Frequently Asked Questions

Many dental insurances have orthodontic benefits to assist with the cost of treatment. Our staff will check with ANY dental insurance plan that you have to see how much benefit your plan provides. This can significantly lower your total out-of-pocket cost.

These are the insurance companies we accept. If yours is not listed, please call us to check as we may not have updated this list.

• AETNA
• ASSURANT
• CIGNA
• DELTA DENTAL
• GUARDIAN
• LEHB
• MET LIFE
• UNITED CONCORDIA
• UNITED HEALTHCARE

We want your orthodontic treatment to be as affordable as possible; therefore, we offer flexible financing options including $0 down, with 0% interest, for up to 48 months. We also accept many payment options including the following: Insurance, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Cash, Check, and Flexible Spending Account. Always be sure to ask what discounts may be available to you.

The cost of braces can range greatly depending on the type of treatment needed. Everyone’s teeth are different so treatment plans are different. At Odhner Orthodontics, we provide you a cost estimate after your free consultation (including a panoramic xray exam). This way, we can determine which type of orthodontic treatment is recommended. We’ll work with your budget, accept insurance, and can help set you up on an affordable payment plan so it’s easy to say yes to orthodontic treatment.

The good news is that there are very few orthodontic emergencies. If you think you’re experiencing an orthodontic emergency and are unsure of what to do, please call us at 215-887-0376.

While wearing braces, you can and should maintain regular checkups with your dentist, usually every 6 months. Your dentist and hygienist are able to clean around the braces and monitor you for any cavities before, during, and after your orthodontic treatment.

In general, it is best to avoid anything hard and crunchy or sticky and chewy while wearing braces.

Dr. Odhner and our team will review with you one on one how to brush your teeth during your treatment. For a brief overview, click here to read more about Brushing with Braces.

Putting braces on does not hurt. In the few days after getting braces, it is normal to experience some general soreness which typically lasts 3-5 days in children or up to 7-10 days for adults. After each adjustment of your braces, you may be sore again for the next couple days, but it is never as long lasting or as intense as the initial discomfort. To learn more about what to do if you are experiencing any discomfort, click here to read about Adjusting to Braces.

The length of time in between appointments can vary from patient to patient as well as within your own treatment. On average, Dr. Odhner will see you every 6 weeks to adjust your braces or every 12 weeks if you are in Invisalign.

Average treatment times vary depending on the nature of your bite. Minor changes can be corrected in less than 6 months. Major changes in the smile and bite can take up to 36 months. The average is usually about one and a half to two years.

We offer metal and ceramic braces, Clear Aligners, Lingual Braces, Spring Aligners, Retainers, plus many more specific appliances tailored to your individual needs. We recommend to schedule a free consultation with Odhner Orthodontics to explore the treatment plan that best fits your orthodontic needs and budget.

Sometimes it can be obvious if you or someone you know needs orthodontics treatment, other times it may be more difficult to tell. The best way to know is to schedule an initial exam consultation with Dr. Odhner which is always FREE.  Here’s a list of common indications for Who Needs Orthodontics.

You’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! Our patients range in age from 7 to 87. We can improve your smile and create a healthy bite at any age.

The first visit to an orthodontist should be at age 7 so the growth and development of your child’s teeth and jaws can be properly evaluated and monitored. This allows Dr. Odhner, our orthodontist to initiate an optimal treatment schedule, as needed, according to each individual. If this opportunity was missed, however, it is not too late. You should visit an orthodontist at any age at which you notice a problem with your teeth or your bite. Review our Pediatric Orthodontist page to learn more about early treatment options.

No, a referral from your dentist is not needed. Sometimes your dentist may notice a bite problem and recommend that you come see us, but not always.

It is important to understand that all orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Only orthodontists, like Dr. Odhner, are dentists that have completed an additional 2-3 years of orthodontic specialty residency training to learn how to safely straighten teeth and align jaws. Dr. Odhner is also a professor at the Temple University Orthodontic Residency Program. When you receive treatment from Dr. O, know she’s also training future orthodontists!