Frequently Asked Questions

To book your first appointment, you can call (801)756-0400, or alternatively, email us at frontdesk@hydeorthodontics.com

The Right Time for an Orthodontic Check-Up: No Later than Age 7

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children get a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7. Dr. Hyde can spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth while some baby teeth are still present.

• While your child’s teeth may appear to be straight, there could be a problem that only an orthodontist can detect.

• A check-up may reveal that your child’s bite is fine. Or, the doctor may identify a developing problem but recommend monitoring the child’s growth and development, and then, if indicated, begin treatment at the appropriate time for the child. In other cases, he might find a problem that can benefit from early treatment.

• Early treatment may prevent or intercept more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated. In some cases, Dr. Hyde will be able to achieve results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have finished growing.

• Early treatment may give Dr. Hyde the chance to:

• Guide jaw growth
• Lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Improve appearance
• Guide permanent teeth into a more favorable position
• Create a more pleasing arrangement of teeth, lips and face

• Through an early orthodontic evaluation, you’ll be giving your child the best opportunity for a healthy, beautiful smile.

If your child is older than 7, it’s certainly not too late for a check-up. Because patients differ in both physiological development and treatment needs, Dr. Hyde’s goal is to provide each patient with the most appropriate treatment at the most appropriate time.

Orthodontists are specialists in moving teeth and aligning jaws.

There are three steps in an orthodontist’s education: college, dental school, and orthodontic residency program. Dr. Hyde had 10.5 years of education after high school to become an orthodontist.

Dr. Hyde uses a variety of “appliances,” including braces, clear aligner trays, and retainers, to move teeth or hold them in their new positions. Because of Dr. Hyde’s advanced education and clinical experience, he has the knowledge and skills required to recommend the best appliance method for each individual patient’s treatment goals.

Prices vary depending on the needs of the patient and the length and complexity of the treatment. Very simple relapse cases can be under $1,000. Complex, long term cases requiring major bite correction can be up to $5,000-$6,000. Most cases are somewhere in between. We file with all major insurance companies to maximize your benefits, and monthly payment plans are available with no interest charge. We will discuss specific pricing with you at your exam appointment.

The majority of cases can be treated with either braces or aligner trays. Braces are still very common and are an efficient method for moving teeth into position. Aligners require the patient to remember to wear the trays and keep track of them, but offer the benefit of being able to take short breaks from treatment along the way and clean the teeth easier. Some complex cases with severe rotations in the teeth are impossible to treat using only aligners. Dr. Hyde uses a state of the art digital scanner for extremely accurate 3D digital models of the teeth for treatment planning and aligner tray fabrication. The technology has improved considerably, allowing us to treat many cases with aligners that were not possible in years past.

Some orthodontic problems become apparent as early as 7 or 8 years old and need to be corrected prior to the growth spurt years. Bite shifts or severe crowding or space loss are a few examples. Some patients can wait until they have all their adult teeth in to have treatment done.

Retainers, usually a set of rigid, clear trays molded exactly to the shape of the teeth, are made immediately at the end of treatment to help hold the teeth in position. They are worn part time, not 24-7. Permanent, fixed wire retainers can be placed behind the front teeth to give added protection and peace of mind against shifting teeth. Complimentary followup appointments to check on retainers and on tooth position are included with treatment.