Your answers to common orthodontic questions.

We're here to answer any questions you may have.

Honest answers about orthodontics, braces, and clear aligners.

We don't treat people like clinical cases. We know you have questions about your treatment, and we're happy to give you the answers. We'll work hard to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Contact us if you ever have questions. We're here to help! 

You’re a part of our office family.

We want your visit to our office to be the best part of your day. We want you to feel like family every time you visit us!

We want to connect with your story.

We know this is about more than just teeth. We want to know your needs and goals, and we'll do our best to exceed them!

You'll love the service we provide.

We build relationships because we care about our patients. We want you to have a smooth patient experience start to finish!

We love serving Philadelphia.

We do everything in our power to make your time with us amazing!

What we believe.

We believe treatment is about more than straightening teeth. It's about truly caring for you.

Financing options.

We make braces and orthodontic treatment truly affordable. We want to know what works for you.

Group of people smiling and waving indoors

We are a family.

We treat you with respect and dignity, the same way we want to be treated – just like family.

Let’s talk about orthodontics.

This is difficult for a parent to evaluate. Even if your child’s teeth look straight, there may be problems that require the expertise of an orthodontist. It's recommended that your child consult with an orthodontist by age 7. 

We offer free initial consultations where we can assess your child and offer any recommendations. Early detection is the best prevention against future difficult treatment for your child. Some problems will disappear on their own, while others will need treatment. We're here to guide you, whatever your needs!

Does insurance cover braces? Does insurance cover Invisalign? The answer to both questions is maybe. Different policies cover braces and clear aligners at different rates, if at all. Appel Orthodontics works with all major insurance providers to cover as much of your treatment as possible.  We can tell you how much are braces with insurance once we've worked with you and your insurance provider.

We want you to get the orthodontic treatment you need, which is why we do all we can to make it affordable to you. We are in-network with all major insurance companies. We also offer 0% in-house financing with no down payment and extended payments up to 36 months. Let us show you what we can do for you!

You're never too old for braces! Appel Orthodontics serves patients of all ages, including many adult patients. In fact, about a quarter of our patients are adults! Adult braces treatment can relieve headaches, jaw pain, and digestive problems, and even improve breathing and sleep. That's in addition to giving you a beautiful new smile! 

Most orthodontic treatments last 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case. At Appel Orthodontics, a family-owned practice serving Philadelphia for almost 50 years, we build customized treatment plans designed to be efficient while still delivering excellent results. Some mild cases may finish sooner, while more complex bite issues may take longer. During your free consultation, we'll walk you through a clear timeline, so you know what to expect from the start.
Orthodontists recommend children have their first evaluation around age 7. At Appel Orthodontics, families throughout Northeast Philadelphia and the greater Philadelphia area appreciate that early evaluations help identify growth or bite issues before they become more complex. Early visits are complimentary and pressure-free, and for patients who aren't quite ready to begin treatment, we still make sure they leave with a smile. Early treatment isn't always needed, but early insight is valuable.
The cost of braces in Philadelphia and the surrounding area can vary depending on the type of braces and the complexity of treatment. At Appel Orthodontics, we go out of our way to make orthodontic care affordable and accessible for families throughout Northeast Philadelphia and the greater Philadelphia area. Instead of a big upfront number, most patients build a flexible monthly financing plan with a low down payment at the time your contract is signed and 0% interest for up to 36 months, so cost never has to be a barrier to a confident, healthy smile.
The cost of clear aligners like Invisalign or Spark can vary depending on treatment complexity. At Appel Orthodontics in Northeast Philadelphia, aligner treatment is financed the same way as braces: with a flexible down payment at signing and 0% interest spread over as long as 36 months, making it an affordable option compared to paying out of pocket at many orthodontic offices in the Philadelphia area. Our team builds a transparent financing plan around your budget during your free consultation.
The most affordable way to get braces in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities is usually through a flexible monthly financing plan. At Appel Orthodontics, most patients pay a low monthly fee of around $150-$200, spread over roughly 30 months, with 0% interest for up to 36 months. We ask for a down payment at the time your contract is signed, but we keep it flexible, and in some cases, it can be as low as your regular monthly payment. Located at our Northeast Philadelphia office on Geiger Road, Appel Orthodontics makes it easy to start treatment the same day as your free consultation.
Yes. Flexible financing is central to how Appel Orthodontics works with patients across Philadelphia. We offer 0% interest financing for up to 36 months, with a down payment collected at the time your contract is signed, so you can start treatment the day of your consultation. We keep that down payment flexible and low whenever possible, in some cases as low as the monthly installment amount. Payments can be extended over 24-36 months for as low as $149/month, and financing covers not just braces or aligners but also retainer insurance and optional post-treatment whitening, all built into one plan that fits your budget.

Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, especially for children and teens. Appel Orthodontics proudly serves patients throughout Philadelphia and is in network with nearly every private dental insurance provider in the region, including:

Aetna (DMO and PPO)
Blue Cross Blue Shield / Horizon BCBS
Cigna (DHMO and PPO)
Delta Dental
Ameritas
GEHA
Guardian
Humana/Teamcare
MetLife
Principal
United Concordia (UCCI)
United Healthcare
UNUM
Several Teamsters and union benefit plans

If we aren't already in network with your plan, let us know and we'll do what we can to get there. Our team verifies coverage and handles the details before treatment begins, so you fully understand your options from day one.

Yes. Many patients across Philadelphia begin treatment without dental insurance. At Appel Orthodontics, in-house financing with a flexible, low down payment at signing and 0% interest for up to 36 months keeps orthodontic care affordable for families, whether or not insurance is part of the picture. We'll also make sure you're taking full advantage of any FSA or HSA funds available to you.

Common braces & treatment questions.

Braces can cause mild soreness or pressure, especially after adjustments, but discomfort usually lasts only a few days. Patients across Philadelphia often find that soreness becomes easier to manage as treatment progresses. Our team at Appel Orthodontics provides tips and guidance to help keep you comfortable throughout treatment, and we're always just a call away if something feels off, like a broken bracket or wire.

Two-phase orthodontic treatment involves treating dental issues early (about ages 9-11) to prevent worse issues later, then treating with braces around age 11-13, if necessary. Sometimes, Phase I treatment solves the problems. If not, it will make Phase II treatment easier for your child. 

We can determine in our initial evaluation whether your child needs two-phase treatment or can wait for braces later.

This is hard to say because we assess and treat on a case-by-case basis. An average timeline could be less than 18 months, while some take up to 2 years. Our aim is always for the highest quality in orthodontic results, and we’ll take however long it needs to get there.

We believe with missing teeth, getting braces becomes even more necessary to prevent future orthodontic and dental problems. Existing teeth can drift into the empty space and can lead to recession of the gum tissue and breakdown of the jawbone. We can correct these problems and fix your alignment, allowing your dentist to replace the missing teeth.

Extraction therapy means we have to remove permanent teeth as part of your orthodontic treatment. It is necessary to allow the other teeth to move to their proper places. 

Non-Extraction therapy involves moving the teeth without having to remove any first. Today's technology allows us to use non-extraction therapy much more than extraction therapy. We will let you know during your initial consultation which type of treatment will be best for you. 

Both options are effective for adults, and Appel Orthodontics treats patients of all ages throughout Philadelphia. Clear aligners like Invisalign or Spark are popular with adults for their discreet appearance and flexibility, while braces may be better suited for more complex corrections. During your free consultation, our team will help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget, and financing is available either way with a flexible down payment at signing and 0% interest for up to 36 months.

Metal braces are durable, efficient, and effective for all types of orthodontic cases. Clear braces work the same way but use tooth-colored brackets to blend in more naturally with your smile. At Appel Orthodontics in Northeast Philadelphia, both options are available, and our team will help you weigh the look, cost, and treatment goals that matter most to you during your free consultation.

Most patients visit Appel Orthodontics every 8 to 10 weeks during treatment. These appointments allow for adjustments and progress checks to ensure treatment stays on track toward your new smile.

Patients with braces should avoid hard or sticky foods like popcorn, ice, and chewy candy to prevent broken brackets or wires. Clear aligner patients can eat normally but must remove aligners during meals. The Appel Orthodontics team provides easy-to-follow food guidelines so patients throughout Philadelphia feel confident and comfortable throughout treatment.

Patients with braces should brush after meals and use floss threaders or water flossers to clean around brackets and wires. Invisalign or Spark aligner patients should brush and floss before reinserting their aligners. At Appel Orthodontics, we review hygiene tips at every visit to help keep smiles healthy throughout treatment, and our retainer insurance program helps protect your results for seven years after treatment ends.

If you have crowding, spacing, bite issues, or jaw discomfort, orthodontic treatment may help. The best way to know is with a free consultation at Appel Orthodontics in Northeast Philadelphia. As a family-owned practice serving Philadelphia for almost 50 years, we provide honest recommendations tailored to your needs, no pressure, just clear answers, and you can typically start treatment the same day as your consultation.

Your new smile starts here

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