healthier bites, improve oral function and help patients achieve beautiful and long-lasting smiles.
Some children benefit from two phases of orthodontic treatment because the goals of early orthodontic treatment are different from the goals of comprehensive treatment.
Phase One treatment is completed while baby teeth are still present. The main goal is to create enough space for permanent teeth, guide healthy jaw development and correct growth patterns that could otherwise require jaw surgery later in life. At this stage, we are not trying to create a perfect bite.
Once all of the permanent teeth have erupted, Phase Two treatment focuses on the details that create a healthy, stable and functional bite. This includes properly aligning the teeth, correcting the bite, reducing unnecessary tooth wear, helping prevent TMJ problems and improving the long-term stability of the final result.
By dividing treatment into two carefully planned phases when appropriate, we can often achieve healthier, more predictable outcomes.
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but orthodontic treatment should not be overly painful.
At Cain Orthodontics, we invest in premium orthodontic technology, including Damon braces and Spark Clear Aligners, and treatment systems that are designed to improve both comfort and efficiency. These appliances are gentler on the lips and cheeks while applying lighter, more biologically appropriate forces to move teeth.
Many people assume that stronger pressure moves teeth faster. In reality, the opposite is true. Heavy forces press teeth tightly against the surrounding bone, which can actually slow tooth movement and increase discomfort. Lighter, controlled forces allow teeth to move more smoothly and efficiently while reducing soreness. These advanced systems also help minimize emergency visits and often contribute to shorter treatment times with more precise results.
Our modern orthodontic appliances are designed to remain effective longer without components wearing out between visits. We see patients with braces typically every eight to ten weeks, while we see patients wearing clear aligners usually every ten to twenty weeks, depending on their treatment plan and progress.
Some patients simply feel more comfortable checking in more often, and we are always happy to accommodate those requests whenever possible. Our goal is to provide the level of support that helps you feel confident throughout treatment.
Every smile is unique, which means every treatment plan is unique. Treatment length ultimately depends on how complex the tooth movement is, but it typically lasts 12-30 months.
Our priority is always achieving the best possible result. At the same time, we understand that everyone wants treatment completed efficiently. Shorter treatment makes patients happier and allows our practice to care for more families, so it is in everyone’s best interest to finish treatment as quickly as possible.
However, we will never end treatment before your smile is truly ready simply to shorten your time in braces or aligners. If additional refinement is needed to achieve a healthier, more stable result, we will always discuss those recommendations honestly.
Patients also play an important role in treatment time. Wearing rubber bands or aligners as directed, maintaining excellent oral hygiene and attending scheduled appointments can significantly improve treatment efficiency.
Absolutely! At Cain Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics should improve more than just the appearance of your smile. We evaluate how the teeth, jaws, tongue and airway work together because they can all influence overall health.
In many patients, orthodontic treatment can help improve airway development and tongue function, which may contribute to healthier breathing patterns and better oral function.
Orthodontic treatment can also help reduce excessive tooth wear, improve gum health, create a healthier bite and relieve certain types of TMJ discomfort. By considering the entire patient instead of just the teeth, we strive to provide treatment that supports both long-term oral health and overall wellness.
Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on your individual needs, lifestyle and treatment goals. For some patients, braces provide the best solution because of the specific tooth movements required. For others, clear aligners offer an equally effective option with greater flexibility and convenience.
In many cases, both treatment options can produce the same excellent result in a similar amount of time. When that happens, the best choice is often the one you feel most comfortable wearing.
Patient cooperation is one of the biggest factors in treatment success. Patients who consistently wear their aligners, follow instructions and care for their appliances generally experience faster treatment and achieve the best possible results.
During your consultation, Dr. Cain will carefully evaluate your smile, explain your options and help you choose the treatment that best fits your needs while delivering a healthy, stable smile that lasts for years to come!
Growing Smiles In The Heart Of Texas Hill Country
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile? Schedule a consultation with Cain Orthodontics in Marble Falls or Burnet, TX, to learn more about personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens and adults. Our team will help you explore options such as traditional braces, early orthodontic treatment and Spark Clear Aligners and create a plan tailored to your smile goals.
