PATIENT INFO
Patient Info
Everything you need in one place: office visits, braces care, retainers, emergencies, FAQs, financing, patient rewards, and more — built for clarity and long-term stability.
Fargo • West Fargo • Wahpeton
Clear steps, calm support
Retainers + emergencies
OFFICE VISITS
What to expect at your appointments.
From your first consultation to regular visits — clear steps and a plan built around you.
First consult
Visits every 4–8 weeks
Flexible scheduling
Keep dental checkups
Initial consultation
- Meet the team and learn about orthodontic care.
- Review your dental + medical history forms.
- Oral exam and imaging (x-ray if needed) to confirm if treatment is recommended.
- Create a personalized treatment plan.
- Review insurance + payment plan options.
After the consultation
- We schedule your first appointment and place the appliance.
- Most first-start appointments take around an hour.
- Our team helps keep you comfortable throughout.
Scheduling appointments
- Typical cadence: every 4–8 weeks.
- Share your best days/times — we’ll aim for convenience.
- Running late or need to reschedule? Call us — we’ll try to accommodate.
Dental visits during treatment
- Keep seeing your family dentist every 6 months for cleanings/checkups.
- If extra dental care is needed, we can coordinate with your dentist.
Every case is different — we’ll confirm what’s right for you at your consult.
LIFE WITH BRACES
Practical tips that keep treatment on track.
Eating, soreness, loose wires, rubber bands, and sports — quick guidance in one place.
Food do’s & don’ts
Soreness relief
Loose wires
Sports safety
Eating with braces
- Foods to avoid: chewy, crunchy, sticky, hard, and foods that require biting into.
- Foods you can eat: soft dairy, pasta/rice, soft meats, steamed vegetables, applesauce/bananas.
- When in doubt, cut foods into smaller pieces.
Soreness & irritation
- Mild tenderness at first is normal and improves quickly.
- Saltwater rinse: 1 tsp salt in 8 oz lukewarm water; swish a couple minutes (don’t swallow).
- Wax can help lips/cheeks adjust during the first 1–2 weeks.
Loose teeth, wires, or bands
- Teeth can feel slightly loose while moving — this can be normal.
- If a wire/band comes loose, call us so we can repair it.
- Temporary help for a poking wire: gently nudge back + use wax.
Taking care of appliances & rubber bands
- Damaged appliances can increase treatment time.
- Consistent wear helps teeth and jaws move correctly.
Sports & activities
- You can still play sports — wear a mouthguard for protection.
- After an impact: check teeth/appliance and call if something feels off.
RETAINERS
Protect your results long-term.
Daily wear + proper care helps prevent shifting. Also learn about the “Retainers for Ten” program.
Wear as directed
Clean daily
Store in case
Replacement program
Retainer instructions
- Wear your retainer as directed by your doctor.
- Remove it when eating; store it in its case.
- Clean once daily with a toothbrush + toothpaste using warm (not hot) water.
- When it’s not in your mouth, it should be in its case — pets love to chew retainers.
- If lost or broken, call us: (701) 293-5300.
Retainers for Ten (replacement program)
- Enrollment: one-time fee (commonly listed at $760).
- Coverage: up to 4 clear replacement retainers per year for up to 10 years.
- Copay: typically $20 per clear retainer.
- Limitations: max 4/year; retainers only; excludes some specialty retainer types; fees may change; non-refundable.
FINANCIAL INFO
Clear options that fit your budget.
Costs vary by case. We’ll explain your plan and help you choose a payment option that works.
Insurance help
In-house financing
Discounts
HSA/FSA
- We accept: major credit cards / cash, HSA / flexible spending, most dental insurance plans.
- We offer: interest-free in-house financing + insurance coordination.
- Discounts: pay-in-full, multiple family members, dental professionals.
EMERGENCIES
Fast help when something feels off.
If something is poking, loose, or uncomfortable, use the guide and call us. For severe trauma or breathing issues, seek urgent/emergency care.
Poking wire
Loose bracket
Wax
Call us
- Poking wire: wax + gently nudge back if needed; call us for repair.
- Loose bracket/band: call us; save any pieces; avoid hard/sticky foods.
- Severe trauma / trouble breathing: seek urgent or emergency care immediately.
ORTHO BUCKS
Rewards for great cooperation.
Earn Ortho Bucks at your visits for outstanding cooperation and redeem for prizes.
Earn each visit
Redeem prizes
Motivation
- Patients can earn Orthobucks at every regularly scheduled appointment for outstanding cooperation.
- Orthobucks can be redeemed for prizes such as smart speakers, electric toothbrushes, and gift cards.
SMILE + GLOW
A perk program for qualifying treatment.
Not sure if you qualify? Email Info@we-ortho.com.
$3,500+ treatment
Use within 6 months
Call/text/email to book
No cash value
- Perk card is provided when signing a treatment contract and making an initial down payment.
- Qualifying treatment is listed as $3,500+.
- Perk must be used within 6 months; scheduling is by call/text/email (not online).
- Perk has no cash value and must be assigned to one person.
Orthodontic FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about orthodontics, braces, and daily care.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics (also called dentofacial orthopedics) focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.
What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist with additional training to straighten teeth, correct jaw alignment, and improve function.
What’s the best age to visit the orthodontist?
Any age can be a great time. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children visit around age 7 for an early evaluation.
How can I care for my teeth with braces or a retainer?
Brush after every meal, floss daily, use fluoride toothpaste (ask if a fluoride rinse is needed), keep retainers clean, limit sugary foods, and keep routine dental visits every 6 months.
What are braces?
Braces are appliances used to improve alignment and function. Options may include clear, ceramic, lingual, self-ligating, and traditional metal braces.
How long do braces take?
Treatment time varies by patient. It can range from about 6 to 30 months, with many standard treatments around 22 months.
Do braces hurt?
Braces usually don’t “hurt,” but you may feel discomfort for a couple days as teeth and tissues adjust.
Do I need to brush more often with braces?
Yes — brush at least three times a day and floss daily. We can show you the best technique after braces are placed.
Do I still need dental checkups every six months?
Yes — regular dental checkups are especially important during orthodontic treatment.
Will braces interfere with sports, instruments, or singing?
You can still participate. A mouthguard is recommended for contact sports; instruments may take a short adjustment period.
How do I schedule my next appointment?
Call our office — our front desk staff will help schedule your next visit at your convenience.
Tour Our Offices
Want to feel comfortable before you begin? Schedule an appointment or stop by for a tour — meet the team, walk through the office and treatment areas, and learn more about the care we provide.
Smile Transformation Gallery
See real before-and-after orthodontic changes across common alignment, bite, and spacing concerns.
Crowding of the Teeth
Deep Overbite
Spacing of Teeth
Phase 1
Ready to talk options?
Tell us your goals, and we’ll map out a plan built for long-term stability — with clear expectations and a path that fits your schedule.