What Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist with two to three years of additional training beyond dental school, focused on straightening teeth and correcting jaw alignment. While your general dentist handles cleanings, fillings, and overall oral health, a board certified orthodontist spends years mastering the art and science of moving teeth into proper position.
At Dorfman Orthodontic Group (DOG Ortho), Dr. Jake Dorfman, our board certified orthodontist, treats many types of alignment concerns. These include:
- Crowding: teeth that overlap or twist due to limited space
- Gaps and spacing: extra space between teeth affecting your smile
- Overbite: upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite: some upper teeth close inside lower teeth
- Open bite: front teeth don’t meet when back teeth are closed
We provide specialized orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults throughout Bensalem and the surrounding Philadelphia area. Treatment options at our practice include traditional metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early interceptive treatment for younger patients. Each option serves different needs, and your complimentary new patient consultation helps determine which approach fits your smile goals.
Benefits of Choosing a Local Bensalem Orthodontist
Picking a local orthodontist in Bensalem PA means your family won’t spend hours in traffic for routine appointments. DOG Ortho serves families across Bensalem, Philadelphia, and Bucks County with convenient scheduling that works around school and work. For families searching for affordable braces in Philadelphia, our flexible payment plans and in-network insurance options make quality care accessible.
Working with a board certified orthodontist offers real advantages over mail-order aligners or general dentist-supervised treatment. Dr. Jake Dorfman completed specialized residency training focused entirely on tooth movement and jaw development. This expertise matters when treating complex cases or growing children.
Health benefits of orthodontic treatment include:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Easier cleaning | Straight teeth have fewer tight spaces where plaque hides |
| Reduced decay risk | Better brushing and flossing access protects enamel |
| Healthier gums | Properly aligned teeth support gum tissue better |
| Improved bite function | Even pressure distribution reduces wear and jaw strain |
| Clearer speech | Correct tooth position can improve pronunciation |
Beyond oral health, a straighter smile often boosts confidence. Many patients tell us they smile more freely after treatment. In many cases, people with straight, healthy smiles report feeling more confident in social and professional settings.
Our Smile Forever Guarantee protects your investment long after treatment ends. This program provides ongoing retainer support so your results last a lifetime.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process at DOG Ortho
Knowing what happens during orthodontic treatment helps families feel prepared. Here’s how your experience unfolds at DOG Ortho:
- Complimentary New Patient Consultation. Your first visit includes a thorough examination and digital imaging. Goop-free, comfortable impressions capture detailed records of your teeth and bite. About an hour. That’s all it takes.
- Custom Treatment Plan Review. Our team presents your personalized treatment options, including timeline and investment. We explain the differences between braces and Invisalign clear aligners so you can make an informed decision. Payment plans available to fit your budget.
- Appliance Placement or Aligner Delivery. Choosing braces? We bond brackets to your teeth and thread the initial wire. For Invisalign patients, we fit your first set of aligners and explain the wear schedule. Most patients feel some pressure for the first few days as teeth begin moving. Totally normal.
- Regular Progress Visits. Plan on returning every four to eight weeks for adjustments. Braces patients receive new wires or elastics. Invisalign patients pick up their next sets of aligners. These visits are usually quick, often under thirty minutes. Easy to fit into a school or work day.
- Treatment Completion. Once your teeth reach their final positions, we remove braces or finish your last aligners. This is an exciting day. You finally see your new smile!
- Retainer Phase. Retainers keep your teeth in place after active treatment. Our Smile Forever Guarantee means we’re here for retainer support whenever you need it. Lost a retainer? Moved away? We’ve got you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Most children, teens, and adults with healthy teeth and gums can benefit from orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, enough permanent teeth have emerged for an orthodontist to spot developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth problems. Early evaluation doesn’t always mean early treatment, but it gives your orthodontist the chance to monitor growth and step in at the right time.
