ProviderOur Values
We believe that great orthodontic care is about more than just straightening teeth. At our Fairbanks and North Pole orthodontic clinics we pledge to:
Provide Exceptional Service
From the moment you step into our practice, we want you to feel comfortable, welcome, and truly valued. Our attention to detail, personalized treatment plans and payment and financing options show just how important you are to us.
Take a Proactive & Conservative Approach
We take a less-is-more approach to orthodontics. Our goal is always to opt for the most efficient, effective, and conservative treatment possible for each patient, including early intervention for children.
Promote Healthy Smiles for All Ages
At Wentz Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves the confidence of a healthy, beautiful smile, regardless of age. That’s why we provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment options tailored to the needs of children, teens, and adults.
Early Assessments for Children
One of the best ways to ensure healthy oral development in children is an early evaluation by an orthodontist. This allows us to identify emerging orthodontic issues and address them promptly.
Orthodontics for Oral Health
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles, but it is about so much more than aesthetics. It's about helping patients establish good oral health and improve their daily lives.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws can help improve their actual function – biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems with these basic functions can be debilitating for many patients, and we take great pleasure in helping our patients resolve them.
Better Oral Hygiene
With straight teeth, it’s much easier to access all the spaces between your teeth with your toothbrush and floss than it is with overcrowded or misaligned teeth. For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding serious oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can sustain a lot of wear and tear over time as they move against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing, or as a result of compensatory movements. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid much of this wear and tear – and reduce the need for restorative dental treatments in the future.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
We believe that well-informed patients are more likely to be successful with their orthodontic treatment. For this reason, our team prioritizes patient communication.
We're always available to answer questions, and we make sure our patients understand each element of their treatment plans at each stage of treatment.
Here are our answers to some questions we are frequently asked by new patients about orthodontics.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments are designed to align the teeth and jaws, which can have a number of aesthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has a number of positive health implications.
First of all, misaligned teeth are simply more difficult to clean than straight, even teeth. This means that people with misalignments are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misalignments in the teeth and jaws can cause difficulties with chewing, leading to digestive issues. These misalignments can also lead to chronic neck and facial pain.
By improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve these issues.
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What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, management, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
To become an orthodontist, candidates must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After dental school, a two-to-three-year orthodontic residency program is required.
Training for orthodontists focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
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At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
We typically recommend that children visit the orthodontist for the first time by the age of 7.
These early evaluations give us an opportunity to identify and treat emerging, isolated orthodontic issues and treat them promptly. In some cases, we can work with a child's developing upper jaw to guide healthy growth. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
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How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know for sure if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to be evaluated by any orthodontist. You can request an appointment with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, some signs that you should book a consultation include:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
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What are my orthodontic treatment options at Wentz Orthodontics?
The primary modes of orthodontic treatment we offer are traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both treatment modalities can be tailored to meet each patient's specific needs.
For children, early intervention in the form of jaw growth guidance or dentofacial orthopedics may involve the use of appliances, such as palatal expanders.
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How much does orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity and complexity of your orthodontic issue, the amount of time it takes to correct it, and the type of treatment you choose.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration. We're also happy to help you with submitting insurance claims and to work with you on a financing plan to help take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.