Orthodontic treatment permanently changes the position of your teeth and, in many cases, the structure of your facial bones and jaw. Because of this, it's important that treatment is carried out by a specialist with the right training and expertise. Orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of advanced specialty education beyond dental school — focused entirely on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. This specialized training allows Dr. Spoonhower to provide precise, personalized treatment plans that general dentists simply aren't trained to deliver.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this stage, several permanent teeth have typically erupted, giving Dr. Spoonhower a clear picture of how your child's bite is developing. Early evaluation doesn't always lead to immediate treatment — but it gives us the opportunity to monitor development and intervene at exactly the right moment if needed.

Unfortunately, no. Contrary to what many parents hope, teeth do not naturally straighten out over time. In most people, the space available for the front teeth actually decreases as the permanent molars erupt and the jaw matures. Without intervention, crowding and misalignment tend to remain — or worsen — with age.

Not at all. Adults make up a significant and growing portion of orthodontic patients today — approximately 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, function, and confidence matter at every age, and orthodontic treatment can deliver meaningful improvements regardless of when you pursue it. Dr. Spoonhower welcomes patients of all ages at our Hilliard practice.

There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as your teeth and gums are in reasonably good health, you are a candidate for treatment. Many of our adult patients tell us they wish they had come in sooner — and that the process was far easier and more comfortable than they expected.

Treatment duration varies depending on the complexity of each patient's specific orthodontic needs. In general, most treatment plans range from 12 to 30 months. The average time a patient spends in braces is approximately 22 months. Dr. Spoonhower will give you a personalized timeline estimate at your consultation after reviewing your specific situation.

Appointment frequency is determined by your individual treatment needs. Most patients in braces are seen every six to eight weeks for routine adjustment appointments. If your treatment requires more frequent monitoring at certain stages, we'll schedule accordingly and keep you informed well in advance.

Yes — we understand that life is busy and schedules don't always allow parents to stay for the full appointment. We're happy to accommodate drop-offs. On some occasions, we may ask to speak briefly with a parent when they return, so we do ask that parents check in with their patient care coordinator before leaving their child with us.

Absolutely. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are especially important during orthodontic treatment. Your general dentist will monitor the health of your teeth and gums and clean areas that can be harder to reach with braces or aligners. Your dentist will also help determine the appropriate interval between cleaning appointments based on your oral health during treatment.

Not necessarily — and at Spoonhower Orthodontics, extraction is never recommended unless it is genuinely in the patient's best clinical interest. In some cases involving significant crowding or bite discrepancies, the removal of certain teeth can create the space needed for optimal alignment. Dr. Spoonhower will discuss whether extractions are part of your recommended treatment plan during your consultation.

Braces are designed to move teeth gradually and gently — so significant pain is not typical. After your braces are first placed and following each adjustment appointment, it's common to experience some mild soreness or pressure for a few days as your teeth respond to the new forces being applied. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease any discomfort. After most routine visits, patients report little to no soreness at all.

Yes — braces should not stop you from participating in sports or physical activities. We do strongly recommend wearing a mouthguard during any contact sport to protect both your teeth and your appliance from impact. We can help you find a comfortable option that works well alongside your braces.

Yes, though musicians may notice a brief adjustment period — particularly those who play wind or brass instruments. Most patients adapt quickly, and braces do not cause any permanent limitation to musical ability.

Yes. Certain foods can damage brackets or wires and should be avoided throughout treatment. These include hard candies, ice, popcorn, nuts, chewing gum, caramel, taffy, and other sticky or chewy foods. Raw vegetables should be cut into small pieces rather than bitten into directly. When your braces are placed, our team will walk you through a full list of dietary guidelines — following them carefully is one of the best ways to avoid unnecessary repair appointments.

We recommend brushing after every meal and before bed — at minimum four times per day. Food and plaque can accumulate easily around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of decay and gum issues if oral hygiene is not maintained diligently. Our team will show you the most effective brushing and flossing techniques for use during treatment, and we may recommend a fluoride rinse or prescription fluoride treatment for added protection.

Both braces and clear aligners are designed to move teeth into better alignment, but they do so differently. Braces use fixed brackets and wires bonded to the teeth, while clear aligners are a series of removable, custom-fitted trays worn over the teeth. Aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. Braces typically offer more precise control for complex cases. The right choice depends on your specific clinical needs and lifestyle — Dr. Spoonhower will help you determine the best option during your consultation.

Treatment costs vary depending on the type of treatment recommended, the complexity of your case, and the length of your treatment plan. At Spoonhower Orthodontics, we are committed to making care affordable and will provide you with a clear, transparent cost breakdown after your consultation. We never surprise patients with hidden fees.

Yes — we accept most major dental and orthodontic insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your first appointment. Our team handles the insurance filing process on your behalf, making it as straightforward as possible for you.

We offer a variety of flexible payment solutions including in-office payment plans, no-interest financing, CareCredit, and HSA/FSA payment options. We also offer pay-in-full discounts and family discounts for households with multiple patients in treatment. Our team will work with you to find a financial arrangement that fits your budget.

Yes — completely. Your initial consultation with Dr. Spoonhower is complimentary and comes with no obligation to proceed with treatment. It's simply an opportunity for you to get the information you need to make a confident, informed decision about your smile.

Minor orthodontic issues can often be managed temporarily at home while you wait for your appointment. Orthodontic wax can be used to cover any poking wires or sharp edges. Sterilized nail clippers or tweezers can help reposition or trim a wire if necessary. Always call our office to report the issue and schedule a repair visit — even if you've managed the discomfort at home, a professional repair is still needed.

Contact our office as soon as possible. The longer you go without your retainer, the more opportunity your teeth have to shift. We'll arrange to have a replacement made quickly to minimize any movement.

We generally recommend waiting until your treatment is complete before whitening. With braces, whitening products cannot reach the areas covered by brackets, which can result in uneven coloration when the braces are removed. Once your braces are off and your retainer is in place, we can discuss the best whitening options for your smile.

Orthodontic treatment progresses in carefully planned stages, and missed appointments can extend your overall treatment timeline. We understand that scheduling conflicts happen, and we'll always do our best to reschedule you as quickly as possible. Please give us as much notice as you can if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Most patients adapt quickly to their appliances with little or no noticeable change in speech. Some patients experience a brief adjustment period in the first few days — particularly with clear aligners or certain appliances — but this typically resolves on its own as the mouth adapts.

Yes — as long as you wear your retainer as directed. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift over time, and consistent retainer wear is the only reliable way to maintain your results long-term. Dr. Spoonhower will provide a personalized retention plan and retainer recommendations when your active treatment is complete.

Retainer wear is a lifelong commitment to protecting your results. Most patients begin with full-time wear and gradually transition to nightly use over the first year, then to several nights per week on an ongoing basis. The exact schedule will be tailored to your specific needs by Dr. Spoonhower.

If you notice your teeth shifting after treatment — particularly if you've gone through a period of inconsistent retainer wear — contact our office. Depending on the extent of the movement, options may include a new retainer, refinement aligners, or in some cases a short course of retreatment. The sooner you reach out, the more options are available to you.