Frequently Asked Questions

Village Orthodontics is a doctor-owned orthodontic practice in the heart of Dunwoody Village, led by Vanderbilt-trained orthodontist Dr. Bret Freedman. We serve patients from Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Norcross, and surrounding North Atlanta communities with braces, Invisalign, functional appliances, and surgical orthodontic coordination.

Unlike large corporate practices with crowded open bay clinics and multiple rotating doctors, Village Orthodontics was designed for privacy, comfort, and continuity of care. You see one orthodontist, treatment is done in private or semi-private spaces, and our team focuses on quality over volume so you never feel like just another chart.

We provide a full range of orthodontic services, including high-tech metal braces, cosmetic ceramic braces, Invisalign clear aligners, Inbrace or lingual braces, orthognathic surgery coordination, and functional appliance therapy. This allows us to treat everything from simple crowding to complex bite and jaw issues in children, teens, and adults.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Village Orthodontics, this early visit lets us check jaw growth, tooth eruption, and possible crossbites or habits, so we can advise you whether to simply monitor or consider early treatment.

Yes, we treat many adult patients who want to improve their smile or fix long-standing bite issues. As long as your teeth and supporting bone are healthy, we can move your teeth at almost any age using braces, Invisalign, or a combination approach that may be coordinated with your general dentist.

Your first visit is a relaxed 20 to 30 minute new patient consultation with Dr. Freedman. We review your concerns, examine your teeth and bite, take photos and any necessary X-rays or scans, then explain your orthodontic needs and treatment options in clear language. Before you leave, you will understand your recommended plan, estimated timeline, and next steps.

No referral is required to see us at Village Orthodontics. While many patients are referred by their dentist or pediatric dentist, you are always welcome to contact us directly for a complimentary consultation. We also coordinate with your dentist if any restorative work needs to be planned around your orthodontic treatment.

We treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing and gaps, teeth that erupt in the palate or outside the arch, overbite where you cannot see the lower teeth, overjet where the upper front teeth stick out too far, open bite where teeth do not touch, crossbites, underbites, and habit-related problems such as thumb or finger sucking.

Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case, your growth pattern, and how closely you follow instructions like wearing elastics or aligners. Some simple cases can finish in about a year, while more complex bite corrections take longer. During your consultation, Dr. Freedman will give you a personalized estimate of how long your braces or Invisalign treatment is likely to take.

You may feel some soreness or pressure when braces are placed, wires are changed, or when you switch to a new Invisalign tray. This is normal and usually mild. We use modern brackets and wires designed to apply gentle forces, and most patients find any discomfort improves within a few days. Over-the-counter acetaminophen is usually all that is needed if you are sore.

Excellent oral hygiene is critical when you wear braces or aligners. At Village Orthodontics, we teach you how to brush and floss with braces, review your technique at each appointment, and watch for signs of plaque buildup or gum irritation. Keeping your teeth clean helps prevent cavities, white spots, and gum problems so your smile looks its best when treatment is finished.

Yes, when it is truly needed. Phase I treatment is reserved for specific problems like crossbites, severe crowding that blocks eruption, or significant habits that affect jaw growth. Early treatment can help guide jaw development, reduce the risk of permanent tooth extraction or surgery later, and protect teeth and bite. If it is not necessary, we will simply monitor your child until the right time for comprehensive treatment.

The cost of braces or Invisalign varies depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. After your consultation, our treatment and financial coordinator will go over your fee in detail, explain what is included, and help you choose a payment option that fits your budget. We are committed to making high quality orthodontic care as affordable and transparent as possible.

Yes. Village Orthodontics partners with most major PPO dental insurance plans that include orthodontic benefits and we file claims on your behalf. We also offer interest-free in office financing, accept major credit cards and CareCredit, and provide discounts for patients who pay in full. Our goal is to remove financial barriers so you can move forward with treatment confidently.

Straighter teeth and a corrected bite can make it easier to brush and floss, which lowers your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. A balanced bite can also reduce abnormal enamel wear and strain on the jaw joints. Many patients notice improvements in comfort, function, and confidence after orthodontic treatment, which can have positive effects on overall well-being.

Village Orthodontics uses advanced orthodontic technology, including 3D imaging, digital X-rays, and intraoral scanners that create precise digital models of your teeth. These tools help us see impacted teeth, analyze jaw growth, plan tooth movements more accurately, and reduce or eliminate the need for goopy impressions in many cases.

Yes. One of the benefits of choosing Village Orthodontics is that you see Dr. Freedman throughout your treatment. This consistency means your orthodontist knows your case in detail, can make precise adjustments, and can keep your progress on track without the confusion that can happen when multiple doctors share a case.

Most patients are seen every 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the stage of treatment and whether you are in braces, Invisalign, or appliance therapy. These visits let us make adjustments, check your hygiene, and answer questions. We work hard to keep your appointment schedule efficient and respectful of school and work commitments.

When active treatment is complete, we move into the retention phase to keep your teeth in their new positions. This often includes a combination of permanent retainers bonded behind the teeth when appropriate and removable clear retainers for night time wear. Our team will give you detailed instructions and follow up to help protect your smile long term.

Getting started is simple. Call our Dunwoody office or contact us through our website to schedule a complimentary new patient consultation. We will listen to your concerns, complete a thorough orthodontic evaluation, explain your options, and help you decide on a treatment plan that fits your goals, budget, and lifestyle so you can begin your smile journey with confidence.