FAQs
An orthodontist (like Dr. Manzella) is a general dentist that has had at least two more years of full-time training in orthodontics, resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate.
Orthodontists limit their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics. Fun fact: only 6% of dentists are orthodontists!
Never!
As a courtesy to you, we will always discuss the feasibility of braces or tooth straightening without charging you a fee for your first consultation exam.
The first visit can last anywhere between 30 minutes and one hour depending on how ready you are for treatment.
We may just do a visual exam and explain the situation, or we may take diagnostic records and photos right away to save you time and an extra visit.
As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the six-year molars erupt and the permanent front teeth just start to appear.
This is usually between the ages of six and eight.
The American Association of Orthodontics and Dr. Manzella recommend that all children in West Seneca—and the US—come to an orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed and an observation schedule is arranged until the patient is ready to begin treatment.
Yes we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient.
We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.
Absolutely! A growing percentage of our patients are adult.
New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment much more comfortable and convenient at Manzella Orthodontics.
Some appointments, particularly at the start and end of treatment, must be scheduled during normal business hours.
Most appointments, however, can be scheduled at a time throughout the day convenient for your family.
We will do our best to work with your schedule while being fair to all patients.
Yes, call our office for emergencies at (716) 675-0155.
Visit our Emergency Care page for more information.
Yes. Whether or not you have insurance, we will structure a custom payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over a period of time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.
As a courtesy to you, we will submit your orthodontic claims to your dental insurance carrier.
We ask patients to notify us as soon as possible if coverage ceases or changes during treatment.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, credit card posting, and e-checks.
Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about two months, followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.
Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It is part of the natural aging process.
This is why retainer wear is recommended indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results over lifetime.