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303-228-3350
20250 E Smoky Hill Rd, Unit 6 Centennial, CO 80015
FAQs
Here at Movement Orthodontics, we understand that anticipating the need for orthodontic treatment may seem daunting. We are here to help. Below are some common questions people have about orthodontics but please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Common Orthodontic Queries
- All
- Adult Orthodontics
- Angel Clear Aligners
- Ceramic Braces
- Highlands Ranch Patients
- Insurance
- Lone Tree Patients
- Retainers
- Serving Patients in Aurora, CO
- Teen Orthodontics
- Traditional Braces
- Youth Orthodontic
Orthodontics focuses on aligning your bite and straightening your teeth. If your teeth are crooked, overlapped, twisted, or gapped, you might need to see an orthodontist. The most common orthodontic treatments are braces and clear aligners.
According to the American Dental Association and the American Association of Orthodontists, it’s recommended that children see an orthodontist around seven years of age.
Orthodontic treatment aims to improve your teeth’s function and appearance. Benefits of orthodontic treatment include:
- Straighter teeth
- Improved bite and jaw alignment
- Enhanced facial aesthetics
- Easier oral hygiene and reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Boosted self-confidence and overall oral health
There are several types of braces we offer, including:
- Traditional metal braces – Durable and effective for all ages.
- Clear aligners – Removable, nearly invisible trays that straighten teeth without brackets or wires.
The average treatment time for Dr. Dao is approximately 12-18 months. It depends, however, on the severity of the misalignment and severe cases can take 2+ years. On the other hand, some cases can be completed in as little as 3-6 months.
When braces are first applied or adjusted, you may experience some discomfort. Once your teeth start moving, this usually goes away. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, we offer tips and guidance on how to alleviate soreness.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment are not limited to children and adolescents. Many adults want to improve their smile and oral health and adults can begin orthodontic treatment at any age. We offer discreet options like ceramic braces and clear aligners to fit your lifestyle.
Effective treatment requires proper care. Here’s what you need to know:
- Keep your teeth clean by brushing after every meal and flossing every day.
- Keep your braces safe by avoiding hard, sticky, and sugary foods.
- Visit regularly for adjustments.
- Protect your cheeks and lips with orthodontic wax.
Booking an appointment is easy! You can contact us by calling 303-228-3350 or book your appointment online now!
While our office has a Centennial zip code, we are conveniently located right off Smoky Hill Road, just west of E-470, making us highly accessible for families in nearby Aurora neighborhoods (like Saddle Rock and Southlands). Explore our exact location on our Contact Us page for detailed driving directions.
Yes! Dr. Cuong Dao provides customized orthodontic care for your entire family. We offer early interceptive treatment through Youth Orthodontics, discrete options for adolescents with Teen Orthodontics, and fully customized plans for Adult Orthodontics.
We use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure your treatment is fast, accurate, and comfortable. This includes our advanced intraoral scanner, which completely eliminates messy, goopy dental molds, and in-house 3D printing technology used to fabricate highly precise Angel Clear Aligners and custom Retainers.
Scheduling is simple! Aurora families can book an appointment by filling out the online request form on our Contact Us page or by giving our office a call. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate school and work hours.
We understand that balancing school, sports, and work is tough. While our daily schedules are optimized for efficiency, we structure our workflows so that routine adjustments for Traditional Braces or quick check-ins for Angel Clear Aligners take up minimal time out of your busy day.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this developmental stage, Dr. Dao can spot subtle shifts in jaw growth and emerging teeth. If early treatment is required, you can read about our gentle approach on our About Us page.
Common indicators include thumb-sucking habits that persist past preschool, difficulty chewing or speaking, early/late loss of baby teeth, crowded teeth, or an asymmetric bite. Correcting these early on paves the way for much easier treatment with Traditional Braces or aligners later down the road.
Not necessarily. While modern Traditional Braces are much smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, some children may be candidates for specialized phase-one growth appliances or discreet clear aligner technology. Learn more about advanced clear aligner materials on our Angel Clear Aligners page.
Not always, but it makes future treatment significantly shorter and much less invasive. Phase-one youth treatment focuses on correcting jaw structure and bone growth. Once the permanent teeth erupt, a shorter round of Traditional Braces or aligners is often used to perfectly align the individual teeth.
The cost depends on the type of growth appliance or corrective treatment your child requires. We provide transparent pricing during your initial consultation and will check your dental benefits on our Insurance page to help maximize your savings and minimize out-of-pocket costs.
We provide several highly effective treatments optimized for active teen lifestyles. This includes time-tested Traditional Braces, low-profile aesthetic Ceramic Braces, and virtually invisible Angel Clear Aligners.
