Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their dentist, yet many others take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to evaluate your orthodontic condition effectively.

If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office at (541) 687-1151, send us an e-mail at info@andybennion.com, or fill out our Contact Form online. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.

Upon arriving, each patient and parent will be seen by the staff and doctor, who will acclimate you to our office and prepare for the initial exam. We will take the necessary photographs and X-rays to allow us to make a proper diagnosis. The doctor will then complete a brief but thorough exam.

To read more about your first visit, see our First Visit page.

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial examination:

• Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
• What must be done to correct the problem?
• Will any teeth need to be removed?
• How long will the treatment take to complete?
• How much will the treatment cost?

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 6 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial examination. We have many financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims. We do accept many insurance types and offer 0% interest flexible financing options.

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every five to 10 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

We make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled five to 10 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments.

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.

Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.

Our hours are:

Monday - Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Friday-Sunday: Closed

We have orthodontic offices in Eugene and Junction City. 

Eugene Location:

2233-A Willamette St.

Eugene, OR 97405

Junction City Location:

1021 Juniper St.

Junction City, OR 97448

A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness, and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is “too old” to wear braces!

No, they will not. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as you grow. In most people, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth decreases with age.

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Orthodontics aims to achieve straight teeth and a balanced facial profile. However, because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 6 to 30 months. The “average” time frame a person is in braces is approximately 22 months.

Braces and aligners are both orthodontic treatment options, but they work differently. Braces involve bonding brackets to the teeth and connecting them with wires, which are adjusted to move the teeth gradually. They are fixed, meaning they remain in place 24/7 and are often more effective for complex orthodontic cases. On the other hand, aligners are removable, clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. A series of aligners are custom-made, each one slightly different, to progressively shift the teeth. Aligners offer greater aesthetics and the convenience of removal for eating and oral hygiene, but require discipline to wear as directed.

The choice between braces and aligners largely depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. If you prioritize aesthetics and the ability to easily remove your orthodontic appliance for eating and special occasions, aligners might be the better choice. However, if you have a complex orthodontic case or prefer a fixed solution that requires less discipline, braces could be the way to go. It's best to consult with an orthodontist to determine the most suitable option for your specific needs and goals.

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, “It does not have to hurt to work!”

Yes. There is no reason to miss school because of an orthodontic appointment.

No. Shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

Absolutely not! It is our belief that each patient should be provided with their own braces to achieve the best orthodontic result possible.

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports.

Yes! Regular check-ups with your dentist are important while in braces. Your dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include ice, hard candy, raw vegetables, and all sticky foods (i.e., caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

For more information, please read our Foods to Avoid page.

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.

Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children be screened by an Orthodontist at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to evaluate your child's orthodontic condition effectively.

Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient’s growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.

If necessary, phase one treatment is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10 and lasts about 12-21 months. The primary objective of Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called the “resting period,” during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Parents and patients will be informed of future treatment recommendations throughout this period.

At the completion of the initial examination, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

Yes. We understand your busy schedule and are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.