Blue Ridge Orthodontics FAQ:
Answering the Top 10 Questions Parents Ask
Choosing an orthodontist for your child is a big deal. At Kraus Orthodontics, we understand how much this decision matters. If you're looking into orthodontics in Blue Ridge, you're probably hoping for a place with kind people, clear answers, and simple solutions that make your child feel safe and cared for.
Whether you're visiting us in Blue Ridge or heading to our offices in Allen or Leonard, we want you to feel confident. Below, we’ve answered 10 of the most common questions we hear from parents just like you.
1. When should my child first visit an orthodontist?
Most kids should see an orthodontist around age 7. That might seem young, but it helps us catch problems early. At that age, your child has a mix of baby and adult teeth. We can check if their teeth are growing in the right way or if there are signs of crowding or bite problems.
Don’t worry—most 7-year-olds don’t need treatment right away. But starting early means we can keep an eye on things and help if anything starts to go off track.
2. What happens at the first visit?
Your first visit is all about learning and getting to know each other. We'll take pictures of your child's teeth and use a special scanner that shows us their whole smile in 3D. It doesn't hurt and only takes a few minutes.
Then, Dr. Kraus will talk with you about what we see. If your child doesn’t need treatment yet, we might just check back in every few months. If they do need help, we’ll explain your options and talk through a plan together.
3. What types of treatments do you use?
At orthodontics in Blue Ridge, we only use clear aligners. These are see-through trays that gently move teeth into place. They’re smooth, removable, and very popular with teens and adults. You take them out when eating and brushing, which makes them easy to use.
We use high-tech equipment to design the aligners so they fit just right and move teeth little by little.
4. Do clear aligners work as well as braces?
Yes! Clear aligners can fix many of the same problems as braces, like crowded teeth, gaps, and bite issues. They work best when your child wears them 20 to 22 hours a day.
Lots of teens love aligners because they’re almost invisible and more comfortable than braces. If your child wears them the right way, they can work just as fast.
5. Will clear aligners work for my teen?
Most likely, yes. Clear aligners are a great choice for teens who follow instructions and keep their aligners in for most of the day. We’ll talk about how to wear them, take care of them, and check progress regularly.
Because they’re removable, aligners are great for playing sports, music, and keeping teeth clean.
6. What if my child loses one?
It happens! If an aligner goes missing, just call us. We might tell you to move to the next tray, go back to the last one, or we may need to order a new set. Either way, we’ll help your child stay on track without too much stress.
7. How often do we come in for check-ups?
Clear aligners mean fewer visits to the office than braces. Usually, we see patients every 8 to 10 weeks. These visits help us make sure things are moving in the right direction.
Sometimes, we can even check progress virtually, which saves you time and helps keep things easy.
8. Will aligners hurt?
Some kids feel a little pressure or soreness when they start a new tray. That’s normal—it means the aligners are working! The soreness usually goes away after a day or two.
Aligners are smooth and don’t have any metal parts, so they’re usually more comfortable than braces.
9. How much do clear aligners cost?
It depends on how much work your child’s smile needs. At your first visit to Kraus Orthodontics, we’ll go over a full treatment plan and show you the costs upfront.
We offer payment plans and work with many types of insurance. Our team will make sure you understand your options and feel comfortable with your choice.
10. Why do families choose Blue Ridge Orthodontics?
We care about more than just straight teeth. We care about making your family feel supported from the moment you walk through our doors.
At our Blue Ridge office, here’s what you can expect:
- A kind and helpful team
- Simple explanations without big words
- New technology that makes treatment better
- Plans made just for your child
- A strong connection to the community
We want kids to feel proud of their smile, and we want you to feel good about the care they get.
