Questions we hear most often.

Getting Started

• What age should my child first see an orthodontist?

  Around age 7. Enough permanent teeth have come in by then for Dr. Varble to catch anything developing, even if treatment is years away or never needed. The first visit is a free VO Smile Assessment, and often the answer is simply to keep an eye on things.

• Do I need a referral from my dentist?

  No. Many families come to us on a dentist’s recommendation, but you are welcome to book a free assessment on your own anytime.

• What happens at the free VO Smile Assessment?

  A quick 3D scan (no goopy impressions), a look at what Dr. Varble sees, a custom plan, a preview of the finished smile, and honest answers on timing and cost. There is no pressure to start that day.

• How do I know if my child actually needs treatment?

  That is exactly what the assessment is for. Sometimes the right call is to start, and sometimes it is to wait and watch. Dr. Varble will tell you which, even when the answer is not yet.

Treatment Options

• Braces or clear aligners, which is right for us?

  Both work well, and the right choice depends on the bite, age, and daily habits. Dr. Varble uses Damon Ultima braces and Spark Clear Aligners, and he will walk you through which fits best at your assessment. It is a recommendation built around your child, not a default.

• Can treatment really start the same day as the consultation?

  Yes, when treatment is indicated and your family is ready. Your free VO Smile Assessment covers the scan, Dr. Varble’s treatment plan, timing, and cost, and because everything is digital there is no reason to send you home and book two more visits before anything happens. One visit instead of three. And if you want time to think it over, that is fine too — Same-Day Start is an option, never a push.

   

• What are Damon Ultima braces?

  They are self-ligating brackets, which hold the wire without the elastic ties traditional braces use. In practice that means fewer adjustments, shorter appointments, and a more comfortable experience through treatment.

• What is DentalMonitoring?

  It is an FDA-cleared system that lets your child scan their teeth from home each week with a phone. Dr. Varble reviews every scan himself, so you come in only when there is a real reason to. For many families that is about half the in-office visits of a traditional practice.

Timing & Ages

• Is my child too young for braces?

  Maybe, and that is fine. Early treatment, sometimes called Phase 1, helps in specific situations, but it is not right for every young child. Dr. Varble will tell you honestly whether now is the time or whether waiting is the smarter move.

• My teen is swamped with school and sports. How many visits will this really take?

  Fewer than you would expect. With DentalMonitoring handling the routine check-ins from home, in-office visits are reserved for the appointments that genuinely need a chair, so treatment fits around school and practice instead of interrupting them.

• Is it too late for me to get treatment as an adult?

  Not at all. We treat plenty of adults, and Spark Clear Aligners are a discreet, removable option that works around a working life. The same free assessment applies.

Cost & Insurance

• How much does treatment cost?

  It depends on the plan your child needs, so we give you a clear, specific number at your assessment rather than a vague range here. We also offer flexible monthly payment options, and we will walk through all of it before anything begins.

• Do you take my insurance?

  We work with most major insurance plans and file your claims for you, so you get the benefits you are owed without the paperwork. We will check your specific coverage at your assessment and show you what it means for your out-of-pocket cost.

• What if I do not have insurance?

  You are far from alone, and it is not a barrier. We offer flexible monthly payment options designed around real family budgets, with the full cost clear from the start.

• Can we really start the same day?

  Often, yes. If treatment is the right call and you are ready, our systems let us begin the same day as your first visit, so you are not waiting weeks to get going.

The VO Experience

• Will Dr. Varble be the one treating my child?

  Yes. Dr. Varble plans and oversees every case personally. No associates, no handing your child off to someone you have never met.

• You have two locations. Can we use both?

  Yes. We are in Creve Coeur and St. Peters, and we will help you choose the office that is easiest for your family. The same standard of care applies at both.

• What is the difference between an orthodontist and a dentist who does braces?

  An orthodontist completes several years of specialty training focused only on moving teeth and aligning bites, after dental school. Both may offer aligners or braces, but that extra training is what an orthodontist brings to more complex cases. It is a fair question to ask any provider you are considering.

• Do you offer teeth whitening?

  Yes. Whitening is a popular finishing touch, especially after braces or aligners come off, and we can talk through the options at your visit.