Frequently Asked Questions

Because each case is different and individualized, the cost of treatment will vary. At your complimentary consultation, our Treatment Coordinators and doctors will review the cost and discuss how we can make this as affordable as possible. Islandsmiles Orthodontics is proud to accept payments in both USD and JMD. Give us a call at 876-927-5552 and we will walk you through the process and help you schedule a consultation.

We absorb the cost of consultation at the initial assessment, so that we can ensure we have full information with regards to your treatment. We offer a complimentary initial consultation which includes records and treatment planning.

Our consultation is very detailed. You will spend 90 minutes with us. It includes an examination, x-rays and other pictures for our records, to assist us in tailoring your treatment plan accordingly.

It usually takes about 90 minutes to place your braces

Yes! We are proud to offer same day starts.

Unfortunately, braces are not supported by Sagicor, Canopy or Guardian Life Health plans in Jamaica. If you do have a health plan that provides for Orthodontics we may be able to assist you to get your reimbursement from your provider.

Orthodontic treatment is a partnership between the patient, their family dentist and the orthodontist. The orthodontist provides custom-made fixed or removable appliances that use gentle pressure over time to move teeth into their proper positions. Your job is to follow the orthodontist’s instructions, keep scheduled orthodontic appointments and maintain excellent oral hygiene so you achieve your best results. You will also need to see your primary care dentist frequently.

Generally speaking, regular appointments are every 6-8 weeks for fixed braces, however, clear aligner patients may not need to be seen as frequently.

Absolutely, yes! Age is not a consideration when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved successfully at any age. Orthodontic treatment creates a better bite, making teeth fit better, and decreases the risk of future dental problems regardless of age.

We recommend children come to our office for an evaluation at age 7. During the evaluation, we will determine the need for and the timing of treatment. There are a few cases that may be started earlier upon the recommendation of your dentist.

Certainly! You can do almost anything during orthodontic treatment – sing, play a musical instrument, play sports, dine out, kiss, and have your picture taken!

So you’ve just got your braces put on…now what? For the first day or so, stick to soft foods. Avoid tough meats, breads, and raw vegetables. 

While eating will get easier, you’ll need to protect your orthodontic appliances for as long as you’re wearing braces. Foods to avoid while you have braces include:

• Hard foods: nuts, hard candy, sugar cane, pizza crust, ice, water crackers.
• Crunchy foods: chips, popcorn, anything with a bone
• Foods you have to bite into: corn on the cob, apples, carrots. For these foods, you can chop/slice or cook them down for easier eating.
• Chewy/Sticky foods: gummy bears, sour candy, chewing gum, candy bars, caramel.

It’s not just foods that you need to be careful with—sugary or carbonated beverages like soda, chewing on hard things like pens, pencils, or fingernails can also damage your braces, and that could mean your treatment will take longer.

It is vital that you go to your general Dentist to have a cleaning and examination done every four to six months – especially when you have braces on!

How long an individual’s treatment lasts depends on the severity of their dental problems, the condition of the gums and teeth, how much crowding or spacing is present or if there are any teeth missing or any extractions necessary. At our office, after doing an analysis of all the relevant factors, your Islandsmiles orthodontist will give you an estimated treatment time. Teeth move at different rates and the actual time in braces can vary. Cooperation from the patient is also very important in keeping your treatment on schedule.

There is some discomfort involved with the wearing of braces. Initially, it takes the gums and cheeks a few days to get used to having the braces on. We supply our patients with dental wax to cover areas of the braces that are bothersome.

Your teeth keep moving throughout your lifetime. Wearing a retainer can prevent your teeth from becoming crowded or crooked again. That way, you’ll have a great smile for the rest of your life.

Thanks to the variety of appliances (such as Invisalign and ceramic bracket) used by orthodontists, adults may be able to inconspicuously achieve the great smile they want. Many of today’s treatment options are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance and better fit an adult lifestyle.

• The cost of Invisalign is similar to the cost of Traditional braces, however, the payment plans may differ to reflect your specific condition.
• Visits are less frequent – generally 10 to 12 weeks apart.
• Invisalign and clear aligners are removable appliances that are virtually invisible when being worn.
• They require a high level of cooperation to ensure a successful result.
• In general, your eating and drinking are less restricted with Invisalign treatment.