Frequently Asked Questions

SECTION I: Initial Visit

Do you charge for an initial visit?

No, we offer a free consultation for all patients, which includes x-rays and an oral exam.

How long will the first visit last?

Our consultations typically last 60-90 minutes.

 

SECTION II: New Patients

At what age do you start seeing patients?

We see patients of all ages, at all ages. Most begin orthodontic treatment at the age of 12, once all of the baby teeth have fallen out. Some conditions, however, may necessitate early Phase I treatment at the age of 7 or 8.

Do you accept patients transferring from another practice?

Yes, we accept patients transferring from a different practice during any stage of their orthodontic care. We do require that all new patients, whether establishing care or transferring in, come in for an initial consultation with our care team, which, again, is at no charge.

Do you accept adult patients?

Definitely! In fact, adult patients make up a large portion of our patient population. Koch Orthodontics offers a variety of different options of traditional or ceramic braces, or Invisalign to help adults improve their smiles in a way that best fits their lifestyle.

Do you offer flexible appointment scheduling?

Yes, we do our best to accommodate your appointment needs! Our office is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

If you can’t make it into the office for your free consultation, we offer a virtual smile assessment.

Simply snap a few photos of your teeth from the directed angles and upload your images to our website. Dr. Keith Koch will review the photos and call you with his estimate on the length of treatment and cost of Invisalign or braces.

 

SECTION III: Finances

Which insurance plans do you accept?

We submit to most insurance plans. If you have any insurance-related questions about establishing care at our practice, please call our office at (585) 243-3174 to speak with our treatment coordinator, who will be able to gather your insurance information for you and check your coverage on the spot.

How are payment plans structured?

All patients are eligible to set up interest-free payment plans to help spread out the cost of treatment. Payments are made monthly for the total length of treatment (typically between 12 and 30 months).

Which major credit cards do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, except for American Express.

Do You Offer Family Discounts?

Yes, we are proud to serve families in our community. Family discounts are offered for multiple patients living in the same household.

 

SECTION IV: Types of Treatment

Does treatment at an early age ensure a better result?

Treatment outcome depends on a number of factors, including the severity of initial orthodontic condition, lifestyle, and proper use of retainers after the braces have been taken off.

What are the different phases of treatment?

Phase I treatment encompasses orthodontic care for children before all of their adult teeth have come in. These patients are typically referred to us by their dentist for more advanced orthodontic care, such as palate expansion or bite issues. Phase I treatment usually takes between 12-18 months.

Phase II treatment is for patients who have all or most of their adult teeth in and are looking to improve teeth alignment and/or correct bite issues.

How long will I need to wear my braces?

The duration of individual treatments depends on orthodontic conditions, but on average, patients wear braces for two years.

Does wearing braces hurt?

In general, no. Patients may experience some discomfort when braces are first fitted or if a bracket or wire is rubbing on the inside of the mouth. This discomfort usually goes away after the loose bracket or wire is fixed and after the patient becomes accustomed to having braces in their mouth.

After treatment with braces or aligners, will my teeth become crooked again?

Without appropriate preventative measures, your teeth may revert back to their original positions. It is very important to wear your retainer per the instructions of your orthodontist and to come back in for routine checkups.

How do I know if I am a candidate for Invisalign?

Most patients are a good fit for Invisalign, but the best way to find out is to come in for your initial consultation with our orthodontist. (Some patients with certain orthodontic conditions, such as severe overbites, may not be good candidates).

How frequently do I need to see the orthodontist once I begin treatment?

Appointment frequency can change depending on your individual case, but most patients are seen every 6 weeks.

Can I or my child play sports Or Musical instruments with braces in?

Yes! Koch Orthodontics provides free mouthguards to our patients so you can continue the activities you love.

 

SECTION V: Emergency Care

What qualifies as an orthodontic emergency? Is there anything I can do if I or a family member is experiencing an orthodontic emergency?

Most orthodontic emergencies consist of wires or loose brackets poking or causing discomfort to the patient’s mouth. The best thing to do is remain calm and contact your orthodontist for further instructions.

Does Koch Orthodontics have emergency protocol / an emergency telephone number?

If you have an emergency during regular business hours, you can call our main office number, and our care team will advise you on next steps.

If you have an emergency after business hours, you can call our main office line (listed above) and listen for the orthodontist’s cell phone number on the answering machine. He can be contacted after-hours for emergencies. Most concerns can be alleviated with the use of orthodontic wax and fixed the next business day.