Before you write
If your question is not here, ask. Please leave out health details; for anything urgent, call us.
Do you take my insurance?
We file claims with the dental plans we are in network with, and the list is on the How fees work page. Orthodontic benefits are separate from cleanings and fillings, so we check yours before treatment starts and tell you what we find.
What if I do not have insurance?
You pay for treatment yourself, and you get a written estimate in advance. Ask about paying in installments over the course of treatment; terms are in writing before you agree.
Do you accept Medicaid or CHIP?
We are not enrolled with Medicaid or CHIP. If your child has one of them, we are glad to talk through other options, and your family dentist can help find an office that is enrolled.
Will it hurt?
Teeth and gums are usually sore for a few days after braces are put on and after new sets of aligners. Soft foods and the pain relievers your doctor suggests help most people. Tell us if anything cuts, pokes or hurts more than you expected, and ask for a break at any visit.
Do I still need my regular dentist?
Yes. We do not do cleanings or fillings. Braces and aligners make cleaning harder, so your dentist may want to see you more often during treatment. We send them a note about your plan.
What is the difference between braces and aligners?
Braces are glued to your teeth and work all day, every day. Aligners are removable trays you wear most of the day and take out to eat. Each fits some mouths better than others, and your orthodontist explains which suits you and why.
Do you see children, and from what age?
We offer an early check around age 7, or sooner if your dentist asks us to look. A first check is a look at how teeth and jaws are coming in. Many children go home with a plan to check again in a year or two.
What counts as an emergency, and what do I do first?
Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing, or for bleeding that will not stop. For a knocked-out tooth or an injury to the jaw, go to an emergency room or call your dentist right away. A loose bracket or a poking wire is rarely an emergency: cover the wire with orthodontic wax and call the nearest office.
What can I do to be comfortable at visits?
Tell us what makes you nervous and we will go through each step before we start. Parents can stay in the room. You can raise a hand at any point and we will stop.
Can I get a written estimate before treatment?
Yes. You can ask for a written estimate before any treatment. It lists the treatment, the visits we expect and the fee, so you can take it home and decide.
Do you speak Spanish?
Dr. Osorio sees patients in Spanish and in English. Tell us when you book and we will set up your visit with her.
How do I cancel or change a visit?
Call the office you booked, or send a message from the contact page. Please tell us as early as you can, so another family can take the time.
Still have a question?
Send it, or call the office that is closer to you.