Patient Resources
smiles beyond your imagination
Your First Visit
At your first visit to our orthodontic office, we make some diagnostic records to determine the best course of treatment. Diagnostic records typically include photos of your face and teeth, as well as X-rays. We use this information to develop a custom treatment plan that’s unique to your needs and goals. These records are also helpful in tracking the progress of your treatment as your teeth begin to move and shift into the optimal position.
After we have evaluated your records, we’ll discuss our recommended treatment plan with you in detail.
Regular Appointments
Your first regular appointment is where the magic really happens. This is when we give you your appliances like braces, expanders, etc. Getting your appliances put on usually takes about an hour. Then, you’ll visit us at regular intervals, about 4 to 8 weeks apart, so that we can look at how your teeth are shifting and make any adjustments needed. This type of appointment takes around 30 minutes.
It’s important to note that patients are only seen by appointment only. We really make every effort to be on time for our patients and so we ask that you do your best to be on time for your appointments. Of course, we get it, life happens. If you know you’re going to be a few minutes late or need to cancel an existing appointment please notify our team as soon as you can.
Financial Info
Affordable Payment Plans
We get it. Orthodontic care can be expensive. That’s why we’re committed to giving back to the communities we serve by making it affordable so that everyone can get a smile they’re proud to show off. We offer braces and aligners for 60% less and with low monthly payments at 0% interest, orthodontic care is more affordable than ever.
We Accept Insurance & Medicaid
Our office staff is ready and able to help you with insurance claims and the paperwork that goes with it. Not only that, but we’ll also work with your insurance provider to make sure you get the most out of your benefits.
Some of the insurances we accept:
Accepted Insurances (not a comprehensive list):
Aetna DMO / HMO
Aetna PPO
Allegiance
Ameritas
Anthem BCBS
Argus
Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Florida
Blue Dental
Cigna HMO
Cigna PPO
Delta Care
Delta Dental (of multiple states)
Delta Dental Premier
Delta Dental PPO
Dentemax
Florida Combined Life
GEHA
Guardian PPO
Humana HMO
Humana PPO
Lincoln Financial
Metlife PPO
Mutual of Omaha
Principal PPO
Sunlife PPO
Tricare
UCCI
United Concordia PPO / UCCI
United Healthcare
UNUM
Does insurance cover dental braces costs?
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of orthodontics like dental braces or clear aligners by as much as 50% if the treatment is deemed medically necessary. We will check with your plan provider to determine your specific benefits including any deductible or co-pay requirements.
Ways to Save on Treatment
Beyond our discounts and savings with dental insurance, we accept additional methods of payment in an effort to help their patients pay for treatment by making the price more manageable. Some of these payment options might include:
- 0% Interest and No Credit Check Payment Plans: At Imagine, you can split your treatment cost into monthly payments that fit your budget.
- Dental Savings Plans: With a dental savings plan, you can save $1,000 to over $2,000, both for children and adult braces and treatment with a third party, or enroll in our in-house Ortho PrePay plan to save towards your braces or clear aligner treatment.
- HSA / FSA / HRA Accounts (or similar): If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), you can use money that has been put aside (pre-taxes) to pay for treatment.
Florida Medicaid Dental Insurers:
Will Medicaid cover the cost of braces?
For children under 21, Medicaid will cover the expenses of braces in the event that the need for braces is medically necessary. Once every year, your child can be assessed to determine whether braces are medically necessary. That means if you’re denied one year, you can schedule another evaluation during the following year. Normally, they will permit three evaluation attempts.
Ortho PrePay w/ PriceLock
The Imagine Ortho Prepay w/ PriceLock Program allows you to prepay for your or your child’s orthodontic treatment and lock in the best rate, including any exclusive discounts or promotions. The minimum monthly contribution for the program is $50 per month, with the first month being a non-refundable fee for administration cost. At the time your child is ready for treatment, our office will verify your insurance and apply any current benefits. If any additional appliances are necessary, the fee for those appliances will be added to the cost above at that time. If in the future you decide not to proceed with treatment, notify our office in writing, and we will issue you a refund for the entire amount, minus the initial administration fee, within 10 business days of request.
Flex For Your Smile
You can use your Flex Spending Account (FSA) and your Health Savings Accounts (HSA) towards your orthodontic treatment!
Benefits include:
- Retainer insurance
- Starting new treatment
- Professional whitening
- Paying off your balance
Treatment FAQ
Imagine Orthodontics Studio has many types of braces for kids, teens, and adults! If you are noticing any of the following conditions, you should visit us for your free consultation:
- Self-consciousness about your smile
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Excess gaps between the teeth
- Overbite or underbite
- Jaw problems
- Difficulties brushing or flossing
- Difficulty with chewing or speech
The cost of braces is unique to every smile. Your exact investment depends on the complexity of your case, the type of braces chosen, and the total duration of treatment.
We prioritize affordability. Imagine Orthodontic Studio offers flexible in-house 0% interest payment plans, accepts most major insurances (including Medicaid), and welcomes FSA/HSA funds.
