New Patients
Resources and information to get you started at Hillcrest Orthodontics.
Complete Your Paperwork
You can fill out your forms online.
You don’t have to wait until appointment day to get ready for your visit. Please view and fill out your patient registration forms from the comfort of your home. We look forward to meeting you and improving your smile.
Orthodontic treatment is more accessible than ever, with multiple payment options and in-house financing available. We offer interest-free financing through Orthobanc so that you and your family get the treatment you need.
Our office assists with your insurance claim. We’ll work closely with your provider to confirm coverage and file claims on your behalf.
*Alabama Medicaid does not cover braces and we cannot file on Medicare.
Karen Z.
Address:
1605 Hillcrest Road
Mobile, AL 36695
Hours:
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: Closed (Open one Friday a month)
Address:
422 Douglas Ave.,
Brewton, AL 36426
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:00am - 3:00pm (once a month)
Thursday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Friday: Closed
FAQs: Get Your Questions Answered
- At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening for my child? The American Association of Orthodontists…Opens a new window to the AAO website… recommends an orthodontic screening for children at the age of 7. By this age, most children have several permanent teeth that have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate the layout of their teeth along with potential problems.
Children greatly benefit from early intervention for orthodontics. Often, treatments may be easier if started during development.
- How long does orthodontic treatment take? Treatment time is unique for each patient and depends on the specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months. On average, a person is in braces for approximately 22 months, but this varies on many factors.
Dr. Salter offers complimentary consultations for braces and aligners, where we examine your mouth and provide proposed treatment options, costs, and timelines. Schedule your appointment today!
- How much do braces cost? How does my insurance work and are financing options available?
We can only provide an accurate cost for orthodontic treatment after an initial consultation and exam. During this visit, we’ll outline the exact cost of your treatment plan along with the payment and financing options.
Hillcrest Orthodontics in Brewton and Mobile, AL, offers many financing options to accommodate your needs. We’ll also review your insurance policy, help maximize your benefits, and file claims on your behalf. Braces and aligners are more accessible than ever!
- Will my teeth straighten out as they grow? No, teeth will not straighten out as they grow. The space available for the front teeth does not increase as a person develops. In most cases, after the permanent molars erupt, the space available for the front teeth only decreases with age.
- True orthodontic or dental emergencies include:
- Trauma or injury to the face, mouth, or teeth
- Infection or swelling of the face, mouth, or gums
- Severe, unmanageable mouth area pain or discomfort
If any of these situations arise, please seek help as soon as possible. Please go to an emergency room if that’s your best option. For non-life-threatening emergencies, the best place to start is with your regular dentist.
Your dentist is trained to handle a range of dental problems and can most likely offer the necessary diagnostics, anesthetics, and treatments you need.
For example, if you have a fractured tooth, your dentist will treat the immediate problem and arrange for the tooth’s restoration. Meanwhile, severe pain or swelling could be a sign of infection or disease, which a dentist or periodontist can best treat.
Whatever happens, we’ll adjust your orthodontic treatment plan accordingly, but your health and comfort come first.
- What should I do if a wire is poking me?
As your teeth start to move, the connecting archwire that connects your braces may begin poking the back of the mouth or irritating your cheeks. If that happens, please contact our office for guidance and instructions.
We can walk you through safe ways to move the wire or shorten it. Additionally, when wires or brackets cause irritation, you can cover the metal parts with wax to help ease any discomfort.
As with any orthodontic issues, if you’re unable to resolve your problem at home, please call our office and we’ll schedule you for a visit.
- My bracket broke; what should I do? A broken braces bracket is often caused by eating hard/sticky candy or food or playing with your braces. If the broken bracket or band is still attached to the wire, then leave it as is and don’t connect any elastics there. You can cover the broken section with orthodontic wax if it’s irritating the inside of your mouth.
If the bracket has come off, please save it. In either case, please call our office to let us know what happened and we’ll schedule an appointment at your convenience. Be sure to bring any loose parts when you come into the office.
- Is general tooth pain or loosening normal? It’s normal for teeth to become slightly loosened during orthodontic treatment. This shows they’re moving to their new position!
Sometimes, tenderness may accompany this movement, especially after braces are just placed or adjusted. For minor soreness, you can use a regular over-the-counter pain reliever.
Another option for relieving discomfort is a salt-water rinse twice a day. Mix one teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water, and rinse for 30 seconds. You can also apply a warm washcloth or heating pad to the outside of the jaw for extra pain relief.
While actual orthodontic emergencies are rare, our goal is to make your braces or aligner treatment as comfortable as possible. If you need additional help, please contact us directly.
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