636-332-5550
636-442-0446
1139 Wentzville Pkwy.
(636) 242-5349
636-442-0446
1335 Queens Ct.
Have you been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member? Like any new adventure, this one can come with a lot of questions! If you’ve tried searching the internet for the information you need, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of results available. There’s so much material out there that it can be hard to know which sources are reliable. But with your family’s smiles on the line, it’s important to find a qualified provider that’s a good fit for you. That’s where we come in! Keep reading below to learn why you should trust your family’s smiles to an orthodontist and why Humphrey Orthodontics could be the right practice for your family!
Many people assume that dentists and orthodontists are more or less interchangeable, including prospective patients. The latter often wonder if their family dentist can address their orthodontic needs and may question if an orthodontist is actually necessary. We get it! There are lots of dentists who now offer some orthodontic services, but there are still several significant differences between the two professions. It can be helpful to understand these differences in your search for a qualified provider.
Dentists and orthodontists are on a similar path right up until they graduate from dental school. At this point, many dentists will begin practicing. Orthodontists, however, will go on to complete two to three years of additional training and education. Their focus during this time is on learning how to diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They will also receive instruction on:
Dr. Humphrey knows exactly how much hard work and dedication it takes to become an orthodontist! He graduated from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, then earned a Master’s degree in Anatomy at Saint Louis University. From there, he went on to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Kansas City before finally earning a Master’s degree in Orthodontics at Saint Louis University.
The question we hear most often at Humphrey Orthodontics is “how long will my treatment take?” Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to that. The total treatment time is related in part to the overall complexity of the case, with mild issues generally taking less time to correct than more complex problems. We also have to consider the type of appliance being used and the expected level of compliance from the patient.
That being said, you can certainly ask Dr. Humphrey for an estimated treatment time! It will be just that, an estimate, but can give you a better idea of what to expect from the process. Regular check-ups are also an essential part of any treatment plan, so you may want to inquire about these to get a feel for how much time you’re likely to be spending in the office. Look for an orthodontist and practice that will give you honest answers instead of telling you what they think you want to hear. Our team will always provide you with expert information based on your specific needs!
This advice applies to discussions about the cost of treatment, too. Orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and finances, and the last thing you want to encounter is hidden fees! Like treatment times, the total cost will vary from case to case. It’s important to understand everything that’s covered in your treatment plan—and anything that isn’t. During your initial consultation in our Wentzville or St. Peters offices, we’ll highlight each applicable fee associated with your treatment. You’ll never have to worry about any unwelcome surprises with Humphrey Orthodontics!
Speaking of treatment costs, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality orthodontic care. If you choose to pay your treatment in full at the time of services, you’ll get a courtesy discount credited to your account.
If you prefer to pay over time instead, you can choose our office payment plan with 0% financing! We also accept most orthodontic insurances and can file on your behalf to ensure you’re getting the maximum allowance.
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Modern technology has made it easier than ever to obtain a confident smile thanks to a range of effective treatment options. At Humphrey Orthodontics, this includes traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
Metal Braces
Today’s metal braces feature some major improvements over previous designs. The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even add a little pop of personality to the treatment process by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are a cost-effective option with a long track record of successfully treating a wide range of cases at Humphrey Orthodontics, from simple to complex.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use transparent or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. While the ceramic brackets are durable, they do tend to be a bit more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, Dr. Humphrey usually only recommends them for teen and adult patients.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide our patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Invisalign can often be just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed.
If you’ve been searching for an orthodontist you can trust with your family’s smiles, you’re in the right place! Dr. Humphrey and the rest of our talented team can offer you and your loved ones exceptional care, affordable treatment options, and long-lasting results you’ll love. To learn more about how we can help improve your family’s oral health, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our Wentzville or St. Peters office!