FAQ

General Questions

Why should I see Dr. London for my Orthodontic Care?

Dr. London is a board-certified expert in the field of tooth movement and alignment, smile esthetics, achieving a healthy bite, and jaw growth.  She graduated as valedictorian from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and then completed her orthodontic residency at the University of Oklahoma.  Dr. London is committed to delivering the highest quality of orthodontic treatment to her community.

How do I start Orthodontic Treatment?

Please call 603-622-2100 to schedule a Free Consultation with Dr. London and the team.  You can also schedule your consultation using our online scheduling tool!

How long will the first visit take?

The first visit lasts about an hour.  Please see First Visit for more information.

Why should I choose an Orthodontist over my General Dentist? 

Only orthodontists have successfully completed 4 years of dental school AND 3 years of full-time specialty training at an accredited orthodontic residency program.  Dr. London partners with your general dentist to provide the best care and expertise for your oral health.

Why should I choose a Board-Certified Orthodontist?

Only 1 in 3 orthodontists have committed to becoming board-certified.  Dr. London has demonstrated actual accomplishments in patient care with detailed case reports on a broad range of patient complexities.

Should I continue with regular dental cleanings during Orthodontic Care?

Yes! It is essential to keep up with regularly scheduled cleanings with your general dentist.

What is the recommended age to begin treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that kids be evaluated at age seven.  An early evaluation helps to establish a baseline and recognize potential problems.  Early intervention, or Phase I treatment, can help prevent problems from becoming more serious.

What is Phase I treatment?

Phase I treatment is delivered early and before all permanent teeth have erupted.  The purpose of this early care is to start correcting harmful malocclusions that may be more difficult or impossible to correct later.  Phase I treatment does not eliminate the need for conventional orthodontic care done during adolescence.

What is Phase II treatment?

Phase II treatment is conventional orthodontic treatment that follows Phase I treatment.

What is comprehensive treatment?

Comprehensive treatment is one single phase of orthodontic treatment to address all problems.

Do you have any adult patients?

Absolutely!  A growing percentage of our patients are adult and Dr. London has treated patients into their 80’s!

Can I make all my appointments in the afternoon after school and late in the day?

We will do our best to work with your schedules and accommodate your family needs.

Do you take patients transferring from out of town or other orthodontists?

Yes we do.  We handle a patient transferring into our office just like a new patient.  We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.

Do you see patients for emergencies?

Yes, feel free to visit emergency care for more information.

 

Financial Questions

 

How much does the Initial Consultation cost?

Nada. Zilch. Nothing.  Our consultations are complimentary!

How much does Orthodontic Treatment cost?

Depending on one’s individual needs, your treatment investment will be determined at the time of your initial consultation.

What discounts do you offer?

We offer many discounts to support our community:

  • Family
  • Teacher & Educator
  • Military & First Responder
  • Dental Community Member
  • Prepayment, Same Day Start, & More…

Do you give family discounts?

Yes, we would love the opportunity to serve the whole family and have special courtesies available for multiple patients from the same family.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes! We offer flexible In-Office Payment Plans to meet your financial needs.  After an initial payment, monthly payments are processed with 0% interest.  We will discuss flexible financing options at the time of your free consultation.

What is the price difference between Invisalign, LightForce, and traditional metal braces?

NONE. ZILCH. NADA. We believe our patients should be able to participate in the orthodontic experience that best fits their needs, free of financial considerations.

How much do orthodontic insurance benefits cover?

Orthodontic insurance is dependent on the individual’s personalized plan.  As a courtesy, we are happy to verify your benefits on your behalf. 

What if my orthodontic insurance is out-of-network?

The vast majority of times you will receive the same coverage as in-network coverage. At your initial consult, we will verify your coverage in conjunction with your treatment needs. Regardless of network status, we file all insurance claims for our patients as a courtesy.

What insurance plans do you accept in office?

We accept most insurance plans.  Please provide your insurance information prior to your initial consultation for our team to perform a complimentary benefits check on your behalf.

What if I don’t have orthodontic insurance?

Many of our patients have opted out of orthodontic insurance and pay for treatment out-of-pocket.  We offer individual payment plans to help meet your financial needs.  We are happy to work with you to ease any barriers that hinder you from discovering the smile you deserve.  All payment plans are discussed at your initial consultation.

 

Invisalign Questions

 

Am I a candidate for Invisalign?

The majority of people are a candidate for Invisalign! At your complimentary consultation, Dr. London will review your diagnosis and discuss the specifics of your case as it relates to Invisalign.

A Good Rule of Thumb: “It’s the wizard, not the wand.”

How does Invisalign work?

Check out our page dedicated to Invisalign to learn how small changes over time will culminate to produce a beautiful smile!

Why should I choose Invisalign over other clear aligner systems?

Invisalign is the gold standard for aligners. It is doctor designed, monitored, and treated. Invisalign requires doctor planning and supervision to address alignment and bite concerns for esthetics, function, health, and longevity.

How many hours do I need to wear Invisalign Aligners per day?

Aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day.

How often do I have to come in for appointments?

Most office visits are every 8-10 weeks.  This will be determined by your treatment plan and progress, but can be more frequent depending on your individual needs and fit of your lifestyle.

How long will my orthodontic treatment with Invisalign take?

Your estimated treatment time to meet your individual needs and biology is determined at your initial consultation. Comprehensive treatment with Invisalign can usually be accomplished in 10-18 months of active tooth movement.

 

LightForce Braces Questions

 

What are LightForce Braces?

LightForce Orthodontics is the trusted leader in personalized orthodontics.  LightForce is a One Size Fits One 3D printed bracket and wire system that allows for precise planning of treatment resulting in a faster, more pleasant treatment experience with better results.  Check out our page on LightForce to learn more!

Why do you use LightForce Braces and not traditional metal braces?

As the first and only provider of this cutting-edge technology in Southern New Hampshire, we believe the orthodontic experience with LightForce braces far outweigh that of traditional metal braces.

Think of it this way; LightForce is to the newest iPhone as metal braces are to the landline phone.

How do LightForce braces work?

Check out our page dedicated to LightForce to learn how fully customized digital treatment allows for better results, in shorter time, with fewer appointments!

How long will I be expected to wear LightForce braces?

Your estimated treatment time to meet your individual needs and biology is determined at your initial consultation. LightForce treatment is more efficient than traditional metal braces leading to better results faster.

I broke a bracket. What should I do?

Don’t panic! These things happen. At your convenience, please give us a call to schedule a time to fix the broken bracket.  The good news is LightForce braces are customized to the shape of your tooth resulting in fewer broken brackets.

I have a wire that is poking. What should I do?

Pokey wires happen from time to time. Please give us a call to schedule a quick appointment to provide comfort.  If you are unable to come in, you may also trim the wire with sterile nail clippers or use wax to make yourself more comfortable until the next visit. 

 

Retainer Questions

 

When I finish treatment, how long do I need to wear retainers?

Retainers should be worn full-time for two months to stabilize the teeth.  After two months, retainers should be worn every night for life.  Retainer wear is an essential part of ensuring your beautiful, new smile.

What if I lose or damage my retainers?

If you lose or damage your retainers, please call us to schedule an appointment so we can have a replacement set made. Don’t wait too long! Your teeth will always have a memory of where they came from.

How often do I need new retainers?

We provide the highest quality retainers available for your comfort and the retainer’s durability.  With proper care, retainers should last several years.  If you notice them wearing, it is time to replace them.