Every smile is unique, but most teen treatments last between 12 to 24 months. Total treatment time depends entirely on the severity of the alignment issues and patient compliance. To understand how to care for brackets to avoid delayed treatment times, check out our Care Instructions: Braces guide.
Absolutely! Teens wearing braces just need to wear a protective orthodontic mouthguard during contact sports. If your teen is a musician or an athlete worried about brackets, they may want to check out Angel Clear Aligners, which can be temporarily taken out for practices, games, and performances.
Generally, teens wearing Traditional Braces or Ceramic Braces will need to visit us every 4 to 8 weeks for wire adjustments. If your teen is utilizing Angel Clear Aligners, appointments may be spaced slightly further apart since they will change their trays at home.
Accidents happen! If a bracket comes loose or an aligner goes missing, just call our office right away. To learn how to handle minor issues safely at home until you can visit us, please review our comprehensive Care Instructions: Braces guide.
It is never too late to achieve a healthy, radiant smile! Orthodontic shifts rely on the same biological processes whether you are a teenager or an adult. If you want to know more about our patient philosophy and Dr. Dao’s experience treating adults, visit our main About Us page.
Most adults prefer treatments that blend seamlessly into their social and professional lives. We highly recommend Angel Clear Aligners for a virtually invisible option, or Ceramic Braces, which feature tooth-colored brackets that minimize the appearance of metal.
Yes, orthodontic treatment does much more than straighten crooked teeth. Adult orthodontics can successfully treat overbites, underbites, open bites, and crossbites that make chewing or oral hygiene difficult. To see what types of fixed appliances are best suited for severe structural adjustments, read about our Traditional Braces.
There may be a very minor adjustment period lasting a few days where you notice a slight lisp, particularly with removable options like Angel Clear Aligners. However, your tongue quickly adapts, and your speech will return to completely normal in no time.
Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment is frequently used to create or save the perfect amount of space for a future bridge or implant. While dental implants themselves cannot be moved once placed, Dr. Dao can seamlessly plan your Traditional Braces or aligner treatment around them. Learn more about our customized treatment philosophies on our About Us page.
Today’s traditional braces use advanced low-profile brackets and high-tech archwires. This makes them significantly smaller, smoother, and more efficient than older iterations. If you’re looking for an alternative option that offers a more natural look while retaining the exact strength of metal, explore our Ceramic Braces.
Maintaining excellent hygiene prevents plaque buildup around your appliances. You should brush after every meal, use specialized dental floss threaders daily, and avoid sticky or hard foods. We have compiled a detailed roadmap for you in our Care Instructions: Braces guide.
Yes, retainers are an essential phase of any orthodontic treatment. They hold your teeth in their beautifully straight positions while the surrounding bone and gum tissue settle. Take a look at our dedicated Retainers page to learn about the different types we offer.
Your teeth will likely feel a bit tender or sore for a few days immediately after they are placed and following routine adjustment appointments. This is a normal sign that your teeth are safely moving! For tips on managing temporary soreness and keeping your mouth comfortable, take a look at our Care Instructions: Braces page.
Yes, customizing your smile is one of the best parts of metal braces! At every adjustment visit, you can choose from a wide palette of colored bands to show off your personality. If you prefer a look that blends in rather than stands out, you may want to look into our Ceramic Braces.
Ceramic braces function exactly like Traditional Braces, but the brackets are crafted from a durable, translucent polycrystalline material that mirrors the natural color of your teeth. This makes them a very popular choice for patients undergoing Teen Orthodontics or Adult Orthodontics.
The ceramic brackets themselves are highly resistant to staining. However, the clear elastic bands used to secure the wire can discolor if you consume heavy amounts of coffee, tea, or dark sauces. Fortunately, these bands are replaced at every routine adjustment.
While ceramic materials are incredibly strong and designed to withstand normal chewing forces, they are slightly more brittle than stainless steel. If you are a student or an adult participating in high-impact physical activities, we invite you to consult with Dr. Dao about choosing between ceramic brackets or removable Angel Clear Aligners.
Because the advanced polycrystalline material requires a more specialized manufacturing process, ceramic brackets typically cost slightly more than stainless steel. We can help you break down the exact price difference and explore payment options on our Insurance page to find a plan that fits your budget.
No, they work on the exact same mechanical principles as Traditional Braces. Dr. Dao utilizes the same high-tech archwires to guide your teeth, meaning your total treatment time will remain highly efficient regardless of the bracket material you pick.
Angel Clear Aligners use a sequential series of custom-molded, clear plastic trays fabricated using our practice’s advanced 3D printing technology. Each set applies precise, calculated pressure to gradually shift teeth into place. To learn how we scan your smile without messy gel molds to build these trays, visit our Serving Patients in Aurora, CO page.
