FAQs

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check-up by age 7. Early Phase I evaluations enable us to identify growth issues before they become complex, often reducing total treatment time later.

Simply call (414) 376-2112 or fill out our online form to book your free first visit. We’ll find a time that fits your schedule—including Saturdays—and walk you through every step.

We partner with all major dental insurers and handle claims on your behalf. During your consultation, we’ll verify benefits and explain any out‑of‑pocket costs upfront.

Yes—we’re proud to accept Wisconsin Medicaid to make orthodontic care accessible for more families. Our team will guide you through the enrollment and pre‑authorization process. We are a preferred Orthodontist for ForwardHealth, Badgercare, Molina, United Healthcare, Chorus and Envolve Health plans.

Choose from Cherry’s interest‑free monthly plans, in‑house payment arrangements, or traditional insurance. With soft credit checks and no hidden fees, we tailor a plan that fits your budget.

No referral is required—anyone can book directly with us. However, we do coordinate with your dentist to ensure seamless, comprehensive care.

Often within just a few days—once your plan is finalized, we’ll schedule your first adjustment or appliance placement at your convenience.

During your consultation, Dr. Chandok evaluates your bite, facial structure, and smile goals—using digital scans and CBCT imaging for precision. Together, you’ll review options (braces, aligners, expanders) and choose the plan that best fits your lifestyle and timeline.

For loose brackets, poking wires, or discomfort, give us a call right away. We’ll prioritize you for a quick adjustment—often the same day—to minimize any disruption to your smile journey.

While braces require avoiding sticky or hard foods, you’ll still enjoy a balanced diet of fruits, veggies, proteins, and grains. Invisalign wearers face no food restrictions—simply remove the trays to eat and brush before reinserting.

Orthodontic treatment is about more than creating a beautiful smile—it’s about supporting long-term oral and overall health. When teeth are crowded or misaligned, they can be difficult to clean properly, which increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bone loss over time.

An unbalanced bite can also place extra stress on the jaw joints and facial muscles, leading to discomfort, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Misaligned jaws may cause uneven tooth wear, difficulty chewing or speaking, and can interfere with natural jaw function.

In some cases, improper jaw growth or narrow arches can also affect the airway, contributing to mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep-related breathing issues. By guiding the development of the jaws and teeth, orthodontic treatment can help open the airway, improve breathing patterns, and enhance overall well-being. Without timely treatment, these issues can worsen over time and may require more complex care later in life. Addressing them early helps ensure a healthier bite, better function, and a more confident smile for years to come.

Choosing the right orthodontist is an important step toward achieving a healthy, confident smile. Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws.

After completing dental school, orthodontists receive an additional two to three years of advanced education devoted exclusively to understanding how to align teeth, guide jaw growth, and create stable, functional bites. This specialized training allows orthodontists to treat a wide range of orthodontic needs—from simple alignment concerns to complex skeletal corrections—with precision and care.

Dr. Neil Chandok completed his specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Orthodontics, one of the nation’s top programs for clinical and surgical orthodontics. He is an active member of both the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) and the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), reflecting his dedication to professional excellence and high standards of care.

When you choose Dr. Chandok at Milwaukee Orthodontics, you’re choosing a provider with advanced training, experience, and a commitment to helping every patient achieve a balanced, healthy, and confident smile.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child have their first orthodontic evaluation by around age seven. By this stage, most children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing the orthodontist to see how the jaws and teeth are developing together.

At Milwaukee Orthodontics, Dr. Chandok uses this early visit to identify any subtle issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, or the way permanent teeth are coming in. Detecting these concerns early can make a big difference—some problems are much easier to guide or correct while a child is still growing.

Not every child will need treatment right away. In many cases, Dr. Chandok will recommend periodic monitoring to track growth and determine the ideal time to begin treatment, which for most patients occurs between ages 9 and 14. Early evaluation ensures that when the time is right, your child’s orthodontic care will be efficient, effective, and tailored to their unique smile.

The length of orthodontic treatment varies for each patient, depending on the complexity of the case and the goals of treatment. On average, most patients spend one to three years in active treatment.

