Dana Orthodontics in West Valley City, Utah

 

801-955-4400

Have questions? We've provided answers to common questions for your convenience.


If you don't see the answer to your specific question, feel free to send us a message or give us a call.

Featured Question

Will my insurance cover braces?
We participate in most insurance plans. If your insurance includes dental benefits, a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment may be covered. The amount covered varies depending on the insurance company and policy, but it may be up to 50% of treatment fees. Please feel free to call us prior to your consultation appointment if you would like us to check your coverage for you. Whether you have insurance or not, keep in mind that we offer interest-free payment plans.

Questions about braces

How much do braces cost?
Our comprehensive case fee is $4990. However our patients typically pay less than this due to our monthly promotions. Our fee is also reduced for patients needing less treatment than a typical case. Our doctor is an Orthodontic Specialist, so this is a particularly good value.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
We recommend a free orthodontic consultation for kids at around age seven. A screening at this age helps determine the best time to start treatment and may identify issues that can be more difficult to correct once the face and jaws have finished growing. In some cases, early diagnosis and treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and may make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
Am I too old for braces?
Braces aren't just for kids. In fact, one in five orthodontic patients is over 18. An attractive smile can contribute to social and professional success, and orthodontic treatment has become increasingly mainstream for adults. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age.
What is an average length of treatment?
A typical length of treatment is 18 to 24 months. Patients may differ, of course, and the time will vary depending on what is needed.
Do you have 'invisible' options?
True invisibility would require magic, but we do offer treatment options that are much less noticeable than traditional braces, such as lingual braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. We'd be happy to discuss the best options for you during your free consultation.
How often will I have an appointment?
Appointments are typically scheduled every 4 to 6 weeks.
Do braces hurt?
Having the braces put on does not hurt. We never use shots in this office and you typically won’t feel any soreness of the teeth for several hours afterward. It may take up to five days to get used to wearing braces, but usually the level of soreness is nothing a little Tylenol or Advil won’t alleviate. Braces can sometimes be uncomfortable and you'll need to get used to eating things differently.
How long does it take to get the braces on?
At the bracketing appointment, we generally take photos, make impressions of the teeth, and take any needed x-rays. The teeth are prepped and the brackets go on. This appointment usually takes 60-90 minutes.
Will I be able to talk?
Absolutely! For most patients this is not an issue at all. Right at the beginning your lips may need to get used to the braces, which may take a day or two, but this usually isn’t very noticeable and patients adjust very quickly.
Will I have to wear rubber bands?
Most patients do. Elastics (the ones the patient is responsible for putting on and taking off) are used between the upper and lower teeth, and are intended to fix the bite. It is very important to wear the elastics as instructed, 24 hours a day, every day.
How many colors can I choose? How often can I change colors?
As many as you’d like! If you have 20 teeth with braces on them, you could choose up to 20 colors. You can change colors at every appointment.
Do I have to wear retainers?
Yes. Yes. YES! Anyone who has had orthodontic treatment needs to wear retainers to ensure that their teeth stay put. Some people's teeth don’t move as quickly as others, but it is likely that if you have orthodontic treatment and you don’t wear your retainers, your teeth WILL move back!

Questions about Dana Orthodontics

How do I decide if Dana Orthodontics is the right place for me?
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation! Tour our office, meet the doctor and staff, and find out what we can do for you.
What's different about an orthodontist?
Orthodontists are highly trained specialists whose expertise is tooth alignment for children, teens and adults. Only orthodontists receive an extra 2-3 years of specialized education beyond dental school to learn the proper way to align and straighten teeth. Learn more.
Are your doctors orthodontic specialists?
Yes, our doctor is an orthodontic specialist and has completed specialized education beyond dental school.
Dr. Northrup attended dental school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated in 2004 with a DDS. He continued his education in the orthodontic program also at Marquette where he completed his Masters of Science degree and Certificate of Orthodontics in 2006. Dr. Northrup is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and other local dental and orthodontic societies.
How long have you been in business?
Dana Orthodontics was established in 1998 and we have provided quality treatment to thousands of patients. We are accredited by the Better Business Bureau of Utah.
What are my payment options?
We accept major credit cards and also offer convenient payment plans, some with no interest. The initial consultation is free.
Do you have family discounts?
Yes, if one person in the family is a current patient, additional immediate family members who start treatment will receive a 5% discount or the current promotional discount.
Will I get a discount if I pay in full?
Yes, we offer a discount of 5% if you pay for your treatment in full. This can typically be combined with other offers or discounts.
What about insurance?
We participate in most insurance plans. If your insurance includes dental benefits, a portion of the cost of orthodontic treatment may be covered. The amount covered varies depending on the insurance company and policy, but it may be up to 50% of treatment fees. Please feel free to call us prior to your consultation appointment if you would like us to check your coverage for you. Whether you have insurance or not, keep in mind that we offer interest-free payment plans.
Do you take Medicaid?
Yes, we are an approved Medicaid provider. Due to new requirements, we need to get authorization prior to your consultation, so please mention that you have Medicaid when you call to schedule your appointment.
Is orthodontic treatment eligible for FSA/cafeteria plans?
Orthodontic treatment is generally eligible. We recommend checking with your plan administrator for details to make sure there's a reimbursement option that's right for you. A Health Care Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) is an employer sponsored benefit that enables employees to set aside pre-tax dollars out of their paycheck to pay for eligible health care expenses. Paying through an FSA makes it possible to reduce out-of-pocket costs by nearly one third, because you are paying with pre-tax dollars.
Can you help me with warranty issues if I was a patient at a different Dana Orthodontics location?
When Dr. Dana liquidated his ownership of Dana Orthodontics, he sold each location with its patients and contracts to a different buyer. We purchased a single location in West Valley City. For patients who started treatment at this location, we are able to honor warranties if you can provide us with proof that your contract had one. Unfortunately, doctors who purchased the other locations have closed their doors, leaving their patients without a warranty. It’s natural to assume that we “kept the business name and therefore all the patients,” but it simply isn’t true. When patients from out-of-business locations need follow-up care, we do our best to assist them, but we are unable to honor warranties for patients who were not treated here.
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