Orthodontic & Orofacial Health Insights

These articles explain how orthodontic care is assessed, when treatment is recommended, and why fees and timelines vary. If you are seeking an estimate or wondering whether treatment is appropriate, a diagnostic consultation is the appropriate first step.

Articles are organized to help you understand whether orthodontic care is appropriate, when treatment is recommended, and how fees and timelines are determined.

If you are looking for a general understanding of fees, timing, or whether treatment is necessary, the articles below explain how those decisions are made and why estimates vary.

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Is orthodontic treatment needed?

When is the right time to treat?

How breathing, growth, and function interact?

How fees, insurance, and process work?

Orofacial pain and TMJ considerations

Clear Aligner Treatment: A Patient Guide to Staying on Track

Successful clear aligner treatment depends on biologic principles that govern how teeth move and how the supporting tissues respond. Comfort, speed, and appearance do not determine success. Biology does. The principles outlined below are shared to improve public understanding and to guide patients in following aligner treatment correctly. What Is Clear Aligner Therapy? Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of custom-fabricated, removable appli

Marlon A. Moldez

How Orthodontic Fees Are Determined - And Why They Vary

Most people walk into an orthodontic consultation with one question quietly sitting at the front of their mind: How much is this going to cost? That question is reasonable. Orthodontic treatment is a significant commitment of time, energy, and money, and patients deserve clarity before they begin. What many people don’t realize, however, is that orthodontic fees are not set by the type of appliance—braces or aligners—but by something far less visible: the diagnosis. At fi

Marlon A. Moldez

Clear Aligner Treatment: A Patient Guide to Staying on Track

Successful clear aligner treatment depends on biologic principles that govern how teeth move and how the supporting tissues respond. Comfort, speed, and appearance do not determine success. Biology does. The principles outlined below are shared to improve public understanding and to guide patients in following aligner treatment correctly. What Is Clear Aligner Therapy? Clear aligner therapy is an orthodontic treatment that uses a sequence of custom-fabricated, removable appli

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

How Orthodontic Fees Are Determined - And Why They Vary

Most people walk into an orthodontic consultation with one question quietly sitting at the front of their mind: How much is this going to cost? That question is reasonable. Orthodontic treatment is a significant commitment of time, energy, and money, and patients deserve clarity before they begin. What many people don’t realize, however, is that orthodontic fees are not set by the type of appliance—braces or aligners—but by something far less visible: the diagnosis. At fi

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

Why Not All Crooked Teeth Should Be Straightened

Many people assume that crooked teeth should be straightened whenever possible. In reality, orthodontic tooth movement is governed by biologic limits that define what can be corrected safely and what cannot. These limits arise from the periodontium, root morphology, facial growth patterns, and biologic equilibrium. When orthodontic forces exceed these constraints, short-term alignment may be achieved, but the long-term consequence may be irreversible tissue harm. Why Crooked

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

Do All Orthodontic Consultations Lead to Treatment?

An orthodontic consultation may result in several distinct clinical outcomes, including monitoring, referral or coordinated care, absence of a treatment recommendation, or orthodontic intervention. These outcomes represent deliberate management decisions based on diagnostic findings and risk assessment, not a default progression toward active treatment. The purpose of the consultation outcome is to determine whether orthodontic intervention would improve health, function, sta

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

What Happens During an Orthodontic Consultation

An orthodontic consultation is a structured diagnostic appointment, typically lasting 30 to 60 minutes, designed to gather, organize, and interpret clinical information relevant to occlusal and skeletal relationships relative to growth and functional influences, within the context of the patient’s dental and medical history. The purpose of the visit is to establish an accurate diagnostic understanding and determine appropriate next steps based on clinical findings. Review of

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

Aesthetic Gingival Recontouring

Aesthetic gingival recontouring addresses uneven gum contours that affect smile appearance after orthodontic treatment. This article reviews indications, anatomy, and clinical limitations.

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

When Is the Appropriate Time to Consider Tooth Whitening After Orthodontic Treatment?

Tooth whitening after orthodontic treatment requires appropriate timing to protect enamel and gingival health. This article explains when whitening is recommended and when it should be delayed.

Marlon A. Moldez

What are refinement aligners?

Refinement aligners are commonly used in clear aligner therapy to address residual tooth movement. This article explains why refinements are needed and how they support treatment accuracy.

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

Dental Crowding, Spacing, and Black Triangles: Developmental and Anatomical Consideration

Black triangles between teeth are influenced by dental crowding, spacing, and underlying bone anatomy. This article explains developmental factors affecting interdental gingival embrasures.

Orthodontic Diagnosis and Treatment

Marlon A. Moldez

TMJ Clicking: Evidence, Causes, Imaging Considerations, and Natural Course

TMJ clicking is a common joint sound often related to disc displacement with reduction. This article reviews causes, imaging considerations, and the expected natural course.

Orofacial Pain & TMJ

Marlon A. Moldez

Snoring, Mouth Breathing, and Sleep Apnea: Orthodontic Considerations

Snoring and mouth breathing may be associated with sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea. This article outlines orthodontic considerations within multidisciplinary care.

Dental Sleep Medicine

Marlon A. Moldez

Mouth Breathing in Children: Clinical Considerations for Parents

Mouth breathing in children may affect facial growth, dental development, and sleep quality. This article reviews common causes and explains why early orthodontic evaluation matters.

Featured

Marlon A. Moldez

Orthodontic Therapies in the Context of Breathing Disorders

Certain orthodontic therapies may support airway management in patients with breathing disorders. This article reviews expansion and mandibular advancement in coordination with sleep care.

Dental Sleep Medicine

Marlon A. Moldez

Considering an Orthodontic Assessment?

If you are wondering whether orthodontic care is appropriate, a diagnostic consultation is the appropriate next step. Assessment is individualized and does not obligate treatment.

Request a consultation