Get a precise, all-inclusive estimate for free. The only way to get an accurate cost is through a complimentary consultation at one of our Central or West Florida studio locations!
Yes, we do! We offer flexible, 0% interest in-house payment plans customized to comfortably fit your household budget.
No credit checks are required to qualify for our in-house financing. Everyone is approved.
Maximum flexibility! We combine your insurance, Medicaid, or FSA/HSA benefits with low down payments to make achieving your dream smile entirely stress-free. We also offer an Ortho PrePay program that locks in the current price point (including any discounts) when you pay a small monthly amount towards treatment, regardless of when you start treatment. The minimum monthly contribution for the program is $50.00 per month.
Please contact our team to learn more about your payment options for treatment.
Watch your diet when you have braces! The last thing you want is to have to schedule an emergency appointment because of a popped bracket or broken wire. It’s smart to avoid these foods:
- Hard nuts
- Sticky candies
- Popcorn
- Fibrous veggies
- Bagels or hard rolls
- Chips
- Whole fruits
- Tough meat
Here’s how to brush your teeth when you have braces:
- Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle.
- Move the brush in gentle circular motions around each bracket.
- Make sure you are also brushing along your gum line.
- Clean every surface of your teeth, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
- Use an interdental brush to remove stubborn debris from between the brackets.
- Brush your tongue for fresh breath!
- Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Flossing may feel like a chore, but it’s a very important part of caring for your braces. Here are our tips for flossing with braces:
- Thread the floss underneath the archwire and between the teeth.
- Move the floss gently up and down.
- Let go of one end of the floss, and pull the floss out.
- Repeat until you’ve gotten in between each tooth.
- If it feels too difficult to floss normally, you can get a floss threader from your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Angel clear aligners are custom-made, clear plastic trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into their desired position. They are nearly invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for those who want a more discreet orthodontic solution. Unlike traditional braces, they are removable, which means you can eat, drink, brush, and floss without any hassle.
Clear aligners work by applying controlled, gentle forces to move your teeth over time. You will wear a series of aligners, each set designed to make slight adjustments to tooth position. Typically, you switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks until your teeth are properly aligned. At Imagine Orthodontic Studio, our Angel clear aligners are designed using 3D imaging technology to create a precise, customized treatment plan.
- Virtually Invisible — Angel clear aligners are made of clear plastic, making them nearly invisible when worn.
- Comfortable — Designed with smooth, BPA-free material, these aligners are less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks compared to metal braces.
- Removable — You can take out your aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, allowing for greater convenience and easier maintenance of oral hygiene.
- Fewer Office Visits — Because you change your aligners at home, you may have fewer in-office appointments.
Clear aligners are suitable for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic issues such as crowding, spacing, and minor bite problems. If you have more complex alignment needs, we may recommend other treatment options. Your orthodontist will evaluate your case during your consultation and advise whether Angel clear aligners are right for you.
The length of treatment depends on the complexity of your case. On average, most patients complete their clear aligner treatment in 12 to 18 months. However, you may start seeing noticeable results in a few weeks. Our team will provide an estimated treatment timeline tailored to your unique needs.
Some people experience a slight lisp when they first start wearing clear aligners, but this usually goes away within a few days as your mouth adjusts.
If you lose an aligner, contact Imagine Orthodontic Studio immediately. Depending on your treatment plan and how long you have been wearing the current set, we may advise you to move to the next set or order a replacement to keep your treatment on track.
To start your journey to a straighter smile, request a consultation with our team at Imagine Orthodontic Studio. We will discuss your smile goals, assess your orthodontic needs, and create a personalized treatment plan using Angel clear aligners.
After braces, you’ll need to wear a removable retainer for four months to a year, and you should only take it out when you’re eating or brushing your teeth. Once the prescribed period ends, your orthodontist will assess whether you need to continue wearing the retainer for a longer duration.
Even if there’s no sign of the teeth moving out of position, your orthodontist may suggest wearing your retainers to sleep, to ensure your teeth remain straight and stable. This recommendation may be for several months or years, or even an indefinite period, depending on the condition of your teeth.
Permanent retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, making them last many years. This ensures that your smile stays in place without having to remember your removable retainers.
Hawley Retainers
5 – 10 years
Vivera Retainers
1 – 5 years
Essix Retainers
1 – 5 years
Permanent Retainers
Up to 20 years
Losing or breaking a retainer can be a frustrating experience, but it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. If your retainer is lost or damaged, the first thing to do is to contact our office. We will assess the damage and advise you on the best course of action. In most cases, it’s necessary to have a new retainer made to replace the damaged or lost one.
It’s important to note that going without a retainer can have serious consequences. The longer you go without wearing a retainer, the more likely it is that your teeth will shift back to their original position. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve just finished orthodontic treatment, but it’s a risk that can be avoided by acting quickly.
Don’t worry if your retainer goes missing or gets damaged – our Retainer Assurance Program has got you covered. When you join, we provide unlimited replacement retainers for up to 6 years after completing treatment, ensuring you don’t have to worry about the cost of replacing them. With this program, you get peace of mind, and the ability to maintain the results of your orthodontic treatment without added stress or expense.