What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of teeth to give people beautiful smiles and better chewing function. (The literal translation of "ortho" "dontics" is actually "straight" "teeth"!).

You may also hear orthodontics being referred to as "dentofacial orthopedics." This is because an orthodontist can help guide the growth of the upper and lower jaws so that they develop in a harmonious relationship. This relationship can have a direct influence on facial structure and esthetics.

What Qualifies Your Doctor As An Orthodontic Specialist?
Your orthodontist is a doctor who has graduated from dental school and is accepted into an advanced specialty program in the field of orthodontics. This additional training is a full time 2-3 year residency where your doctor treats orthodontic patients exclusively and becomes highly educated in current orthodontic research, technology and patient care.

How Long Do Braces Take To Straighten Teeth?
Because each person is unique, there may be slight differences in how each patient responds to treatment. However, the average orthodontic case can be completed in about 24 months.

How Much Do Braces Cost?
Since each case is different, we are happy to offer you a complimentary consultation where we can provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost based on your specific treatment needs.

What Age Should My Child First Visit The Orthodontist?
It is ideal for your child to visit our office by the age of 7. This timing is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists because your child's permanent teeth are beginning to erupt.

As an orthodontist, Dr. Fong can help evaluate whether treatment should be started at this time to help guide the growth of the jaws and eruption of permanent teeth, or if it is more beneficial to wait until the patient is older (or if your child may not even need braces at all!).

At our office, we maintain a conservative approach to orthodontic treatment. We will only recommend starting treatment when it is most beneficial for the patient. This may involve starting at an early age to help correct any issues that pose immediate concerns (ex. crossbite, severe overbite/overjet, abnormal eruption patterns). Addressing these issues at an early age can correct problems that would worsen over time and also prevent the need for the extraction of teeth in some cases. However, none of these issues are present, then treatment will be most effective around the age of 10-12 when the remaining permanent teeth have erupted and your child is still growing.

I'm An Adult, Is It Too Late To Get Braces?
It's never too late to get the smile of your dreams! In fact, adults make up 20% of all orthodontic patients! Dr. Fong has even had the privilege of treating patients in their 70s, giving them the smile they had always wanted.