FAQ

A. Utilizing the newest technologies we now anticipate total treatment times averaging less than two years from start to finish. Obviously some more demanding cases can take longer and more basic cases can finish sooner, but we complete most of our cases in less than two years.

A. Standard youth case charges average between $3500 and $6000. Adult cases are between $5000. and $8000. There can be additional charges for cosmetic brackets. We also advise that you continue your regular schedule with your family dentist. Those charges for general dentistry will be delivered by your family dentist.

A. Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are tender for the first three days. Simple over-the-counter pain medication usually is all that is needed. In addition, we provide soft wax to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.

A. Our typical week is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:15 a.m. - 5:00pm. We are closed for lunch from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 pm.

A. We average 6-12 weeks between visits. In the beginning of treatment some patients need to be seen more frequently, other have long (10-12 weeks) intervals between appointments. The closer to the end of treatment a patient gets the more frequent visits tend to be. When we factor all visits together we average about eight weeks between appointments.

A. Once the patient is seated, the orthodontic assistant reviews the chart to see what is planned for the day’s appointment. The doctor is consulted prior to commencing work, then the necessary procedures are performed. Upon completion of the day's work, the doctor checks and reviews the work performed and plans the next appointment. All questions are answered and comfort is assured prior to the patient leaving. Most visits end with a review of the day’s work with the accompanying parents.

A. Most visits are 15-60 minutes in length. Appointments which require the application of any braces, either initial of during treatment, can be longer. Most of these brace application visits are performed during the morning hours as they tend to take longer and require more direct contact between doctor and patient. The initial banding (i.e. the day braces are first placed) usually takes 1- 2 1/2 hours.

A. Most major dental insurance is accepted by our office. These include those for the military, government workers, teachers and most major industries including PPO if you can go out of network. Our office will be glad to assist in filing insurance forms and in many cases we will allow direct assignment of benefits to our office. Our payment plans are very flexible and interest-free. We discount fees 7% for full up-front payment! You may also use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards or a low-interest loan from the Orthodontists Free Plan (OFP).

A. All of our patients enter a two-year retention program following completion of fixed orthodontic treatment. Retainers are delivered at the end of treatment, final records are taken and reviewed and periodic follow-up visits are scheduled to ensure the beautiful result achieved with braces will last for a life time.

A. We place all patients who are not ready for treatment in our “Orthodontic Guidance Program”. This allows patients to be recalled to the office periodically in order to assess their status in terms of orthodontic development. It is our goal not to start any treatment until the most opportune time for the patient. By waiting for this time, a treatment plan which is the most efficient and economical can be delivered. In a sense we wait until we can do the best care at the best time, for the best value!

A. Every color imaginable!! We have collected orthodontic ties with every color in the rainbow which we make available to our patients. Even those patients with the new Damon brackets, which do no require ties to hold the wires in place, are given the choice of colors if they so desire. Patients with clear braces can place clear ties on their braces or can have colors as well. We like our patients to enjoy their treatment with us and we do what we can to make it fun.

A. We request our patients to call us as soon as possible if a change in schedules arises. If the office is closed, you may leave a message to cancel your appointment on our answering machine. You may then call back to reschedule or request the office to call you at your convenience. If appointments are canceled in adequate time, patients requesting sooner visits can often be accommodated. The sooner an appointment is rescheduled, the sooner a new appointment can be made which will keep treatment progress at the rate necessary for a speedy finish. One of the largest causes for extended treatment times is missing appointments. Delaying rescheduling delays progress even further. So if an appointment must be missed, please call to cancel and reschedule as soon as possible.

A. If an orthodontic emergency arises (broken braces, something cutting or preventing closure of the mouth) call our office number (203) 375-8332. Instructions concerning contacting our covering doctor or assistant will be given. Call (203) 378-9504 to reach Dr. Connelly after hours. Obviously, if an emergency is of a life-threatening nature it is advised to call 911 or immediately visit the nearest emergency room.

A. Call us at (203) 375-8332 as soon as possible for a complimentary evaluation appointment. When your appointment is made we will send a patient health information package which we request you fill out prior to your visit. When you come for the first appointment you will be met by one of the treatment coordinators who will brief you about the visit. Then Dr. Connelly will examine you (or your child) and determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, diagnostic records (digital photos, X-rays, and impressions) will be taken to evaluate. If the diagnostic records are needed, there will be a charge for this service.