10 Questions to ask before choosing your Asheville Orthodontist

Are you looking for an orthodontist for your kids or yourself?

Dr. Scanlan, an expert in orthodontics, treats patients of all ages.

The most common questions regarding orthodontic treatment are the cost of braces and time of treatment. It's also important to ask about follow-up care because once you have straight teeth you want to keep them that way!

Here are 10 questions you should ask your Asheville Orthodontist:


1) How much will orthodontic treatment cost? / What are the payment options?

Prior to an exam, it is difficult to acurately predict the investment of orthodontic treatment. At TS Orthodontics we make this process as easy as possible! As a courtesy, we will research your orthodontic insurance benefits and have the information available for you at your complimentary exam. Following the exam, a treatment plan will be provided along with a no-interest payment plan.

2) What does the fee include?

The fee at TS Orthodontics includes everything involved in orthodontic treatment!

• Appliances being placed.


• All adjustment appointments, including emergency appointments.


• Appliances being removed.


• Retention (Clear retainers and/or permenant retainers).


• Retention follow-up appointments for one year following active orthodontic treatment.

3) Hours? Emergency times?

TS Orthodontics provides 24-hour access. For questions or emergencies afterhours, a contact is provided to answer questions and if needed, provide immediate care.

4) How long will I have to wear braces?

Utilitizing 3-D technology, Dr. Scanlan provides cutting-edge treatment, efficiency and outstanding results. Average treatment time in braces is approximately 15 months, but may vary depending on the orthodontic complexity.

5) What type of retainers will be used?

Retention includes a customized appliance. In some cases, a permanent retainer is placed on the teeth that are likely to shift.


6) Do you accept my insurance? How do they pay you?

The TS Orthodontic team will file most insurances. Typically, the insurance company will pay TS Orthodontics directly their portion of the treatment fee.

7) How long has Dr. Scanlan been in practice?

Dr. Scanlan has been practicing dentistry since 2002, and most recently completed a 3-year fellowship in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics in 2009. Dr. Scanlan's experience as a primary care dentist, along with his world-renowned Mayo Clinic orthodontic education provides a unique perspective to treatment. Dr. Scanlan's main focus includes the big picture, not only looking at straight teeth when the braces come off, but a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

8) How are braces placed on the teeth? Will it hurt?

Using state-of-art technology, Dr. Scanlan places the appliances in a quick and reliable manner. Using a process called indirect bonding, Dr. Scanlan first places the appliances on a model made from your teeth. This process allows Dr. Scanlan to place the appliances on your teeth in a matter of minutes accurately and predictably.

9) What sets Dr. Scanlan apart from other orthodontists that I may see?

Dr. Scanlan is the first and only orthodontist in Western North Carolina using 3-D technology for almost every step of orthodontic care. Implementing 3-D technology enables treatment time to be cut nearly in half providing more accurate results. For more information on the 3-D technology visit http://www.suresmile.com./

In addition to our wonderful patients of North Carolina, Dr. Scanlan also treats patients from Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia who have chosen TS Orthodontics for this state-of-art technology and for our superior care.

In addition to the one-on-one personalized treatment, you will find that Dr. Scanlan's passion is orthodontics while taking care of people is second nature.

10) What type of braces and appliances does Dr. Scanlan use?

Dr. Scanlan offers a variety of treatment options, including braces utilizing Suresmile, along with Invisalign, a clear aligner treatment, in which he is a preferred provider.

Dr. Scanlan uses brackets allowing low frictional forces that provide more comfort and efficiency. Clear brackets are also option. Dr. Scanlan also uses high-tech archwires that are activated by your own body heat making them more active over a longer period of time. The archwires are bent with precision robotics enabling Dr. Scanlan to align the teeth more efficiently and with less discomfort. This helps reduce the number of appointments, thus reducing the number of classes missed from school or time missed from work.