Frequently Asked Questions

OrthoFi is a preferred vendor and vetted by Griffin Orthodontics. OrthoFi is a secure online patient financial platform that makes it easy to review treatment costs, manage payments, and access your account anytime.

In many cases, Health Savings Account (HSA) funds or FSA funds to help pay for orthodontic treatment.  Check with your plan administrator for eligibility.

Absolutely. Many families use their orthodontic insurance benefits along with monthly payment plans to make treatment even more affordable.

Yes. Our team will review your orthodontic benefits and explain your estimated coverage before treatment begins.

Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will help verify your coverage and explain how your benefits apply to treatment. Get started here.

Yes. Through OrthoFi, you can conveniently manage your account and set up automatic payments online.

Yes. We offer financing solutions designed to make orthodontic treatment affordable for children, teens, and adults.

No. Many patients begin treatment without paying the entire balance upfront. We’ll explain your payment options during your consultation.

Yes. Griffin Orthodontics offers flexible monthly payment options that help make orthodontic treatment fit comfortably into your family’s budget.

Adult orthodontic treatment is customized for each patient. Whether you choose traditional braces or clear aligners, we’ll review your treatment options, affordable, monthly payment plans during your consultation.

Teen orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of tooth movement and the type of braces selected. We’ll review all costs upfront so there are no surprises.

Every child’s smile is different, so treatment costs vary. After an orthodontic evaluation, we’ll explain the recommended treatment, review your insurance benefits, and discuss flexible payment options.

The cost of braces depends on your unique orthodontic needs, the type of treatment you choose, and the length of treatment. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a personalized treatment plan and explain all costs before you decide to begin.

LightForce is the only fully customized braces system in the world. Every bracket is 3D-printed to match the unique shape and anatomy of each individual tooth, rather than using standard off-the-shelf brackets. This results in more precise tooth movement, potentially shorter treatment times, and superior aesthetics compared to conventional ceramic braces.

The LightForce ceramic bracket material is highly stain-resistant. However, the elastic ties that hold the wire in place can pick up color from dark foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine. These ties are replaced at every adjustment visit, so any discoloration is temporary.

Most patients feel a brief sensation of pressure across the bridge of the nose or teeth for about 5–10 minutes after a turn, but it is rarely described as “pain.”

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child have their first check-up by age 7. At this stage, we can monitor jaw growth and the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. Early evaluation at our Oak Creek or West Allis offices allows us to catch potential issues early, often making future treatment faster and less invasive.

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.While dentists manage overall oral health, orthodontists at Griffin Orthodontics specialize in “aligning” your bite and straightening teeth. We use advanced tools like iTero digital scanners and 3D-printed LightForce braces to move teeth into their ideal positions, improving both the function of your jaw and the aesthetics of your smile.

Yes, there is usually just a small learning curve. Most young musicians find that after a week or two of practice, they can play their trumpet, flute, or clarinet just as well as before. We provide plenty of orthodontic wax to help cushion the lips during those first few practice sessions, ensuring your child can stay active in their school band or orchestra.

This is a common concern for parents when deciding between Spark™ Clear Aligners and fixed braces. Because aligners are removable for eating and sports, they can occasionally be misplaced in a school cafeteria or locker room. If your child struggles with organization or is prone to losing track of their belongings, traditional or LightForce™ 3D-printed braces might be the better choice. These “fixed” options remain bonded to the teeth throughout treatment, removing the responsibility of tracking removable trays and ensuring the process stays on schedule without the added cost or delay of ordering replacement aligners.

Absolutely. We work with many local Milwaukee schools to find appointment times that minimize time away from the classroom. Many parents prefer starting treatment during a school break so their child has a few days to get used to the feel of braces, but we successfully start new smiles all year round.

Yes! This is often referred to as Phase 1 treatment. We sometimes place braces on just a few permanent teeth while baby teeth are still present to correct a specific issue, like a crossbite or severe crowding, that could cause bigger problems later. Once those baby teeth fall out, we typically take a “rest” period before starting Phase 2 when all permanent teeth are in.

Absolutely! One of the most exciting parts for kids and teens getting braces is the ability to personalize their smile. We offer a wide variety of colored bands that can be swapped out at every adjustment appointment, typically every 4 to 8 weeks. Whether they want to represent their school colors, match a holiday theme, or just pick their favorite shades, Dr. Griffin and our team love helping patients express their personality through their orthodontic journey.

Yes! Spark Clear Aligners and traditional braces are both qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA or FSA debit card directly at our office.