During your consultation at Milwaukee Orthodontics, Dr. Chandok will evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment to create a personalized treatment plan and give you a clear estimate of how long your specific case is likely to take. Whether you’re considering braces or clear aligners, every plan is designed for efficiency, comfort, and lasting results.

Absolutely. Orthodontic treatment can be effective and rewarding at nearly any age. In fact, a growing number of adults are choosing to improve their smiles—today, nearly one in four orthodontic patients is over the age of 18.

At Milwaukee Orthodontics, Dr. Chandok offers a range of modern options designed specifically with adults in mind, including metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and Invisalign® clear aligners. These smaller, more comfortable, and discreet appliances make it easier than ever for adults to enhance both the appearance and function of their smiles without interrupting their daily lives.

Whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or relief from bite-related discomfort, Dr. Chandok can create a customized treatment plan that fits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.

After your orthodontic treatment is complete, Dr. Chandok will recommend how long you should continue wearing your retainers to keep your new smile in perfect alignment. Retainers may be removable (worn at specific times) or fixed (bonded behind the teeth), depending on your treatment plan and individual needs.

Wearing retainers as directed is the most reliable way to maintain the results of your orthodontic care. Teeth are supported by bone, not a solid structure, and that bone is constantly remodeling throughout your life. Because of this natural movement, teeth can slowly shift out of position if they’re not held in place.

By consistently wearing your retainers, you help ensure that your teeth stay right where Dr. Chandok positioned them—so you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.

The brackets used by Dr. Chandok are high-quality and made from a blend of stainless steel and other durable metals. Each bracket has small hooks or slots that hold the wire in place to gently guide your teeth into alignment.

A specialized dental adhesive is used to attach the brackets to your teeth. With Dr. Chandok’s indirect bonding technique, all the brackets are positioned on a tray that’s placed on your teeth in one step for a precise and efficient fit. A curing light hardens the adhesive to secure the brackets

This thin metal wire connects the brackets and applies gentle pressure to move your teeth. Dr. Chandok custom-fits the wire at the start of treatment to minimize the number of adjustments needed throughout your orthodontic journey.

These stainless-steel rings may be cemented around certain teeth to provide extra stability and serve as anchors for braces or orthodontic appliances. Not every patient requires them, but when used, they help support the overall system.

Elastics are often used to correct bite discrepancies. They stretch between hooks on the upper and lower brackets to adjust how your jaws fit together—helping correct overbites, underbites, or other bite relationships. They’re an important part of ensuring proper alignment and bite correction during treatment.

These small elastic rings are placed between teeth to create space before orthodontic bands are applied. Spacers are temporary and are usually worn for a few days to make room for other components of your braces.

Every smile is different, so the time you’ll spend in metal braces depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Most patients complete treatment in about 18 to 22 months, but this can vary depending on how much movement your teeth require.

Some of Dr. Chandok’s patients finish treatment in as little as six months, while others with more complex cases may need closer to three years for the best results.

At Dr. Chandok’s orthodontic practice in Milwaukee, you’ll start noticing small improvements early on, giving you encouragement and confidence as your smile continues to take shape.

It’s common to feel some mild soreness or tenderness after your braces are first placed or adjusted. This is simply your teeth adjusting to gentle pressure and usually fades within a few days. Using orthodontic wax and taking over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any temporary discomfort.

Dr. Chandok designs each set of braces to fit your teeth precisely, ensuring a more comfortable experience and efficient tooth movement compared to traditional, one-size-fits-all systems.

You can enjoy most of your favorite foods while wearing braces, but it’s important to make a few adjustments to protect your appliances. Dr. Chandok recommends avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could loosen or break the brackets and wires. Choosing softer foods and cutting items into smaller bites will make eating more comfortable and help keep your braces in great shape throughout treatment.

Keeping your teeth clean during orthodontic treatment is essential for a healthy smile. Dr. Chandok recommends brushing after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and paying close attention to the areas around your brackets and wires. Using a floss threader or water flosser each day helps remove food particles and plaque from hard-to-reach spots. Regular dental cleanings and checkups are also important to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.