Good candidates for orthodontic treatment include:
- Children ages seven and up showing early signs of bite problems
- Teens with permanent teeth ready for braces or Invisalign Teen
- Adults wanting discreet options like clear braces or Invisalign clear aligners
- Anyone with crowding, spacing, bite issues, or jaw misalignment
- Patients committed to maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment
Before starting treatment, you’ll need healthy gums and teeth free from active decay. If you need dental work, we coordinate with your general dentist to prepare your mouth for braces or aligners.
Not sure if you’re a candidate? Your complimentary consultation at DOG Ortho answers that question. We evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach for your smile.
Why Bensalem Families Choose DOG Ortho
Dorfman Orthodontic Group has served Bensalem and surrounding communities for years, building a reputation as a trusted local practice. Led by Dr. Jake Dorfman, our board certified orthodontist, your family receives expert care from a specialist who completed advanced training beyond dental school. Dr. Dorfman is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential held by a select group of orthodontists who voluntarily pursue additional certification to demonstrate excellence in patient care.
The DOG Difference includes:
- DOG Kids Club: We make orthodontic visits fun for young patients with rewards and a welcoming atmosphere
- Emergency care: Broken bracket or wire poking? We see urgent cases promptly
- Flexible payment plans: Use our Payment Calculator to find an option that fits your budget
- Insurance-friendly: We work with most major insurance plans
- Convenient scheduling: Hours that accommodate working parents and busy students
- Two convenient locations: Bensalem and Southampton, easy to reach from Bucks County and Philadelphia
- Goop-free, comfortable impressions: Modern digital scanning replaces messy traditional molds
- Smile Forever Guarantee: Ongoing retainer support so your investment lasts
Our patients consistently share positive experiences. We encourage you to read reviews from local families who have changed their smiles with our team. Many of our new patients come from referrals, the highest compliment any practice can earn.
At DOG Ortho, we aim to spread happiness with every smile. Every time someone starts orthodontic treatment at our practice, we donate a portion to charity. You’re not just improving your smile. You’re helping your community. This is the DOG difference in action, and it’s something our patients and team feel proud of every single day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Bensalem
How much do braces cost in Bensalem PA?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary based on your specific needs, treatment type, and case complexity. During your complimentary consultation, we provide a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises. DOG Ortho offers flexible payment plans to make treatment affordable. Use our online Payment Calculator to estimate monthly payments before your visit.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most patients wear braces or aligners for twelve to twenty-four months. Your timeline depends on your starting position and treatment goals. Some minor cases finish faster, while complex cases may take longer. We give you a realistic estimate during your consultation.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. This doesn’t mean treatment starts that early for everyone. We monitor growth and development, recommending treatment only when the timing is right for your child.
Does insurance cover braces or Invisalign?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, often covering a portion of treatment costs. Our team verifies your coverage and explains your benefits before you commit to treatment. We also accept flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
Invisalign clear aligners treat many of the same conditions as traditional braces. Our team has extensive experience with clear aligner treatment across a wide range of cases. During your consultation, Dr. Jake Dorfman recommends the option that best fits your case.
What happens during a free orthodontic consultation?
Your complimentary new patient consultation includes a complete examination, digital imaging, and bite analysis. You’ll meet with our board certified orthodontist, discuss your concerns, and receive treatment recommendations. We explain all options, costs, and timelines so you can make an informed decision.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Bensalem’s Trusted Orthodontist
Ready to start your new smile? DOG Ortho makes exceptional orthodontic care easy, affordable, and fun for your whole family. From your first complimentary new patient consultation through your final retainer check, we treat every patient like family.
Book your complimentary consultation today. No referral is required to get started. Our convenient locations in Bensalem and Southampton serve patients throughout Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Philadelphia. Whether you’re looking for traditional metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign clear aligners, Dr. Jake Dorfman and our team are ready to help.
Contact DOG Ortho, Bensalem:
- Call or text: (215) 935-4639
- Schedule online
Where everyone smiles. That’s the DOG Ortho promise. We look forward to meeting you and your family, and helping you smile smarter, live better.