FAQs

As a courtesy to you and your family, the initial consultation is complimentary. Each patient will receive records, X-rays, a smile scan, and an exam with Dr. Aldridge, the top orthodontist Chattanooga, TN families choose, during the first visit.

At Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics, the first visit can last anywhere between 45 minutes and one hour depending on the patient's treatment needs. If you think you need braces in Chattanooga, TN from our team, rest assured we'll answer all your questions during this first appointment!

Absolutely. A growing percentage of our patients are adults. New, more cosmetic appliances are making adult treatment more comfortable and convenient. Adult treatments at our office include ceramic braces, Invisalign, and custom braces Chattanooga, TN patients prefer.

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Yes, we do. We handle a patient transferring into our office from another city just like a new patient. We gather complete diagnostic records to show the current status and propose treatment to complete the work that has been started.

As a rule of thumb, we like to evaluate young patients after the 6-year molars erupt and the front permanent teeth just start to appear. This is usually between the ages of 6 and 8. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that all children be seen for the first time by age 7.

The purpose of early evaluation is to inform and observe, more than to start treatment. At this early age, the eventual needs may be identified and discussed. A small percentage of this young group may need some form of intervention. Habits are evaluated, medical issues are discussed and an observation schedule is arranged until the patient is ready to begin treatment.

An orthodontist is a general dentist who has had at least two more years of full-time training in orthodontics resulting in a nationally accepted specialty certificate. The orthodontist then limits their practice to straightening teeth and dentofacial orthopedics. Dr. Aldridge is an AAO Certified Orthodontist in Chattanooga, TN, specializing in custom braces and Invisalign.

Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics is open between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Our orthodontist Chattanooga, TN relies on will do their best to work with your schedule and accommodate your preferred time.

Yes, our contact information for an emergency is posted on the website. Feel free to visit our Contact page for more information.

Yes.

Yes.  Whether or not you have insurance or a dental plan, we will structure a convenient payment plan that will allow you to pay for orthodontic services over time that usually coincides with your treatment plan.

After verification of coverage, Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics will agree to bill and collect from an insurance carrier. However, we ask patients to understand that if coverage ceases or changes, they are still responsible for the agreed-upon fee for their custom braces in Chattanooga, TN or another service they received.

As the orthodontist Chattanooga, TN prefers, we accept all major insurances and Medicaid including but not limited to: Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, UNUM, UnitedHealth, Humana, CareSource, Anthem, Aetna, TennCare, and PeachState.

*Subject to change. Coverage depends on the insurance plan and patient needs.

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.

Yes, we have arrangements for direct debit, charge card posting, as well as payments over the Internet.

We offer affordable payment plans without interest.

Yes, Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics offers special programs for multiple patients from the same family who need braces in Chattanooga, TN or one of our other services.

Yes, retainers are worn full-time for about 6 months followed by nighttime wear indefinitely.

Teeth move throughout life whether you have worn braces or not. It's part of the natural aging process. This is why Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics recommends you wear your retainer indefinitely to maintain your orthodontic results after getting off your braces in Chattanooga, TN.

At Greater Chattanooga Orthodontics, we strive to make orthodontic treatment affordable for all patients. We offer payment plans without interest, family discounts, and military discounts; plus, we accept all major insurances.

According to Healthline, the average cost of braces ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the type of braces Chattanooga, TN patients choose, the type of insurance, the length of treatment, the severity of patient needs, and more. To see how much your orthodontic treatment will be, schedule your free smile exam today!