Question 1

Do you offer free consultations or second opinions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer complimentary consultations and second opinions so you can explore your options with confidence. During your visit, we’ll take diagnostic records, discuss your treatment goals, and review personalized options for your smile. Our goal is to make sure you feel fully informed and comfortable before beginning any orthodontic treatment.

Question 2

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

Accepted Answer

The cost of orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, including the complexity of your orthodontic condition, the type of treatment recommended, and the estimated length of treatment.In general, orthodontic treatment can range from approximately $1,800 to $6,000. However, every patient's needs are different, and the total cost may be lower or higher depending on the complexity of the case and the treatment required.The only way to determine the exact cost is through a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation.During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Byron Tam will perform a thorough examination and discuss your treatment options. Based on your specific needs, we'll create a personalized treatment plan that outlines:The recommended type of treatmentYour estimated treatment timeThe total cost of treatmentAny applicable insurance benefitsFlexible payment options available to you
Our goal is to make orthodontic treatment as affordable as possible. We offer flexible financing options and will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget.If you're ready to find out which treatment is right for you and receive a personalized cost estimate, we invite you to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation through our online booking page or by contacting our office.

Question 3

Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We understand that investing in your smile is a big decision, which is why we offer flexible payment plans and financing options through OrthoFi. This system allows you to customize your monthly payment to fit your budget and manage your account conveniently online.

We’ve chosen to partner with OrthoFi instead of CareCredit because we’ve found it to be a better, more flexible option for our patients, with lower barriers to approval and more personalized payment choices.

Our team is also happy to help you verify insurance benefits and review all financial details before treatment begins—so there are no surprises.

Question 4

What are some signs that orthodontic treatment may be necessary?

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic problems aren't always obvious. Even if your teeth appear relatively straight, there may be bite or jaw issues that could benefit from an orthodontic evaluation.Some common signs that orthodontic treatment may be recommended include:Protruding front teeth – The upper front teeth stick out significantly beyond the lower teeth.Crowded, rotated, or overlapping teeth – There isn't enough room for the teeth to align properly.Deep bite – The upper front teeth cover most or all of the lower front teeth when biting together.Underbite – The lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth.Open bite – The upper and lower front or back teeth do not touch when biting together.Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth instead of outside them.Misaligned dental midlines – The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up.Spacing between teeth – Gaps between teeth may affect both appearance and function.Difficulty chewing or biting – Teeth do not fit together properly, making eating uncomfortable or inefficient.Uneven or excessive tooth wear – An improper bite can cause certain teeth to wear down faster than others.Jaw shifting – The lower jaw moves to one side when opening or closing.Oral habits – Thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, chronic mouth breathing, or prolonged pacifier use can affect the development of the teeth and jaws.Missing, extra, or impacted teeth – Teeth that are absent, fail to erupt properly, or become trapped beneath the gums may require orthodontic treatment.

Question 5

What Is Phase I and Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?

Accepted Answer

Orthodontic treatment is sometimes completed in two phases, depending on a child's growth, dental development, and orthodontic needs. However, not every child requires two-phase treatment. Many children only need one phase of treatment during their teenage years.Phase I Treatment (Early Interceptive Treatment)Phase I treatment is limited orthodontic treatment that begins before all of the permanent teeth have erupted, typically between 6 and 10 years of age.The goal of Phase I treatment is to address developing orthodontic problems while a child is still growing. Treatment may include an expander, partial braces, or other orthodontic appliances.Phase I treatment may be recommended to:Create space for developing permanent teethCorrect crossbites, underbites, or severe overbitesGuide jaw growth and developmentReduce the risk of trauma to protruding front teethHelp eliminate certain harmful oral habits, such as thumb suckingImprove conditions that may become more difficult to treat laterAfter Phase I is complete, your child will typically enter a period of observation while the remaining permanent teeth erupt.Phase II Treatment (Comprehensive Treatment)Phase II treatment begins once all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted, usually between 11 and 13 years of age.This phase involves comprehensive orthodontic treatment, most commonly with full braces or clear aligners, to straighten the teeth, correct the bite, and create a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.Does Every Child Need Two Phases of Treatment?No. Most children do not require two phases of orthodontic treatment.During your child's complimentary orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Byron Tam will determine whether early treatment is beneficial or if it's best to simply monitor growth and begin treatment when the permanent teeth have erupted. Our goal is to recommend treatment only when it provides the greatest long-term benefit.

Question 6

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of an early orthodontic visit allows the orthodontist to do a complete evaluation and check for any issues or concerns that could affect jaw development, or the adult teeth from erupting properly. If orthodontic treatment is not recommended at this time, it may be needed in the future, so the child will be evaluated periodically to monitor development and proper tooth eruption. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw growth has slowed. Early treatment may mean that a patient can avoid surgery and more serious complications.

Question 7

What types of treatment do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We provide a full range of orthodontic treatments for children, teens, and adults, including:
Metal braces – the most common and effective option for many cases.
Clear (ceramic) braces – blend with your natural tooth color for a more discreet look.
Clear aligners – a removable, nearly invisible option for mild to moderate alignment needs.
Retainers – to maintain your results after treatment.
Fixed orthodontic appliances – such as expanders or space maintainers to correct bite or growth issues.

Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual needs and designed to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.

Question 8

Will treatment be painful?

Accepted Answer

It’s normal to feel a little soreness or pressure when you first get braces or start a new set of aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are beginning to move into their new positions. The discomfort is usually mild and temporary—most patients say it feels more like tenderness than pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help during the first few days. Rest assured, our team will guide you every step of the way to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

Question 9

What happens if I don’t wear my elastics or aligners as instructed?

Accepted Answer

Wearing your elastics or aligners exactly as directed is key to keeping your treatment on track. Not wearing them consistently can delay your progress, affect your bite correction, and extend overall treatment time. Your cooperation plays a big part in achieving the best possible results—so think of it as a team effort between you and your orthodontist!

Question 10

What foods should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

If you’re wearing braces, it’s best to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy, since they can damage brackets or wires. Examples include popcorn, nuts, hard candies, caramel, gum, and chewy bagels. Cutting foods like apples or carrots into small pieces can also help prevent breakage.

If you have attachments or buttons on your teeth for clear aligner treatment, you can still enjoy most foods since your aligners are removable. However, we recommend avoiding very hard or crunchy foods (like ice, hard candies, or nuts) that could chip or loosen the attachments.

Always remove your aligners before eating, and try not to bite directly into hard foods with your front teeth—cut them into smaller pieces instead. This helps protect your attachments and ensures your aligners continue to fit properly.

Question 11

Does Nevada Medicaid cover braces?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nevada Medicaid may cover orthodontic treatment (braces) for patients under the age of 21 when treatment is considered medically necessary.Unlike routine dental care, braces are not automatically covered. Coverage is based on specific medical necessity guidelines established by Nevada Medicaid. These guidelines evaluate whether a patient's bite or jaw condition is severe enough to qualify for orthodontic treatment.How Do I Know If I Qualify?The best way to find out is to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation.During your visit, our orthodontist will perform a comprehensive examination, which may include photographs, digital X-rays, and a clinical evaluation. Based on these findings, we can determine whether your orthodontic condition appears to meet one or more of Nevada Medicaid's qualifying criteria for medically necessary treatment.What Happens If I Qualify?If your orthodontic condition appears to meet Nevada Medicaid's requirements, our office will prepare and submit a prior authorization request on your behalf.The submission includes the documentation required by Nevada Medicaid, such as diagnostic records, photographs, X-rays, and a clinical narrative explaining why orthodontic treatment is medically necessary.Nevada Medicaid reviews each case individually and makes the final determination regarding coverage.What If I Don't Qualify?If your orthodontic condition does not meet Nevada Medicaid's medical necessity guidelines, braces may not be covered through Medicaid. However, we will discuss all available treatment options with you, including affordable payment plans if orthodontic treatment is still desired.

Question 12

Do I Need Teeth Removed Before Braces?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Most patients do not need teeth removed before starting orthodontic treatment. Whether extractions are recommended depends on your individual orthodontic needs and treatment goals.During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Byron Tam will perform a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, including an examination, digital X-rays, and photographs. Based on these records, he will determine the best treatment plan for your smile.In some cases, removing one or more permanent teeth may be recommended to:Create enough space for severely crowded teethImprove the alignment of your biteReduce excessive protrusion of the front teethAchieve the best long-term stability and facial balanceHowever, many patients can be treated successfully without extractions by using other orthodontic techniques, such as arch development, space management, interproximal reduction (IPR), or other treatment approaches when appropriate.If tooth extractions are recommended, we'll explain why they're necessary, which teeth are involved, and how they fit into your overall treatment plan. Our goal is always to provide the most conservative treatment option that will achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.

Question 13

Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?

Accepted Answer

Clear aligners can be an excellent treatment option for many teens and adults, but they aren’t right for every orthodontic case. During your complimentary consultation, we’ll evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall orthodontic needs to determine whether clear aligners are an appropriate option for you.At Southern Nevada Orthodontics, we offer both clear aligners and traditional braces and will recommend the treatment option that we believe will provide the best results for your individual needs.Every smile is different, and our goal is to find the treatment approach that works best for you.

6870 S Rainbow Blvd. #112
Las Vegas, NV 89118

702-909-2900

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer free consultations or second opinions?

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

What are some signs that orthodontic treatment may be necessary?

What Is Phase I and Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

What types of treatment do you offer?

Will treatment be painful?

What happens if I don’t wear my elastics or aligners as instructed?

What foods should I avoid?

Does Nevada Medicaid cover braces?

Do I Need Teeth Removed Before Braces?

Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?

CONTACT US

VISIT US

NAVIGATE

6870 S Rainbow Blvd. #112 Las Vegas, NV 89118

702-909-2900

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer free consultations or second opinions?

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment?

Do you offer payment plans or financing options?

What are some signs that orthodontic treatment may be necessary?

What Is Phase I and Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?

Why do you evaluate patients so young?

What types of treatment do you offer?

Will treatment be painful?

What happens if I don’t wear my elastics or aligners as instructed?

What foods should I avoid?

Does Nevada Medicaid cover braces?

Do I Need Teeth Removed Before Braces?

Am I a good candidate for clear aligners?

CONTACT US

VISIT US

NAVIGATE

6870 S Rainbow Blvd. #112
Las Vegas, NV 89118