While many general dentists offer alignment services, an orthodontist completes two to three years of additional specialty training focused on tooth movement, jaw development, and facial structure. Dr. Wigal and Dr. Kluemper builds individualized, expert-driven plans that support facial aesthetics, a healthy bite, and airway health which goes beyond simple cosmetic tooth straightening. For families in Heath, Mt. Vernon, and Columbus, that specialist training means a result designed around your long-term health, not just a straighter smile.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven (7). At this stage we can spot opportunities to guide jaw growth and support healthy airway development while your child still has a mix of baby and adult teeth. Early insight often prevents more complex problems later and can lead to simpler, shorter treatment. Even if no treatment is needed yet, an early visit establishes a baseline plus our evaluations are complimentary.
Early, or “Phase 1,” treatment isn’t about perfect baby teeth, it’s about the foundation. By gently guiding jaw growth while a child is still developing, we can create adequate space for adult teeth and support proper breathing and facial proportions. Not every child needs it, but when we catch a developing issue early, Phase 1 care can reduce the need for extractions or surgery later. We only recommend it when it genuinely benefits your child.
Not at all! Treatment should fit your life. We offer discreet alternatives like clear aligners including the Invisalign® brand of aligners. Because our care is specialist-led, we use these tools to achieve the same functional balance, healthy bite, and facial harmony as traditional braces. During your consultation we’ll help you compare Invisalign vs. braces for your specific case so you can choose the option that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Book a free consultation with us to know more.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gently shift your teeth a little at a time. Every one to two weeks you switch to the next set, and each one moves specific teeth closer to their final position. The aligners are removable, so you take them out to eat, brush, and floss. Because Dr. Wigal and Dr. Kluemper plan every stage in advance, your movements are mapped from start to finish for a predictable, healthy result. Learn more about Invisalign here.
Yes, in many cases Invisalign can correct an overbite, along with underbites, crossbites, gaps, and crowding. Modern aligners paired with small tooth-colored attachments and, when needed, elastics can guide both the teeth and the bite. Deep or skeletal bite problems are sometimes better treated with braces or a combination approach, which is why an exam matters. We’ll tell you honestly whether Invisalign is the right tool for your bite.
Treatment time varies with how many issues need correcting and how severe they are and for younger patients, how consistently aligners or elastics are worn. As a general guide, most comprehensive treatment takes about one to two years, though some cases are shorter or longer. The most accurate estimate comes from an exam, so we’ll give you a personalized timeline at your first visit. You can book your first free visit with us, here.
Most Invisalign patients complete treatment in about 12 to 18 months, though minor corrections can finish in as little as six months and complex cases may take longer. Your timeline depends on your goals and importantly, how faithfully you wear your aligners, ideally 20 to 22 hours a day. Consistent wear is the single biggest factor in staying on schedule. We’ll map out an estimated number of aligner sets at your first visit. You can book your first free visit with us, here.
Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to your teeth over time. Brackets bonded to each tooth connect to a thin archwire, and as we adjust that wire it guides the teeth into better positions while the surrounding bone remodels to hold them there. Elastics and other attachments help correct how your upper and lower teeth fit together. It’s a gradual, carefully controlled process, which is why regular check-ins with your orthodontist matter. Learn more about the traditional braces, here.
It’s never too late. A healthy tooth can be moved at almost any age, and many of our adult patients seek treatment to fix bite problems, relieve jaw discomfort, or restore facial balance. We offer efficient, subtle options such as clear aligners, including the Invisalign® brand of aligners, designed to work around your professional and social life. Whether you’re 25 or 65, we can build a plan that improves both function and confidence.
Not necessarily. Many patients, especially children and young teens, begin treatment while their smiles are still developing, and we can align the arches whether or not wisdom teeth have erupted. The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on your individual jaw space and facial structure. We only recommend extraction if the jaw can’t comfortably accommodate the extra molars or if they threaten your results. A comprehensive evaluation helps us determine the best course for your anatomy.
Traditional braces typically run about $3,000 to $7,000, with the final figure depending on the complexity of your case and how long you wear them; clear ceramic braces usually cost a bit more than metal. Dental insurance often covers part of the cost, and we offer low- to no-interest payment plans to keep treatment affordable. We’ll give you an exact price, not just an estimate, after a complimentary exam. You can book your first free visit with us, here.
In most areas, treatment with clear aligners, including the Invisalign® brand of aligners, ranges from about $3,000 to $8,000, depending on how complex the case is and how long you’ll be in aligners–simple cases cost less, comprehensive ones more. Insurance with an orthodontic benefit can offset a meaningful portion, and our financing options break the balance into manageable monthly payments. Because every smile is different, the only way to get an exact figure is a consultation. Yours is free at our Heath, Mt. Vernon, and Columbus offices.
Many dental plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of braces or Invisalign, often up to a lifetime maximum. Coverage varies widely, so we verify your benefits for you before treatment begins. In Ohio, Medicaid may cover braces for children when treatment is medically necessary. For example, a severe bite problem, though cosmetic-only cases usually aren’t covered. Bring your insurance details to your consultation and we’ll walk through exactly what applies to you. You can book your first free visit with us, here.
We believe specialist-led care should be accessible. Our team works with you to fit treatment into your family’s budget, and we accept a wide range of dental insurance plans. We also offer flexible, low- to no-interest financing so you can spread payments over time. Many insurance plans include a lifetime orthodontic benefit, and we’ll help you make the most of it. Ask us for a personalized estimate or check our current special offers, here.
Neither should be painful, but it’s normal to feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days after braces are placed or when you start a new set of aligners–that sensation means your teeth are moving. Over-the-counter pain relief, orthodontic wax, and soft foods make the first days easier, and any discomfort typically fades quickly. If a wire or bracket is irritating you, call us; most fixes are simple and fast.
With traditional braces, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can snap a wire or pop off a bracket like popcorn, nuts, hard candy, caramel, gum, ice, and crunchy raw apples or carrots (cut those into small pieces instead). Sugary, starchy snacks also raise your risk of staining and cavities around the brackets. Softer foods are your friend, especially in the first week. Clear aligners, including the Invisalign® brand of aligners, have no food restrictions because you remove them to eat.
Rinse aligners or retainers every time you take them out, and gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and clear, mild soap. Avoid using hot water as it can warp the plastic and not colored or abrasive toothpaste. Soak them occasionally in a retainer or aligner cleaner to keep them fresh. Always store them in their case, never a napkin, and keep them away from pets. Clean appliances stay clear, odor-free, and effective.
Retainers hold your new smile in place while the surrounding bone stabilizes, so wearing them as directed is essential to protect your results. Most patients wear a retainer full-time for a few months after treatment, then transition to nighttime wear. Because teeth can shift throughout life, we generally recommend continuing to wear your retainer at night long-term. Think of it as the small daily habit that keeps your investment looking great for years.
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