About Orthodontic Treatment
What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns. It includes treatments like braces, clear aligners, and palate expanders. Orthodontists complete 2–3 years of specialty training beyond dental school specifically focused on tooth movement and jaw development.
What's the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists complete an additional 2–3 year accredited residency after dental school, training exclusively in tooth movement, bite correction, and jaw alignment. Dr. Shana Vohra is a board-certified orthodontist, meaning she completed her specialty residency and passed rigorous clinical board examinations on top of her dental degree.
What does board-certified mean? Board certification in orthodontics is a voluntary achievement beyond the specialty degree. It requires passing a comprehensive clinical examination administered by the American Board of Orthodontics, demonstrating mastery of diagnosis, treatment planning, and case outcomes. Not all orthodontists pursue board certification, Dr. Vohra has.
Who needs orthodontic treatment? Orthodontic treatment benefits patients of any age who have crowded, spaced, or misaligned teeth, or bite problems such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which reduces long-term risk of cavities and gum disease. Many patients also pursue treatment for cosmetic reasons, improved confidence and appearance are valid goals.
At what age should my child first see an orthodontist? The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation at age 7. At this age, Dr. Vohra can assess jaw development, bite patterns, and spacing issues while there's still enough growth remaining to intervene effectively if needed. Most children won't require early treatment, but the evaluation identifies any developing problems early.
Getting Started
How do I get started with orthodontic treatment at Oasis? The first step is a free consultation with Dr. Vohra. She'll evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, review your X-rays, and take a 3D digital scan with the iTero® intraoral scanner. From there, she'll present your treatment options with a clear timeline and cost breakdown before anything begins.
What happens at the first orthodontic consultation? Dr. Vohra will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, bite, and jaw, reviewing any existing X-rays and taking a 3D digital scan if needed. She'll identify any issues, explain your options, and give you a recommended treatment plan with realistic timelines and costs. There's no pressure to start treatment at the consultation, it's information-gathering first.
How long does it take to get braces after the consultation? For braces, we can typically schedule the placement appointment within 1–2 weeks of your consultation. For clear aligners, records are taken at the consultation and custom trays are ready approximately 4 weeks later.
Do you use digital impressions or traditional molds? We use the iTero® intraoral digital scanner for all orthodontic records, no messy impression molds. The scanner
takes a precise 3D model of the teeth in minutes and is more comfortable and accurate than traditional impressions. The iTero can also generate a digital smile simulation so you can preview your expected results before treatment begins.
Treatment Timelines
How long does orthodontic treatment take? Treatment length depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of the case. Clear aligners for mild to moderate cases typically take 12–18 months. Metal or ceramic braces for moderate cases average 12–24 months. Phase 1 early treatment typically lasts 9–18 months, followed by a monitoring period before Phase 2. Dr. Vohra will give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
What affects how long my treatment takes? The primary factors are the complexity of the alignment or bite issue, the type of treatment chosen, and, for clear aligners, how consistently the trays are worn. For braces, keeping appointments and avoiding broken brackets also affects the timeline. Following Dr. Vohra's instructions closely is the best way to stay on track.
Can treatment be completed faster than expected? In some cases, yes. Patients who wear aligners consistently, avoid broken brackets, and attend all adjustment appointments on schedule sometimes complete treatment ahead of the initial estimate. Dr. Vohra will monitor progress at every visit and update your timeline accordingly.
Still Have Questions?
Free consultations are available for patients of all ages.
Dr. Vohra is happy to answer any questions in person, including whether treatment is right for you or your child, what the best option is for your case, and what the process looks like from start to finish. Call or text us at (480) 926-4498 or schedule a free consultation and ask in person.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Ready to start your journey to a straighter smile? Call our office today to schedule your orthodontic consultation.
