Frequently Asked Questions

To protect your braces and ensure efficient treatment, we recommend avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods. This includes popcorn, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, and sticky caramel. We’ll provide a full list of food guidelines at the start of your treatment.

While KL Owen Braces are metal, their sleek, low-profile design is often less bulky than older traditional braces. For those seeking even more discretion, we also offer clear self-ligating braces or Spark™ Clear Aligners, which are virtually invisible, making them popular choices for young adults and adults who are self-conscious about their appearance during treatment

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of your case, the type of braces chosen (e.g., KL Owen Braces, Spark clear aligners), and the length of treatment. We offer a comprehensive consultation to provide a personalized treatment plan and detailed cost breakdown. We believe in transparency with no hidden fees.

Yes, KL Owen Braces are highly versatile and effective for a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from simple crowding and spacing to more complex bite irregularities like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Their precision engineering allows for excellent control and predictable outcomes

KL Owen Braces are a type of advanced self-ligating braces. Unlike traditional braces that use small elastic bands to hold the wire, KL Owen Braces feature a built-in, low-friction clip mechanism. This design can lead to:

• Fewer appointments
• Potentially shorter treatment times
• Improved comfort
• Easier cleaning due to no elastic ties. They represent a significant step forward in orthodontic technology.

When braces are first put on, or after adjustments, your child might experience some soreness or discomfort for a few days as their teeth begin to shift. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Most people adapt quickly and find the discomfort to be temporary.

Once the braces are removed, the journey isn’t quite over! To keep the newly straightened teeth from shifting back, your child will need to wear a retainer. This can be either a removable one worn mostly at night or a fixed one bonded behind the teeth. Retainers are crucial for maintaining that beautiful new smile for years to come.

There are several types of braces to choose from, each with its own advantages. The most common include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces (which are less noticeable), and clear aligners like Spark. At Griffin Orthodontist we will help you decide which type is best for your child’s specific needs and lifestyle.

Children might need braces for various reasons, such as crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, or problems with their bite (like an overbite or underbite). Getting braces can improve their chewing, speaking, and overall oral health, in addition to boosting their confidence.

Braces are special tools dentists and orthodontists use to straighten teeth and correct bites. Think of them as gentle guides that slowly move teeth into their proper positions over time, helping to create a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Absolutely! At Griffin Orthodontics, we offer a variety of flexible payment options to make orthodontic care affordable and convenient for every patient. We accept traditional payment methods like cash, checks, and major credit cards, and we’re happy to work with you to set up customized payment plans that fit your budget.

You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover orthodontic expenses. Many patients find that using their HSA or FSA is a smart way to manage out-of-pocket costs while taking advantage of tax savings. If you have any questions about payment plans or how to use your benefits, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Definitely! If you’re thinking about starting Invisalign or SPARK aligners, the iTero Scanner is a game-changer. Instead of dealing with old-school gooey molds, we use the iTero to quickly create a super detailed 3D scan of your teeth. This makes your aligners fit better, feel more comfortable, and helps your treatment stay on track.

Even better? The iTero scanner lets Dr. Griffin show you a real-time preview of how your smile could look after treatment. You’ll know exactly what to expect before you even get started—no surprises. And the best part: it’s all included as part of your care, no extra fees. Just a faster, easier way to get the smile you’ve been waiting for.

Orthodontic treatment length depends on each patient’s case, but most people at Griffin Orthodontics complete treatment in about 12 to 24 months. Minor adjustments or early-phase treatments can take less than a year, while more complex cases (for example, significant bite corrections) might take up to about 2 years. Whether you choose LightForce braces or Spark Clear Aligners, our West Allis orthodontist will give you an estimated timeframe after evaluating your smile. With modern techniques and regular check-ups, we make sure your treatment stays on schedule as much as possible. Remember, following your orthodontist’s instructions (like wearing aligners as directed or keeping appointments) also helps finish your treatment on time.

Yes. Griffin Orthodontics treats patients of all ages – children, teens, and adults – at our West Allis and Oak Creek offices. For children, we offer early evaluations (usually around age 7) and treatments like palatal expanders or early-phase braces to guide jaw growth and make future corrections easier. Teens can get traditional braces (with options like clear or LightForce braces) or clear aligners like Spark for a nearly invisible option during high school years. Adults are also welcome – it’s never too late to improve your smile, and we provide discreet treatment choices such as ceramic braces or Spark Clear Aligners to fit adults’ lifestyles. Our team personalizes treatment plans for each age group to ensure the best results and a comfortable experience.