There’s no specific age limit when it comes to improving your smile with braces. Although many patients begin treatment as teenagers, Dr. Chandok also treats adults who want to straighten their teeth or enhance their bite. Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age, making metal braces a great option for both teens and adults.

Yes! You can absolutely continue playing sports while wearing braces. Dr. Chandok recommends wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during any contact or high-impact activity to protect both your teeth and your braces from injury. With the right precautions, you can stay active and keep your treatment on track.

Most patients see Dr. Chandok every four to eight weeks for routine checkups and adjustments. These visits allow him to monitor your progress, make precise changes to your braces, and ensure your teeth are moving as planned. Regular appointments at Dr. Chandok’s Milwaukee office are an important part of keeping your treatment on schedule and achieving the best possible results.

At Milwaukee Orthodontics, Dr. Chandok is passionate about creating healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime. A big part of achieving that goal is learning how to care for your teeth and braces throughout treatment. With the right daily habits, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy while helping your braces do their job effectively.

When your braces come off, you’ll see that your extra effort has paid off—with a beautiful, healthy smile that was worth every bit of care.

Successful orthodontic treatment is a team effort between you, your family dentist, and Dr. Chandok. While we provide the guidance and adjustments, your role is just as important—keeping your teeth clean, following instructions, and maintaining great oral hygiene every day.

Taking a few extra minutes to brush and floss properly can make all the difference. It helps prevent plaque buildup, gum inflammation, and staining around brackets, and ensures your smile looks its best once your braces are removed.

Plaque is a thin, sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If it isn’t removed regularly, it can lead to swollen gums, bad breath, tooth decay, and white marks on the teeth after braces are removed.

Good brushing and flossing habits are your best defense. Dr. Chandok and our team will show you how to clean around brackets and wires effectively, so you can protect your teeth during every stage of treatment.

Brushing with braces takes a little extra attention to detail. You’ll need to adjust your routine to reach every surface of your teeth, brackets, and wires.

Here are a few simple tips from Dr. Chandok:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Replace your brush as soon as it shows signs of wear—braces tend to wear them out faster.
• Brush around each part of your braces, including the tops, bottoms, and sides of every bracket. Clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of every tooth.
• Don’t forget your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth.
• Rinse well after brushing to remove any loosened plaque or food particles.
• Check your teeth and braces in a well-lit mirror to make sure everything looks clean and that no brackets or wires are loose. If you notice a problem, call Milwaukee Orthodontics so we can determine if a repair is needed.

Brush thoroughly after every meal and snack. If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water to wash away food debris until you can.

Carry a travel toothbrush and small toothpaste with you so you can clean your teeth on the go. Each night before bed, take extra time to brush carefully and floss between every tooth. A water flosser or floss threader can make cleaning around braces easier and more effective. These small daily habits keep your teeth and gums healthy and ensure your braces work as efficiently as possible—bringing you closer to your best smile.

What you eat during orthodontic treatment can make a big difference in how smoothly things go. Certain foods can damage your braces or make cleaning more difficult, while others are perfectly safe and easy to enjoy.

Foods to Avoid

To protect your brackets and wires, steer clear of:

• Hard foods – ice, popcorn kernels, nuts, hard candies, pretzels
• Sticky or chewy foods – caramel, taffy, chewing gum, gummy candies
• Crunchy foods – chips, taco shells, or crusty bread (unless broken into small pieces)
• Foods you bite directly into – corn on the cob, apples, or carrots (cut these into small bites first)

Foods You Can Enjoy

There are still plenty of delicious and braces-friendly options, including:

• Soft fruits like bananas, berries, and melons
• Cooked vegetables and pasta
• Smoothies, yogurt, and cheese
• Eggs, fish, and tender meats
• Rice, mashed potatoes, and soups

Being mindful of your diet helps keep your braces intact and your treatment on schedule. If you’re ever unsure about a food, Dr. Chandok and the team at Milwaukee Orthodontics are happy to give you guidance on how to enjoy your meals safely during treatment.