Do you charge for an initial visit?
No. As a courtesy to you and your family dentist, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging a fee for the initial consultation.
At what age do you start seeing patients?
Did you know that the Guidelines from the American Association of Orthodontics have recently changed and now it is recommended that the first orthodontic exam should be by age 7! Yes, 7! As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8.
Do I need a referral to visit an orthodontist?
No. This is a very important question. We take pride in educating our referring dentist in the importance of referring patients to our office by age 7. However, not every dentist is aware of the change in the guidelines for early referral. Therefore, if you have a child about to turn 7, or already 7 and up, please call our office directly to schedule a complimentary consultation!
Why do you evaluate patients so young?
The American Association of Orthodontics realized that we were missing crucial opportunities to address dentofacial growth by seeing children at older ages. When we see them at age 7 we are able to evaluate factors that affect the growth of the jaws and face. We evaluate carefully the size of the frenum under the tongue, swallowing patter, habits, size of the tonsils, ask about breathing during the day and sleep (mouth breathing, snoring), and we rule out any sleep breathing disorder symptoms (waking up at night, bedwetting, tossing and turning at sleep, grinding, morning headaches, hyperactivity, poor school performance, among others). We also evaluate the jaw size, presence of crossbites, underbites, crowding, impacted teeth, among others. When we identify any airway obstruction or tongue tie (that affects breathing and tongue posture, respectively), we refer to a wonderful group of specialists such as Ear Nose and Throat doctors and Myofunctional Therapists. We have established a great network of specialists that understand and share the same goals as us: Allow kids to grow better on their own! (so less orthodontic intervention is needed at a later date!). When we evaluate young patients and we determine that everything is growing within the norms, an observation schedule is arranged to monitor growth until the patient is older and we can decide if orthodontic treatment is recommended. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. Only a small percentage of this young group may need some form of early orthodontic intervention.
Because it is very difficult for the pediatrician or general/pediatric dentist to evaluate all these factors (as they have their own check list to go through at their visits) it is recommended that EVERY child sees and orthodontist by age 7, even those that appear to be growing fine.
Do I have to wait for my child to have lost all of their baby teeth?
This used to be the case. Not anymore! Here is another reason why the first exam should be early (by age 7): The last baby tooth to fall out is usually the lower second deciduous (baby) molar. Although it’s a baby tooth, it’s rather large. In fact, it is considerably larger than the tooth that will replace it. This space is sufficient to eliminate lower front tooth crowding about 65% of the time. Children who are seen before they lose their second deciduous molars have a good chance of avoiding extractions, as well as more extensive treatment.
Do you have any adult patients?
Absolutely! A large percentage of our patients are adult. Dr. Toro is very happy to see more and more adults every year. Definitively the Pandemic, Zoom video calls (close up view!), and wearing masks motivated many adults to seek and to start their orthodontic journey! We treat many of our patient’s parents, and we also treat many adults that live or work in Lexington and neighboring towns. They are always very excited to know what Invisalign and clear aligners can do for them! New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient. Learn more here.
How long will the first visit take?
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on how ready the patient is for treatment. We always do a thorough visual exam and then explain the findings to the patient or parents. We may suggest one or more X-rays and complete diagnostics records including a 3D scan of the teeth with photographs to document the current position. If patients are ready for treatment we may be able to also present the treatment recommended and payment/financing plans that we provide.
Do you take patients transferring from out of town?
Yes we do! We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started. We understand patients move due to work, studies, deployment, and we are here to help! There is a transfer form from the American Board Of Orthodontics that will be filled out by your previous orthodontist so we can have a full understanding of your treatment so far.
What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist?
An orthodontist is a general dentist that has had at least 2 more years of full-time training in orthodontics (Dr. Toro has 3) resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics.
Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?
In order to have early and late appointments available for the majority of patient appointments, some procedures (usually longer ones) need to be accomplished during the hours of 9 and 3. We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs.
Do you see patients for emergencies?
Yes, you will always be able to find Dr. Toro for after hours emergencies. Our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our emergency care page for more information.
Can we make payments?
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient and affordable payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time, at no interest. Learn more here.
How do you handle insurance?
After verification of coverage, we will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, the patient is still responsible for the agreed upon fee.
Do you take American Express, Master Card and/or Visa?
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Do you have direct debit?
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit and charge card posting.
Do you charge interest?
No we do not. We finance our patients with a payment plan with no interest.
Do you give family discounts?
We have special programs and fees for multiple patients starting at the same time from the same family.
Do I need to be pre-medicated for the dentist. Do I need to take my medicine for the orthodontist?
Dr. Toro will let you know if premedication is indicated for your appointment. However, the 1st or initial appointment does not require premedication as it is mostly a visual exam.
Do retainers need to be worn after braces?
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely. This are the recommendations from the American Association of Orthodontists: Long term retention to sleep, if not forever.
Why do teeth get crooked after wearing braces or aligners?
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process. This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over a lifetime!
