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A lot of times people are surprised to see how many different options there are for straightening their teeth and correcting their bite.

While there is always the option of traditional metal braces, there are also more aesthetic options that patients absolutely love. These include clear braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign and Clear Correct. We offer all of these options for both adults seeking orthodontic treatment as well as teens.

We often get questions about the difference between these options such as which one is quicker and which one "works better". Since all of these orthodontic options have some unique qualities, it all depends on the patient and the case. For certain situations braces are a better option than clear aligners like Invisalign and Clear Correct. However in other cases, the clear aligners are a better option.

When we look at each patients individual lifestyle, that also helps in deciding which treatment option would be better. For those who prefer to snack throughout the day, sometimes aligners are not the best bet because they need to be removed each time you eat and clear braces may be a better option. For those who have specific aesthetic demands, using a clear aligner might be a better option because of the ability to remove them for socially sensitive situations.

Understanding the differences between the types of orthodontic appliances and options can be confusing, which is why we offer risk-free, complimentary consultations for orthodontic treatment. With a free consultation you are able to hear directly from Dr. Mack or Dr. Hansen about what your options are and ask any and all questions you may have about orthodontic treatment, clear braces, metal braces, or clear aligners like invisalign.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

With a new year comes those new year resolutions that everyone talks about. Whether or not you are making a new years resolution this year, consider what our orthodontic team can do for you and your smile here at Mack and Hansen Orthodontics.

Now we know that this recent string of cold weather has kept all of Longview, Marshall, Kilgore, GIlmer and even down by Henderson and Carthage all bundled up and staying inside but we want to make it known that our braces, regardless of if they are clear braces or metal braces, do not get extra tight or uncomfortable when the temperature drops below freezing. They feel just the same as when it is 80 degrees out as when it is 8.

Now if you are thinking about giving yourself a new smile this year, just know we have you covered. If you are looking at getting those bottom teeth straightened out since you haven't worn your retainer since 2006, we have you covered. If you are looking at having your front 6 teeth straightened, we have you covered. In fact, you will likely be surprised at how easy and affordable it is to have those pesky crooked teeth corrected.

Not only do we accept all insurance plans, we are also in network with many plans as well, making orthodontic treatment even more affordable. Even if you don't have insurance, or you have medicaid (which unfortunately does not cover orthodontic treatment anymore unless it is deemed medically necessary), we are committed to making braces affordable, as well as invisalign affordable.

There are a number of options to choose from when starting orthodontic treatment, and you shouldn't have to pay a fee to be told that you need braces. If you can look in the mirror, chances are you know if you need braces or not. That is why our consultations for braces and invisalign are complimentary, meaning NO CHARGE to you.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

We have been getting a lot of questions lately as to what types of insurance plans cover braces, which ones do not, and what the difference is between the different types of insurances so we decided to make this blog post about INSURANCE FAQs.

If we both have dental insurance through the same company, do we have the coverage?

There are many different types of insurance plans, and just because you have dental insurance through one company does not mean that you have the same coverage as another person who has their dental insurance through the same company. Furthermore, just because you are employed by the same company and have the same dental insurance, that still does not mean you have the same coverage.

Dental insurance can be a confusing thing and we are here to help you navigate the complex world of insurance!

What is the difference between dental insurance and orthodontic insurance?

There is actually quite a big difference between these types of insurances. You cannot have orthodontic insurance without having some sort of dental insurance, but you certainly can have dental insurance without having orthodontic insurance. A lot of times you can choose to have orthodontic coverage when purchasing your dental insurance for the upcoming year. In terms of the orthodontic insurance, sometimes this will only cover children up to a certain age, like 19 or 26 for example. Other times there will be no age limit and there will be adult coverage for treatment, which is great news if you do have that type of coverage since we are seeing more and more adults who are interested in orthodontic treatment. If you do have dental insurance and would like us to check on it to see if there is any orthodontic benefit we would be happy to do so!

Does Medicaid cover orthodontic treatment in the state of Texas?

In years past medicaid did cover a fair amount of orthodontic treatment, based on complexity/severity of the case. However, this is not the case anymore. It is rather difficult now to get approved for medicaid coverage of orthodontic treatment, even in the most complex and severe cases of orthodontic need.

We understand this though and are committed to making treatment affordable for everyone and are proud to offer consultations at no charge for anyone who is interested in orthodontic treatment or wants to learn about what their orthodontic needs are and what type of affordable payment plan they can be on when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

There are a number of different appointment types when you visit us and so depending on the days’ schedule there may be more of some appointment types than others and therefore every day is different. Since we offer appointment times as early as 7am and as late as 5:30 pm in order to accommodate those patients who need after school or after work visits, some days at our office are longer than others. It just depends on how full the schedule is.

When patients come in for their first visit, which is always complimentary at our office, we take some x-rays and pictures, preform a quick but thorough exam, and then we sit down and have a conversation about what the patient is concerned about or what bothers them about their teeth or bite. We let them know what we see and what our diagnosis is, and then discuss with them about what their options are for addressing everything.

If a patient decides they would like to start treatment, then we get them scheduled to either get their braces on or to scan their teeth if they are wanting treatment with clear aligners, such as Invisalign. The appointment to get braces on takes about an hour while a scan of the teeth takes around 5-10 minutes. Both are always an exciting visit because they mark the start of each patient’s smile transformation.

Throughout the course of treatment we usually see our patients every six to eight weeks, sometimes intervals are longer though, it just depends. Each visit we look at a number of different things to see how treatment is progressing. Sometimes patients will get new wires (or trays if they are wearing clear aligners a.k.a. Invisalign) or we may instruct them to wear some rubber bands. They may be due for a progress x-ray or get some braces placed on teeth that have erupted since last visit, such as a second molar.  The neat thing about orthodontics, and braces in particular, is how fast the teeth start moving once treatment is started. It’s always an awesome feeling when a patient comes in for their first visit after getting their braces put on and hearing them say how happy they are with the progress that has already been made.

The appointment when the braces come off is just as exciting, if not more exciting, than when they are put on. That is when the patient gets to see the finished product for the first time and is such a special visit, one that makes being an orthodontist so awesome.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.