Starting orthodontic treatment brings up a lot of questions, for you, for your child, and sometimes for the whole family. How long will it take? Will it hurt? Is Invisalign® better than braces? What will it cost? At Lupi Orthodontics, we have spent more than 30 years answering these questions for Stafford families, and we believe you deserve clear, honest answers before you commit to anything.
Below you will find the questions we hear most often, answered in plain language by Dr. Lupi and Team Lupi.
You have questions—we have answers!
Orthodontic treatment gently guides your teeth and jaws into a healthier, more functional position using appliances like braces, clear aligners, or expanders. It corrects what dentists call malocclusion, or a “bad bite,” whether that shows up as crowded teeth, gaps, or jaws that do not quite line up. The goal is a healthy bite, proper function, long-term stability, and a smile you are proud of.
A general dentist cares for your overall oral health, including cleanings, fillings, and checkups. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the alignment of teeth and jaws. Dr. Lupi earned his dental degree and then completed his certificate in orthodontics at the University of Illinois Chicago. That extra specialty training is what helps ensure your results are healthy and lasting while minimizing unnecessary risk.
No. Braces are the best-known option, but orthodontists also use clear aligners, removable appliances, retainers, palatal expanders, and orthodontic mini-screws. At our Stafford office, we also offer custom oral appliances for patients with physician-diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Lupi will help you figure out which path is right for you.
The AAO recommends a first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. By then, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, so an orthodontist can spot developing problems in their earliest stages.
A complimentary evaluation is worth scheduling if you notice any of these: Crowded or overlapping teeth, Gaps between teeth, Upper teeth that sit far forward of the lower teeth, or a lower jaw that extends past the upper teeth, Upper and lower teeth that do not line up when biting down, Front teeth that do not touch when the back teeth are closed, protruding front teeth, or a jaw that seems too far forward or set back, and Difficulty chewing, speaking clearly, or breathing comfortably through the nose.
Not at all. A growing number of our patients are adults who never had treatment or who did not wear their retainer after braces. Healthy teeth and gums are what matter, not your age.
Braces move your teeth with brackets and wires, and they stay on for the whole treatment. Clear aligners move your teeth with a series of custom, removable, nearly invisible trays. Both can correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, and gaps.
Both are excellent, proven options, and the right choice depends on you. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, with no food restrictions, which many teens and adults love. Braces can be the most efficient choice for certain complex bite issues, and they work around the clock without relying on you to keep them in.
We offer traditional metal braces for proven, efficient results, ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look, and KLOwen® braces, which combine comfort with style. We have brace options for kids, teens, and adults.
Lupi Orthodontics is a certified Platinum Plus provider of Invisalign® clear aligners with options including Invisalign First™, Invisalign® for Teens, and Invisalign® for Adults. We also offer Angel Aligners™ for Kids and Angel Aligners™ for Adults.
On average, patients need treatment for about 22 months. That is only an average. Some patients finish in as little as 6 months, and others need up to 30. Treatment length depends on your starting bite, your age and growth, and how closely the plan is followed.
Our technology helps keep visits efficient. With digital scanning and remote monitoring tools, many clear aligner check-ins can often happen virtually. Your schedule will depend on your treatment type, and we will explain it up front.
We offer traditional metal braces for proven, efficient results, ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets for a more discreet look, and KLOwen® braces, which combine comfort with style. We have brace options for kids, teens, and adults.
Most patients feel pressure or soreness after an adjustment, and it typically lasts around 24 to 72 hours.
Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods, since they can loosen brackets, bend wires, or knock bands off, which means an unplanned visit. Soft foods help in the first few days after a new adjustment. Beyond that, braces do not restrict daily life.
Brush after meals, paying attention to the area around each bracket and along the gumline, and floss daily using a floss threader or a water flosser. Good hygiene is what keeps teeth healthy when the braces come off.
Phase 1 (early treatment) addresses jaw growth and space issues in younger children, often with a palatal expander or partial braces. Phase 2 is comprehensive treatment, usually full braces or aligners, once all the permanent teeth have come in. Not every child needs both phases, and Dr. Lupi will tell you honestly whether early treatment is necessary.
Absolutely. Adults choose clear aligners for discretion and braces for efficiency, and both work well. Many of our adult patients also come back because their teeth shifted after braces years ago when retainers were not worn consistently.
Cost depends on your specific case, and we believe in transparent pricing from the very first conversation. Our Smile Choice options start as low as $2,280 for a Smile Touchup (about 6 months) and around $4,280 for a Smile Refresh (about 12 months). A full Smile Makeover is custom priced.
Yes. Every plan comes with flexible, zero-interest in-house financing options, so a confident smile is within reach for more families.
If your question is not here, call us at (540) 720-4178. We are happy to help. Visit Our Orthodontic Office in Stafford, VA.
