Got Questions? You're Not Alone.

We’re here to make orthodontics feel less confusing and way more comforting. Whether you’re a new patient or a long-time fam, here are answers to the questions we get the most.

Treatment Questions

How long does Invisalign take?

Most Invisalign treatments take 12 to 18 months. Simpler cases like mild crowding may finish in as little as 6 months, while complex bite corrections can take up to 24 months. Consistency matters: wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day gives you the best results.

At your free consultation, Dr. Wax will map out a personalized timeline based on your smile and your goals. As a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, she’s guided thousands of families through the process.

Braces cause mild pressure, not real pain. You’ll feel some soreness after placement and adjustments, but it usually fades within 2 to 3 days. Over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods help during that short window.

Most kids and teens tell us it’s way less than they expected. After the first week or two, they barely notice them. We walk every family through what to expect beforehand so nothing catches you off guard.

Soreness after braces adjustments typically lasts 2 to 3 days. The discomfort is mild, more pressure than pain, and it gets easier with each visit as your mouth adapts. By the second or third adjustment, most families say it’s barely noticeable.

Yes, Invisalign can fix mild to moderate overbites. Clear aligners combined with attachments or elastics work well for many cases. More severe overbites may need braces or a combination approach, depending on the cause and severity.

Dr. Wax is a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider with over 10 years of experience treating overbites. A free consultation is the best way to find out which option fits your smile.

At Wax Orthodontics, Invisalign and braces cost the same. We set it up that way so the decision is about what’s right for your smile, not what fits a price tag. This isn’t the case at every practice, but we believe cost shouldn’t push you toward the wrong option.

Your free consultation is the best place to compare both and decide together.

A palate expander widens the upper jaw to create space for adult teeth and correct crossbites. It works best in kids ages 7 to 10, before the mid-palatal suture fuses around ages 12 to 14. Active expansion takes 2 to 4 months, followed by 3 to 6 months of retention, totaling about 6 to 12 months.

We know that sounds like a lot. But most kids adjust within the first couple of weeks, and parents are usually surprised by how smooth it goes. If you’re wondering whether your child might need one, we can take a look at a free consultation.

Yes, Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for teenage lifestyles. The aligners are virtually invisible, removable for sports and meals, and include compliance indicators so parents and our team can track wear time. They’re one of the most popular options we offer for teens.

Dr. Wax has been fitting teens with Invisalign for years as a Diamond Plus Provider. If you’re weighing the options, we’ll help you and your teen figure it out together at a free consultation.

It depends on your child’s age and case. Braces work better for younger kids and complex bite issues because they’re always on. Invisalign is ideal for older kids and teens who want something removable and less visible. At Wax Orthodontics, both cost the same.

The best way to decide is a free consultation where we can look at your child’s specific situation and walk through the pros and cons together. No pressure either way.

Yes, we offer virtual monitoring for Invisalign and some braces patients. You send weekly scans from your phone, our team reviews your progress remotely, and you only come in if something needs adjusting. It’s one of the ways we make orthodontic care fit your schedule.

Cost & Insurance

How much are braces for kids?

Braces for kids in Michigan typically cost $3,500 to $7,500, depending on case complexity. At Wax Orthodontics, braces and Invisalign are priced the same. Many families use insurance benefits and flexible payment plans to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

We’ll walk you through the full cost picture at your free consultation. No surprises, no fine print. Just an honest conversation about what to expect and how to make it work for your family.

Without insurance, braces in Michigan typically run $3,500 to $7,500 out of pocket. At Wax Orthodontics, we offer interest-free payment plans over 12 to 24 months with low or no down payment. No credit check is required for our in-house plans.

We’ve worked with families in every kind of financial situation, and we never make it awkward. We’ll go over all your options at a free consultation so you leave with a plan that fits your life.

Most orthodontic plans cover $1,500 to $3,000 of braces or Invisalign costs per child, with some employer plans covering up to $5,000. Insurance typically pays around 50% after deductible. We work with Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and most major carriers.

Not sure what your plan covers? We’ll look into your benefits at your first visit. No homework on your end.

With insurance, most families pay $1,500 to $4,000 out of pocket for braces or Invisalign. The exact amount depends on your plan’s lifetime maximum, deductible, and coinsurance percentage. We handle the insurance paperwork and help you get the most out of your benefits.

Whatever your remaining balance, we set up a payment plan that makes sense. Getting started shouldn’t feel like a financial headache.

Yes, we offer in-house, interest-free plans over 12 to 24 months with flexible down payment options. No credit check required. Since 2014, we’ve worked with thousands of families to find a payment structure that fits, and yours is no different.

We’ll figure it out together at your free consultation.

We offer free consultations at our Linden, Highland, and Flushing locations, serving families across Genesee County and surrounding areas including Fenton, Holly, Lake Fenton, and Milford.

Book online or call 810-458-6188. No cost, no commitment. Just a conversation about your smile.

Kids & Early Treatment

What age do kids get braces?

Most kids get braces between ages 9 and 14. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That early visit isn’t about starting care right away. It’s about spotting crowding, crossbites, or jaw growth patterns before they become bigger problems.

An evaluation at 7 gives your family a clear picture and a plan, even if the answer is “let’s wait and watch.”

The right time depends on your child’s development. Some kids benefit from Phase 1 care starting around age 7 or 8 if crossbites, crowding, or jaw issues are developing. Others do better waiting until ages 11 to 13 when permanent teeth are in.

A free consultation is the best way to find out. As a mom of four, Dr. Wax knows how much weight these decisions carry. She’ll give you an honest recommendation, not a sales pitch.

Early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) addresses jaw and bite issues in kids ages 7 to 10 during the mixed dentition phase. It may include palate expanders, partial braces, or other appliances to guide jaw growth and create space for adult teeth. Phase 1 typically lasts 9 to 18 months, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends evaluation by age 7.

Something most parents don’t realize: around 30 to 50% of kids who complete Phase 1 may not need a full second round of braces. Not every child needs early intervention, but when they do, catching it now saves time and cost later. We evaluate every child individually at a free consultation.

You see the same doctor from start to finish, every visit. We offer flexible payment plans, virtual check-ins, and three locations built around busy family schedules. We treat people, not production numbers.

We’re a family practice in Genesee County that’s been building confident smiles since 2014. Dr. Wax holds an MS in Orthodontics, is a Diamond Plus Invisalign Provider, and is a mom of four who genuinely understands what families are dealing with.

No referral is needed. You can book a free consultation anytime by clicking “Book a Free Consult” on our website or calling 810-458-6188.

Appointments & Logistics

What to expect at your orthodontist consultation?

Your first visit is free and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We take photos and X-rays, then sit down with you to talk through what we see and what your options are. You’ll leave with a clear plan, whether you’re ready to start or just want to think it over.

No rush, no pressure. We’ll welcome you into our space (yes, there’s a coffee bar) and make sure every question gets answered before you leave.

No, your first consultation at Wax Orthodontics is always free. No cost, no commitment, no strings. We want you to feel informed and confident before anything else happens.

Just call or text us at 810-458-6188. No guilt, no fees. With three locations in Linden, Highland, and Flushing, we can usually find something that works.

We offer flexible scheduling across our Linden, Highland, and Flushing locations to work around busy family calendars. Between early morning options and virtual check-ins, we’ll find a time that fits.

Still Have Questions? Let's Talk.

Have a question we didn’t cover? Our team is just a phone call, text, or message away. We’re here to help you feel confident and informed, before, during, and after care, with flexible plans, real people, and results you’ll feel forever.