LightForce Brackets are the world’s first fully customized 3D-printed ceramic braces. Unlike traditional braces that come in standard shapes, LightForce braces are digitally designed to fit the unique contours of your teeth. This means a more precise fit, which can make treatment more efficient and comfortable. They are also less noticeable than standard metal braces because they’re made of tooth-colored ceramic. At Griffin Orthodontics, our orthodontist uses LightForce technology to give you the benefits of traditional braces (reliably straightening all types of cases) with a modern, personalized touch that improves comfort and results.

Spark Clear Aligners are very similar in concept to Invisalign, but many patients and providers note some advantages. Spark aligners are known for being even more transparent (less noticeable) and resistant to staining, so they stay clear over the months of wear. They are designed with polished, smooth edges for comfort on your gums. Just like other top aligner brands, Spark efficiently straightens teeth in stages, and at Griffin Orthodontics you’ll receive regular check-ups to ensure your Spark treatment stays on track. In short, Spark Clear Aligners offer the same convenient, removable teeth straightening as Invisalign, with enhancements in clarity and comfort that patients appreciate.

Griffin Orthodontics in West Allis offers a full range of orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. These include LightForce 3D-printed bracket braces (advanced traditional braces tailored to your teeth), Spark Clear Aligners (nearly invisible trays to straighten teeth), and palatal expanders for growing children who need jaw expansion. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a child, teen, or adult, this West Allis, WI orthodontist provides modern solutions to help everyone achieve a healthy, aligned smile.

Orthodontic treatment costs can vary based on the length and complexity of care. For most cases requiring 12 to 36 months of treatment, the average cost ranges from $3,800 to $6,500. If your child needs early interceptive treatment, which typically lasts 8 to 15 months, costs may be up to $3,600. Every smile is unique, so we’re here to provide personalized care that fits your family’s needs and budget.

Schedule your free consultation today!

Yes! Spark clear aligners can be a great option for young athletes since there are no brackets or wires to worry about. The aligners can be removed during games or practices if needed, making it easier to wear a standard sports mouthguard. Discuss this option with your orthodontist to see if Spark clear aligners is suitable for your child. If your interested in the difference between Spark Clear Aligners and Invisalign look here!

Absolutely! Braces don’t have to stop your child from enjoying their favorite sports. With the right precautions, like wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard, your child can safely participate in both contact and non-contact sports without worrying about damaging their braces or teeth

The duration depends on the complexity of the case and the type of treatment chosen. On average, treatment lasts between 18 and 36 months. Your top rated orthodontist will provide a personalized timeline during the initial consultation.

Your child may need a palatal expander to correct various orthodontic issues, including:

1. Crossbite correction
2. Alleviating dental crowding
3. Improving breathing and airway function
4. Widening a narrow upper jaw
5. Creating space for erupting permanent teeth
6. Potentially avoiding the need for tooth extractions

Palatal expanders are most effective when used during childhood, before the upper jaw bones fuse completely. Palatal expanders play a crucial role in early orthodontic intervention, addressing both functional and aesthetic concerns in growing children. By gradually widening the upper jaw, these devices create the necessary space for proper tooth alignment and bite correction. This proactive approach can significantly reduce the complexity and duration of future orthodontic treatments, potentially saving time and costs in the long run. Additionally, palatal expansion can have positive effects on a child’s overall facial development, breathing patterns, and even speech clarity. While the prospect of using an orthodontic appliance may seem daunting, the long-term benefits of palatal expanders often outweigh any temporary discomfort, setting the foundation for a healthy, well-aligned smile that will last a lifetime

LightForce ensures the accuracy of their 3D-printed brackets through a combination of advanced digital technology and precise manufacturing processes. The process begins with a detailed digital scan of the patient’s teeth, which is used to create a comprehensive 3D model. This model allows for the design of custom brackets tailored to the unique anatomy of each tooth. The LightForce system uses Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology to produce these brackets with high precision, achieving placement accuracy within one-thousandth of a millimeter. Additionally, LightForce’s LightPlan software facilitates precise treatment planning, ensuring that the brackets are positioned exactly as needed for optimal tooth movement

LightForce Brackets are custom-made for each individual tooth using 3D printing technology, unlike traditional braces which use standard brackets. This customization allows for a more comfortable fit and precise tooth movement, often resulting in shorter treatment times and fewer office visits. Additionally, the ceramic material of LightForce Brackets is tooth-colored, making them less noticeable than metal braces