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Orthodontic FAQ

Home » Patient Resources » Orthodontic FAQ

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To see an orthodontist, is a referral needed from my dentist?

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, but a referral is not necessary in order to see one of our orthodontic specialists in Watertown, Brookings, Aberdeen, or Milbank.

Why should an orthodontic specialist complete my treatment?

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. For most children, several permanent teeth have erupted by this age, allowing our Brookings, Milbank, Aberdeen, and Watertown orthodontists to effectively evaluate a patient’s orthodontic condition.

Will my teeth straighten out as I grow and get older?

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Is it too late to have braces if I’m already an adult?

No patient is “too old” to wear braces! A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health and happiness are vitally important to adults, and orthodontic treatment can increase your self-esteem at any age!

How long will it take to complete treatment?

Overall treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem(s). In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. The “average” timespan a patient wears braces is approximately 22 months.

How often will I have an appointment?

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, our orthodontists in Watertown, Brookings, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls and Milbank will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?

Yes. We understand your schedule is busy, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check-in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.

What should I expect during my consultation?

During your consultation, your orthodontist will discuss your teeth-straightening goals with you and examine your smile in order to determine your specific needs. Your doctor may also talk to you about how quickly you can reach your new smile, as well as the treatment cost.

Does wearing braces hurt?

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain appointments, your teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, over-the-counter pain medications, such as Advil or Tylenol, will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Can I still play sports or play my instrument while wearing braces?

Yes! We recommend that patients wear mouth guards while playing sports. Musicians will likely experience an adjustment period until they are comfortable playing while wearing braces.

Do I need to see my general dentist while wearing braces?

Yes! Regular check-ups with your general dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between each cleaning appointment while you have your braces.

How often should I brush my teeth while I have braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will also show you how to floss your teeth with braces, and we may provide a prescription for a special fluoride treatment, if necessary.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain our complete instructions and provide you with a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most repair appointments by carefully following our instructions!

Let’s get started!

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We promise to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a loving, caring atmosphere located for your convenience in Aberdeen, Brookings, Milbank, Sioux Falls, and Watertown, South Dakota. Get started by requesting a free consult today!

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patient TESTIMONIALS

Marie L.
VanLaecken is so amazing. I love the staff! They are super nice, caring, and they really pay attention to details.
Cody L.
Everyone that works here is super friendly and I always feel like they explain everything throughly and weigh out your options.
Liesl H.
I have had the opportunity to bring all 3 of our children to VanLaecken Orthodontics over the years and they have been so great to work with! They are patient, kind and willing to work with you and help in whatever way they can!!
Codi S.
If you need Orthodontic care...this is the place to be! The staff are always so sweet, kind and caring! ALL of them are absolutely amazing! Dr. Nate is very experienced and does a fabulous job explaining how the process works, what the next step is and the best treatment plan to fit your specific needs. I can't say enough about how awesome my experience has been!
Kay-Lee W
I cant say enough great things about VanLaechen Ortgodontics! Great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone is so kind, compassionate, professional, They are absolutely amazing at VanLaecken Orthodontics! My smile is absolutely beautiful!! I highly highly recommend them!! I am very very pleased.
Riley R.
The workers are very friendly and my teeth look great! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
Valeria Alexandra Medina M.
I loved how they treated me and made me feel special. They were never mean, and always made sure you were okay.
Sara J.
The team at VanLaecken is outstanding! Professional, easy to work with, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Sara B.
Excellent customer service, very detailed services specific to each patient, for faster correction time. Would highly recommend.
Michelle B.
The assistants were very kind and the doctor easily explained what will happen during the process of braces. Excited to see what the end results will look like!
Melissa D.
I can’t say enough great things about VanLaecken Orthodontics and their amazing team. My smile started as an 11 out of 10 on the "hard to correct" scale, but they tackled it with such expertise, care, and dedication that I’m still in awe of the results.

From day one, they made me feel confident and comfortable with the process. The entire crew goes above and beyond—not just in their orthodontic skills but also in creating a supportive, welcoming environment. They patiently answered all my questions, worked around my schedule, and cheered me on every step of the way.
Kristen O.
Very professional, organized, helpful, and informed. I never feel like my time is wasted.
Kaley S.
Love this place!! Everyone is super welcoming and I enjoy coming here. Definitely recommend getting your teeth work done here!!
Stella B.
I got invisilign with vanlaecken, and I really enjoy my teeth. My teeth were over corrected a few times which had to be fixed. But other than that great people and I loved my service
Stella B.
I got invisilign here and I do love how my teeth look, although my teeth were overcorrected a few times and had to be readjusted, which took extra time and got a bit annoying. But overall the app was pretty helpful and the people were friendly.
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our convenient locations
ABERDEEN
  • 631 S Roosevelt St.
    Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone
  • (605) 226-3120
BROOKINGS
  • 410 Mayfield Dr. Suite #1
    Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
  • (605) 692-7063
MILBANK
  • 102 W 4th Ave. Suite 2
    Milbank, SD 57252
Phone
  • (605) 432-5011
SIOUX FALLS
  • 1518 E 69th St.
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone
  • (605) 789-7000
WATERTOWN
  • 600 4th St. NE Suite 103
    Watertown, SD 57201
Phone
  • (605) 882-1500

ABERDEEN


ABERDEEN

BROOKINGS

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SIOUX FALLS

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What are the benefits of seeing an orthodontic specialist?

Orthodontic specialists have undergone extra years of specialized training beyond dental school to specifically focus on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. This additional training allows them to provide more comprehensive and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. By seeing an orthodontic specialist, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are receiving the highest quality of care for your orthodontic concerns.

In addition to their expertise, orthodontic specialists have access to the latest advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques. This means that you can benefit from faster treatment times, more precise results, and overall better outcomes when you choose to see an orthodontic specialist for your orthodontic needs.

What should I consider when deciding whether to get braces as an adult?

While it is never too late to improve your smile with braces, there are a few factors to consider when deciding whether to undergo orthodontic treatment as an adult. One important consideration is your commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene throughout the treatment process, as adult teeth can be more prone to decay and gum disease.

Additionally, you may need to adjust your lifestyle to accommodate wearing braces, such as avoiding certain foods and committing to regular orthodontic appointments. However, the benefits of achieving a straighter and healthier smile as an adult can greatly outweigh these considerations, ultimately leading to improved confidence and overall oral health.