Frequently Asked Questions
Patient education is an essential part of the services we provide.
Orthodontic Traditional Weston and Miami - When you understand the impact that your oral health can have on your life, you’re more likely to be proactive about dental care.
That's why we’re always available to provide the answers you need. The more information you have, the better prepared you are to make important decisions when the time comes. We've listed a few frequently asked questions here, but you are more than welcome to contact our office if you don't see your question answered or you want more information.
What is the right age for my child to see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists suggests scheduling an evaluation as soon as we notice any potential orthodontic problems, but no later than age seven. This is the optimal time to begin planning your child’s orthodontic treatment. Treating your child at the appropriate point in their development will ensure beautiful results with the least amount of time and expense.
For some children, early screening may detect the need for immediate treatment, since some orthodontic problems are easier to correct if found early. In other cases, treatment may be months or years away, but a screening will help you develop a relationship with our office. Alternatively, an early screening may suggest that no treatment is needed, putting your mind at ease.
Even if your child’s teeth look straight, there may be potential problems that need to be evaluated by an orthodontist. Here are a few things to look for:
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty in biting or chewing
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Thumb or finger sucking
If any of these issues are a concern, please call Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics to schedule an evaluation appointment. It may be one of the best things you can do for your child to ensure a happy and healthy smile.
How long will my orthodontic treatment take?
It’s difficult to pinpoint a standard length of treatment because the orthodontic needs of each patient are completely unique. Generally speaking, treatment times are determined by age, the complexity of the initial problem or malocclusion, and the goals of the treatment.
The average orthodontic treatment time for traditional braces is about 24 to 30 months. However, depending on your case, it may be possible to treat simpler orthodontic issues in approximately a year using updated orthodontics like Invisalign aligners or Incognito lingual braces.
When we meet for your initial consultation appointment, we’ll explain the process to you in detail. But we won’t be able to give you an estimated length of treatment until we perform a complete orthodontic evaluation. Only then can we determine which type of orthodontics are most suitable and the approximate time of treatment. Please keep in mind that many factors come into play during your treatment, and one of the most important is your commitment to the entire process. You have to be willing to keep up with appointments as well as your oral health care if you want to achieve the best results in the shortest time possible.
We’d love to talk to you about our different orthodontic treatment options and which would be best to help you achieve your dream smile. Please call Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, and we’ll be happy to set up a consultation.
How much do braces cost?
Due to the diverse nature and severity of orthodontic problems, including the type of appliance needed, etc., we need to evaluate each case individually before we can determine the amount of investment required.
Our initial orthodontic consultations are complimentary, and we can discuss fees at that time. We offer interest-free financing through our office, and family discounts and special financing for families are also available.
If you have dental insurance, it’s always a good idea to start by checking with your provider. We will help verify benefits and file forms. We accept all PPO’s.
At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we’re also happy to offer CareCredit. CareCredit is a third-party financing option that allows you to spread your payments over many months. The best place to start is by giving us a call. We’ll talk to you about your options and do everything we can to make your treatment as affordable as possible with our easy payment plans.
Will it be necessary to extract any teeth before treatment?
In the past, a common solution for overcrowding was extraction of certain teeth. Today, however, many orthodontists, including Dr Yazji, prefer to explore more conservative options before deciding to remove teeth. This decision depends on several factors, such as patient’s age, extent of crowding, problems with the bite, and facial esthetics.
We encourage you to call Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics to arrange a complimentary consultation to determine the best treatment option for you or your child.
How long will I need to wear retainers?
Orthodontic treatment does not end when you have your braces removed or stop wearing your Invisalign aligners. If you want to maintain the beautiful results, you need to get used to the idea of wearing your retainers conscientiously every day.
The reason a retainer is necessary is that your teeth are always moving to some degree. Because of this movement, you will require some type of orthodontic retainer after Invisalign treatment to maintain the corrected alignment.
If you don’t wear the retainer, it is likely that your teeth will begin to drift. Going without a retainer for even a short period of time can allow teeth to shift and cause another misalignment.
At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we design retainers that are either fixed or removable. Dr. Yazji will discuss both these options with you and help you make the decision as to which will be most beneficial for your situation.
Once you’ve invested in orthodontic treatment for you or your child, it makes sense to look at the retention phase as an ongoing and necessary part of your treatment. You’ve already made an investment in a beautiful, healthy smile. By conscientiously using your retainer, you are simply protecting your investment.
Please call our Miami, Brickell, or Weston dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a consultation to answer all your questions about orthodontic treatment.
What are my options for straightening my teeth?
At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we offer many orthodontic treatments to address a wide spectrum of alignment problems. We can help you whether you’re an adult who wants to correct a few crooked teeth, or you have a child in need of comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
Traditional braces are the treatment of choice for children. We offer silver or tooth-colored ceramic brackets and wires to properly guide the movement of your child’s teeth. To make their treatment more fun, we also offer WildSmiles brackets and wires that come in a variety of cool shapes and lets kids personalize their braces.
We also offer Insignia and Incognito lingual braces for teens and adults. Lingual braces work like traditional braces, but they’re placed on the back side of teeth, so they don’t show when you smile.
Invisalign is a very popular option with our patients because treatment is comfortable, fast, and easy. There are no brackets or wires to worry about, and the aligners can be removed for eating and brushing and flossing.
