Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often from patients and families considering orthodontic treatment at RuCo Orthodontics in Smyrna, TN.
Getting Started and Scheduling
How do I schedule a consultation at RuCo Orthodontics?
You can schedule online using the button on this page, call or text our office directly, or fill out the contact form and our team will reach out to confirm your appointment. First consultations are always free and come with no obligation.
Do I need a referral from my dentist to come in?
No referral is needed. You’re welcome to schedule a consultation directly. If your dentist has referred you or provided recent x-rays, bring those along and we’ll incorporate them into your records.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a valid photo ID for the patient or parent or guardian, your dental insurance card if applicable, any recent dental x-rays your dentist has provided, a list of current medications, and any referral paperwork from your dentist. If you’re unsure about anything, contact our office before your visit and we’ll help you prepare.
How long does the first appointment take?
Most first visits take between 45 and 60 minutes. This includes digital records, the orthodontic exam with Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston, a review of treatment options, and a walkthrough of insurance coverage and cost. We build enough time into the appointment so nothing feels rushed.
What age should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. At that point, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives the doctor a clear picture of how the adult teeth are developing. An early evaluation doesn’t necessarily mean early treatment, but it ensures that developing issues are caught while more options are still available.
Braces
What types of braces does RuCo offer?
RuCo offers traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces. Both work through the same proven mechanics. The choice between them comes down to patient preference and what makes the most clinical sense for the case. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will walk you through the options during your consultation.
How long will I need to wear braces?
Most braces cases are completed in 18 to 24 months, though this varies depending on the complexity of the alignment and bite issues being addressed. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your consultation based on your specific situation.
Do braces hurt?
There is typically some soreness for a day or two after braces are first placed and after each adjustment appointment. Most patients find it manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. The discomfort tends to decrease as treatment progresses and your teeth adjust to each new position.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Patients with braces should avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can damage brackets or bend wires. Common items to avoid include popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum, ice, and sticky snacks like caramel or taffy. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will go through the full list at your placement appointment and provide written guidelines to take home.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. A growing number of adults choose orthodontic treatment, and the results are just as effective as those achieved by younger patients. If you have questions about adult braces, the free consultation is the right place to start.
Clear Aligners
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners are a series of custom-made removable trays that gradually shift teeth into alignment. Each set of trays is worn for one to two weeks before advancing to the next in the series, with each tray designed to move teeth a small, precise amount. Because they’re removable, patients can eat and drink normally and maintain their regular oral hygiene routine without working around brackets and wires.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many cases, yes. Clear aligners produce excellent results for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. For more complex corrections, braces may be more effective. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will give you an honest assessment of which option is better suited to your specific case during the consultation.
How many hours a day do I need to wear my aligners?
Clear aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to work as intended. They should only be removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss your teeth. Consistent wear is the single most important factor in achieving the result your treatment plan is designed to deliver.
What happens if I lose or damage an aligner tray?
Contact our office as soon as possible. Depending on where you are in your treatment sequence, Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will advise you to move to your next tray, return to your previous one, or get a replacement made. The important thing is not to skip ahead without checking with your orthodontist first.
Can teenagers use clear aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners are a popular option for teens and RuCo offers aligner treatment designed with teen patients in mind. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will let you know during the consultation whether your teen is a good candidate based on their specific case and their ability to commit to consistent wear.
Retainers
Why do I need a retainer after braces or aligners?
After active treatment ends, the bone and tissue surrounding your teeth need time to stabilize around the new alignment. Without a retainer worn consistently, teeth will gradually drift back toward their original positions. Retention is the final phase of orthodontic treatment and is just as important as the active phase that came before it.
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
Most patients wear their retainer full time for the first three to six months after treatment, then transition to nights only. After that, nightly wear is typically recommended indefinitely. The longer you go without wearing it consistently, the more likely your teeth are to shift.
Can I get a retainer at RuCo if I was treated somewhere else?
Yes. RuCo provides replacement retainers for patients regardless of where they completed their orthodontic treatment. Contact our office to schedule an appointment and we’ll take updated records to fit you with a new retainer.
What do I do if my retainer no longer fits?
Do not force it. Contact our office as soon as possible. A retainer that no longer fits is a sign that your teeth have shifted, and wearing an ill-fitting retainer can cause additional problems. We’ll evaluate your current alignment and determine the best path forward.
Insurance and Cost
Does RuCo accept my insurance?
RuCo Orthodontics is in-network with most major dental insurance plans. If you’re unsure whether your plan is accepted, bring your insurance card to your consultation and our team will verify your coverage before any decisions are made.
How much do braces cost in Smyrna, TN?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of the case. We don’t publish flat-rate pricing because it wouldn’t be accurate for every patient, but we do provide a complete cost breakdown including insurance coverage and payment options at your consultation before you leave. No vague estimates, no follow-up quotes.
Does insurance cover clear aligners?
Many insurance plans that cover braces also provide benefits toward clear aligner treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Our team will verify your specific benefits before your consultation so you know exactly what applies to your case.
What payment options are available?
RuCo offers flexible payment plans that allow families to spread the cost of treatment over time. We also accept CareCredit, a healthcare financing option that allows patients to pay over an extended period, often with low or no interest promotional options. Our team will walk you through all available options at your consultation.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
Patients without insurance are welcome at RuCo. Our team will walk you through the full cost of treatment and the payment options available so you can make a decision that works for your budget. Many uninsured patients find that flexible monthly payment plans make treatment very manageable.
Managing Discomfort
Is orthodontic treatment painful?
Most patients experience some soreness after braces are placed and after adjustment appointments, typically lasting one to two days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during those periods. Clear aligner patients may experience pressure when switching to a new tray, which also tends to resolve within a day or two.
What should I do if a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks?
Contact our office as soon as possible. A loose bracket or broken wire is not an emergency in most cases, but it should be addressed promptly to keep treatment on track. Our team will advise you on whether you need to come in right away or whether it can wait until your next scheduled appointment.
What counts as an orthodontic emergency?
True orthodontic emergencies are uncommon. A poking wire, loose bracket, or minor discomfort can typically be managed temporarily at home until you reach our office. If you’re experiencing significant pain, swelling, or a broken appliance that is causing injury, contact our office immediately and we will prioritize getting you seen.
Still Have Questions?
Still have questions? Call (615) 625-6900—we’re happy to help!