Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a full range of orthodontic treatments to fit your needs and preferences:

Invisalign and Clear Aligners — nearly invisible, removable aligners
Traditional Metal Braces — effective, affordable, and durable
Ceramic Braces — tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet appearance
Spring Retainers — custom retainers that maintain results long-term

During your consultation, Dr. Carter or Dr. Cooper will recommend the best option based on your specific case, goals, and lifestyle.

Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic treatment using custom-made, nearly invisible plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into position. You wear each aligner for about 1-2 weeks before moving to the next one.

Benefits include:
Virtually invisible appearance
Removable for eating and cleaning
More comfortable than braces
Shorter treatment time for many cases (6-18 months)
No dietary restrictions

Clear aligners start at $3,645 and can be covered in part by insurance.

Traditional metal braces use brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by archwires to apply gentle pressure and move teeth into alignment. They are highly effective for all types of cases, including complex bite problems.

Benefits include:
Effective for all orthodontic cases
Affordable treatment option
No patient compliance needed (they are always working)
Durable and reliable

Traditional braces cost $5,695 with Forever Aligned Club membership or $6,695 without. Treatment typically takes 12-36 months depending on your case.

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your natural teeth. They are a more discreet option for people who prefer a less visible appearance during treatment.

Benefits include:
More discreet than metal braces
Just as effective as traditional braces
Durable and long-lasting
Good option for adults and image-conscious teens

Contact us for a personalized quote on ceramic braces. Treatment time is similar to traditional braces.

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case, your age, and the type of treatment chosen:

Clear Aligners (Invisalign): 6-18 months for most cases
Traditional Braces: 12-36 months on average
Ceramic Braces: 12-36 months on average
Early Treatment (Children): 6-12 months, often followed by a second phase

During your consultation, Dr. Carter will give you a specific estimate for your case.

Both braces and aligners use gentle, continuous pressure to move your teeth gradually into the desired position. This pressure causes the bone around the teeth to remodel, allowing the teeth to shift safely over time.

Braces apply pressure through brackets and archwires that are adjusted at regular appointments (typically every 4-6 weeks).

Clear aligners apply pressure through a series of custom trays that are changed out every 1-2 weeks as your teeth progressively move.

Both methods are scientifically proven and effective when worn as prescribed.

Treatment costs vary depending on the type of treatment and complexity of your case:

Invisalign & Clear Aligners: Starting at $3,645
Traditional Metal Braces: $5,695 (with Forever Aligned Club) or $6,695 (without membership)
Ceramic Braces: Custom pricing available — contact us for a quote
Early Treatment (Phase One): $3,695
Replacement Retainers: $79 each

These costs can be reduced significantly through insurance coverage and our flexible payment plans.

We offer flexible payment options to fit your budget:

In-House Payment Plans: 24-30 month plans with no interest
5% Discount: For full payment within 30 days of starting treatment
Cherry Healthcare Financing: 3-60 month terms with 0% APR available
CareCredit: Healthcare credit card with special financing offers
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

Our patient coordinators will work with you to find the payment plan that works best for your situation.

Forever Aligned Club is an exclusive membership program for braces patients that includes:

$1,000 savings on traditional braces ($5,695 instead of $6,695)
Lifetime retainer access — replacement retainers at member pricing
Priority appointment scheduling
Extended payment plan options
Exclusive member benefits

The membership is a one-time investment that provides long-term value and savings.

We understand that cost can be a barrier to care. That is why we offer multiple financing options:

Cherry Financing — Apply for up to $35,000 with flexible 3-60 month terms
CareCredit — 0% promotional financing on qualifying purchases
In-House Plans — No interest financing over 24-30 months
Insurance Coverage — Many plans cover a significant portion of treatment
Payment Plans — Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly options to fit your budget

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your financing options. Our coordinators specialize in finding affordable solutions.

With braces, you need to avoid foods that can damage the brackets or get stuck:

Avoid: Sticky foods (caramel, taffy), hard foods (nuts, hard candy), chewy foods (gum, popcorn), crunchy foods (chips, apples with skin)

Safe choices: Soft fruits, cooked vegetables, pasta, rice, bread, dairy products, and softer treats

Your orthodontist will give you a complete list of foods to avoid. The good news is that braces are temporary, and you can enjoy all foods again once treatment is complete!

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that they are removable. You can take them out to eat, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions.

Just remember to:
Remove aligners before eating and drinking (except water)
Brush your teeth after meals before putting aligners back in
Store aligners in their case when not wearing them

No! You can play sports with braces. However, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your mouth and braces during contact sports like football, basketball, or soccer.

A custom-fitted sports mouthguard can be made to fit over your braces. Contact us to learn more.

Yes! Playing instruments with braces takes a little adjustment, but it is definitely possible. Some tips:

Allow a few days to adjust to the feel of braces in your mouth
Use orthodontic wax on any brackets that irritate your lips
Consider brace covers that fit over brackets for wind instruments
With practice, most musicians adapt quickly

Talk to your orthodontist if you need specific guidance for your instrument.

Oral hygiene is important during orthodontic treatment. Tips for keeping your teeth clean:

Brush after every meal (at least twice daily)
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
Angle the brush at the gum line and brush gently around brackets
Use a water flosser or floss threader to clean between teeth
Rinse with fluoride mouthwash

Your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions during your treatment.

To keep your aligners clean and clear:

Rinse aligners with lukewarm water daily
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean them
Store in the provided case when not wearing
Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic
Do not soak them in mouthwash or bleach
Brush and floss your teeth before putting aligners back in

Proper care keeps your aligners looking nearly invisible and functioning optimally.

Absolutely! You can travel during orthodontic treatment. Just plan ahead:

With Braces: Pack orthodontic wax, elastics, and a travel toothbrush kit. Schedule appointments before and after travel.

With Clear Aligners: Bring all your aligners and storage cases. Wear your aligners as prescribed even while traveling.

With either treatment, maintain good oral hygiene and stick to your treatment schedule.

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We have four convenient locations in the CSRA with flexible hours:

Augusta | North Augusta | Aiken | Grovetown

Contact us to confirm hours for your preferred location. We offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments.

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