With all these choices, you’ve probably got lots of questions about what’s best for you. Please call our Weston, Miami, or Brickell office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Yazji to learn more about our treatment options.
Do you offer a discount for FIU students?
Being a student means that you face many expenses from housing to meals as well as books and activity fees. It can seem overwhelming at times! We like to help our FIU patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles while they seek their education. That is why we offer a 10 percent discount to FIU students for orthodontic treatment. This can reduce out-of- pocket expenses and make a straight, confident smile more affordable. A valid student ID must be shown at the time of the consultation to receive the discount and it may not be combined with any other offer. Our convenient locations make your appointments accessible and have convenient hours, so you can stop by between classes.
Orthodontics is not just about appearance, though that can play a part in your choice to have orthodontic treatment. A properly aligned smile also improves your oral health and the comfort of your bite. Proper alignment of your teeth gives your smile a beautiful appearance that can help you face your career and your personal relationships with confidence.
At Dr. Maria Yazji Orthodontics, we offer a full range of orthodontic services including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and discreet orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign and Incognito. Since we specialize in orthodontics, Dr. Yazji is experienced in treating all types of orthodontic cases, including complex cases.
Contact our West Miami, Brickell or Weston location to learn more about how orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a fabulous smile!
I am a student at FIU. Can you help me fit orthodontic treatment into my schedule?
Dr. Yazji knows the challenges that students face and is determined to make your care as convenient as possible. We have three locations to make getting the orthodontic care you need easy! We also offer a 10 percent discount for all FIU students. Students must present a valid ID during the initial consultation to receive the discount (which may not be combined with any other offer).
Brickell – Our Brickell location is in southwest Miami, just east of the FIU Business Center in downtown Miami.
Miami – For students wanting the closest location, our Miami office is just southwest of FIU (Modesto A. Maidique Campus on) SW 107th Avenue and SW 40th Street.
Weston – For those students who live outside of town or attend FIU at I-75 in Miramar, our Weston location is convenient and offers easy access.
All of our locations have convenient hours so that our patients that are students can seek treatment between classes or in the evenings.
Many of our patients seek treatment to improve the appearance of their smiles and boost their confidence. We even make treatment more convenient for patients seeking an alternative to traditional orthodontics. We offer Invisalign clear aligners and Incognito lingual braces. Both options make it possible for you to have a straighter, more beautiful smile without visible metal brackets and wires. For patients seeking traditional orthodontics that want a more esthetic option, we offer ceramic braces.
Contact one of our convenient locations to learn more or schedule your free orthodontic evaluation!
Am I a candidate for Invisalign?
If you are one of the many people who are unhappy with your teeth because they might not be as straight as you would like, you have probably considered braces. Perhaps you have heard of Invisalign invisible braces and have wondered if this treatment might be a good option for you. We offer Invisalign at our Miami, FL dental practice and would love to schedule a consult to discuss the benefits of this innovative orthodontic treatment with you!
The Invisalign benefit that attracts most people is the fact that these braces are virtually invisible. Another important benefit is that because they are removable, there are no eating restrictions and caring for your teeth while undergoing treatment is easy.
You might be a good candidate for Invisalign if your gums and teeth are healthy and free of disease. If you have crooked, gapped, or crowded teeth, Invisalign is often a good choice to help you to reach your smile goals.
If you are a disciplined person who will consistently wear your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours each day, this too can mean you may be a good candidate. It is important to wear the aligners for this amount of time every day if your treatment is going to give you the straight teeth you desire.
What are the benefits of Invisalign vs. traditional braces?
Remember when traditional metal braces were your only option for orthodontic treatment? Those days are long gone! Dr. Maria Yazji has personally helped change the lives of thousands of Miami, FL patients with Invisalign clear aligners. Good oral health is essential, but obviously, appearance and convenience are important considerations too! Now you don’t have to sacrifice your quality or enjoyment of life to get the beautiful straight smile you deserve. If you’re thinking about having your crooked or crowded teeth straightened, you should consider the benefits that Invisalign offers:
Discreet
You already know how a mouth full of metal braces looks, and as an adult, you don’t want to compromise your appearance with metal braces. Invisalign is the perfect choice because the crystal clear aligners are virtually invisible and won’t announce to the world that you are having treatment.
Comfortable
Traditional orthodontics have come a long way, but metal brackets and wires can irritate your mouth, and you just don’t have the time to get slowed down by discomfort. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that won’t irritate the tender tissues in your mouth. They fit like a mouth guard, but they’re much thinner and lighter and made to conform perfectly to your smile. You may even forget you’re wearing them!
Convenient
Treatment with traditional aligners can take years, so you can expect to spend a lot of time in the orthodontist’s office getting adjustments. You will also have to deal with the difficulty of oral hygiene and a limit to the types of foods you can enjoy. With Invisalign, you visit our Miami, FL dental office every 4 to 6 weeks so we can monitor your progress. But you’ll spend less time in the dental chair because we don’t need to adjust brackets and wires. However, one of the most important benefits of Invisalign is that the clear aligners can be removed for oral hygiene, eating, and special events. Just be sure to wear them for at least 22 hours a day to achieve a beautiful straight smile.
Please Call to Learn More!
We would love the opportunity to meet with you and explain how Invisalign treatment can change your smile and your life. Please call Dr. Maria Yazji to arrange a consultation.
