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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.

While the practice of orthodontics has become more and more popular over the years, there are still many misconceptions about treatment. At Mack and Hansen Orthodontics, we want to help clear some things up for you:

Misconception #1: My orthodontist does the same thing as my dentist

The Truth: While it is true that the goal of both orthodontists and dentists is to help patients achieve lifelong oral health, we do so in completely different ways.

As an orthodontist, Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen help patients achieve oral health by addressing the alignment of your teeth and jaws. By correcting these issues, they are able to help patients with a variety of oral health issues including; crowded teeth, bite problems and even speech impediments.

A dentist works with patients to prevent and treat a variety of oral hygiene and health issues including; teeth cleaning, gum disease, tooth decay and other common oral health problems.

Misconception #2: Orthodontists only treat children.

The Truth: Most of the time the people you will see at an orthodontist office are children and teenagers. However, there has been an increase in adults visiting the orthodontist. Treatment for crooked teeth and a bad bite can occur at any age.

Misconception #3: My child needs to have all their adult teeth before visiting an orthodontist for braces.

The Truth: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist for their first evaluation at the age of 7. This gives the orthodontist an opportunity to treat any problems early on while the jaw is still growing.

Misconception #4: It takes too long!

The Truth: While the duration depends on the severity of your issues and the speed in which your teeth move, the majority of patients have braces for about two years, but sometimes it is a lot less. While two years may seem like a lot, it is a miniscule amount in time for a smile that lasts a lifetime.

A smile is a powerful asset. Do not let these common misconceptions prevent you from pursuing 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.

Over one-third of all orthodontics patients are adults who sought out adult braces and aligners to straighten their teeth. With smaller brackets, less obtrusive metal bands, and alternative straightening options at affordable prices, the reasons for not getting adult braces or aligners pale in comparison to the benefits. Straighten your teeth now to enjoy beautiful and healthy teeth for years to come.

ADULT BRACES AND ALIGNERS ARE EASILY ATTAINABLE

With time, braces and aligners have become more affordable, and you now have an income of your own to use as you please. As an adult, it is a great time to get braces because you can now afford it. Even if you are worried about finances, we can work with you to create a payment plan that works for you, and insurance may even help pay to have your teeth straightened, especially if your teeth are making dentist visits for repairs more prevalent.

ADULT BRACES AND ALIGNERS ARE MORE ATTRACTIVE

As mentioned in the introduction, braces are now being made with small components. The smaller the components, the less noticeable the braces. The braces we use for adults are hassle-free and comfortable to wear. If you don’t like the idea of traditional metal adult braces, you can choose ceramic (clear) braces that are tooth-colored for less visibility, or clear aligners that are transparent. No matter which option you decide on, the adult braces and straightening treatments we offer are as disguised as possible, so they do not distract others from your beautiful smile. With our adult braces and aligners, you can go about your business life and social life as you would have without braces while never feeling self-conscious or less attractive.

ADULT BRACES AND ALIGNERS ARE ADVANTAGEOUS

As you have most likely heard, adult braces provide you with more than just a more attractive smile. Straightening that occurs with adult braces or aligners results in fewer cavities, less cleaning hassle, a shorter flossing period, and a more comfortable bite. With crowding and crooked teeth, it is hard to reach every crevice and provide your teeth with the brushing and flossing they need to effectively remineralize, preventing cavities. Once you receive straightening treatment, you will experience a noticeable difference in your oral cleaning routine that frees up your time in more ways than one. You may even get to visit the dentist less for restorations and teeth whitening treatments.

These are merely a few of the reasons adults pursue adult braces and straightening treatments regardless of their age. 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 clear aligners 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.