For optimal results, you must wear your trays for 20 to 22 hours every single day. They should only be removed when you eat, drink anything other than water, or brush your teeth. Review our essential Care Instructions: Clear Aligners for best practices on storing and handling your trays.
Yes, they are highly sought after by both age demographics. They allow teens to remain active without worrying about broken wires, and offer working professionals a completely discreet aesthetic solution. Read more about how we integrate them into our specialized Teen Orthodontics and Adult Orthodontics programs.
Not at all! Because you completely remove your aligner trays before eating, you don’t have to worry about the dietary restrictions that come with Traditional Braces. You can continue to enjoy crunchy, sticky, and hard foods throughout your entire treatment.
If you lose a tray, don’t panic, but don’t leave your teeth without an appliance. Put your previous set of trays back in to keep your teeth from shifting, and call our office immediately. We use advanced in-house 3D printing, as detailed on our About Us page, allowing us to replace your custom tray quickly.
Teeth naturally want to drift back toward their original positions due to a phenomenon called orthodontic relapse. Wearing a retainer protects the investment you made in your smile through Traditional Braces or Angel Clear Aligners.
We offer both removable retainers (like clear plastic Essix retainers or traditional Hawley wire retainers) and fixed lingual retainers (wires bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth). Dr. Dao will recommend the best fit for your smile during your final exit appointment. Learn about our advanced in-house fabrication process on our About Us page.
Wash your retainer with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap or specialized retainer cleaning tablets. Never use hot water, as it can warp the plastic. For step-by-step guidance on keeping oral appliances clean, look over our Care Instructions: Clear Aligners page, which shares similar hygiene protocols.
No. Initially, Dr. Dao will have you wear your retainer full-time (except when eating and brushing) for a few months after your Traditional Braces are removed. Eventually, you will transition to long-term “nighttime-only” wear to permanently maintain your results.
If your retainer feels exceptionally tight or won’t snap into place, it usually means your teeth have begun to drift. Do not force it. Contact us immediately through our Contact Us page so we can check your alignment and adjust or replace the appliance before significant shifting occurs.
Many dental insurance policies include a lifetime orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of treatments like Traditional Braces or Angel Clear Aligners. Because coverage varies greatly between providers, our front desk team will happily run a complimentary benefits check for you.
We accept a wide array of options to optimize your coverage benefits:
- In-Network: Careington, Aetna, Delta Dental, Assurant, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem, Colorado Medicaid,Sun Life, Zelis, Ameritas, Dentegra, Cigna and Principal Financial.
- Out-of-Network (Accepted): Cypress Dental, MetLife, Guardian Insurance, Lincoln Financial, UCD, and GEHA.
If you have any questions about structuring your benefits tier, feel free to text or call us via our info page.
Yes! We believe that financial constraints should never stand between you and a healthy smile. We offer flexible, interest-free, in-house financing plans to break down your remaining balance into manageable monthly payments. This applies across all treatment categories, from early interceptive Youth Orthodontics to adult treatments.
Yes! Orthodontic treatments, including Traditional Braces, Ceramic Braces, and Angel Clear Aligners, are qualified medical expenses under HSA and FSA guidelines. You can use these pre-tax funds to pay for your monthly payments or down payment.
If your insurance coverage changes, please notify our financial coordinators right away. We will gladly run a new benefits check to see how your new policy handles ongoing orthodontic care and adjust your internal payment contract accordingly. If you have questions about setting up your initial consultation, visit our Contact Us page.
A board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Dao has voluntarily completed extensive exams beyond baseline licensing. This ensures your treatment is rooted in verified expertise, ongoing clinical education, and predictable, safe outcomes.
Because our office sits centrally in the Centennial area, the commute from most neighborhoods in Highlands Ranch is highly convenient via C-470 or local thoroughfares, making it simple to stop by before school or on your lunch break.
We work with most major dental insurance providers. During your free consultation, our financial coordinator will run a complimentary benefits check to give you an exact breakdown of what your insurance covers.
Absolutely! A significant percentage of our patients are adults. We specialize in aesthetic, lifestyle-friendly options like Angel Clear Aligners that allow you to quietly transform your smile without impacting your social or professional routine.
Our Centennial office is highly accessible for Lone Tree residents. The drive is typically under 10–15 minutes, making it highly convenient for quick routine adjustments before work or after school.
Board certification means Dr. Dao has gone above and beyond standard licensing requirements to prove his clinical mastery. It gives you peace of mind that your care is backed by the highest standard of orthodontic excellence.
Yes! We offer Angel Clear Aligners, which are entirely removable and nearly invisible, as well as clear ceramic braces for patients who want a discreet, fixed treatment option.
We work closely with most dental insurance networks. Bring your insurance information to your free consultation, and our team will provide a full breakdown of your benefits right then and there.
We know you have many questions about our orthodontic services and whether you’re eligible to begin treatment. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.