FAQ

Answers to your most common questions

We know starting orthodontic care can bring up lots of questions, and we’re here to make things clear. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out, and our team will be happy to help.

Are you a board-certified orthodontist?

Yes! Dr. Tuttle is a board-certified orthodontist, which means he has completed additional testing and certification beyond dental school to demonstrate the highest level of clinical excellence.

Where are your offices located?

We have four locations to serve Central Utah: Richfield, Delta, Holden and Ephraim. All of our clinics are designed to feel comfortable, welcoming, and close to home. We are lucky to have a few of our dental colleagues who have graciously allowed us to use their office as well so we can be as close to your hometown as possible.

What’s the best age for a child’s first orthodontic visit?

We recommend that children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That gives us time to spot any issues early and decide if or when treatment is needed.

Do you treat adults, too?

Absolutely. Many of our patients are adults looking to improve their bite, smile, or overall confidence with subtle, modern options.

What is your SAP approach?

SAP stands for Smile Arc Protection —an approach we use to position braces in a customized manner to focus on more than just straight teeth. It includes tooth position, gum contours, facial balance, and even soft tissue shaping to create a natural-looking, confident smile.

What should I do if a wire is poking or causing discomfort?

If a wire is poking your cheek or causing irritation, try using orthodontic wax to cover the area. You can also use a clean pair of tweezers to gently adjust it. If it continues to bother you, give us a call—we’ll get you in for a quick fix.

Will I need to have teeth pulled before getting braces?

Not always, and very rare if needed. Dr. Tuttle focuses on airway-friendly, non-extraction treatment whenever possible, but each case is different and will be evaluated carefully.

Do you offer treatment for airway or breathing concerns?

Yes. We use an airway-focused approach, especially in growing children, to help support better breathing, jaw development, and long-term health.

What happens if I miss an appointment?

We understand life gets busy. Just give us a call and we’ll help you reschedule as soon as possible to keep your treatment on track.

Are clear aligners as effective as braces?

For the right cases—yes. We use high-quality clear aligners that can handle both mild and complex tooth movements when planned properly by a trained orthodontist. It is not uncommon for us to suggest clear aligners to a patient and they tell us they’ve been told they weren’t a candidate in previous consults. We are very confident in our ability to achieve incredible results in some of the more complex orthodontic cases.

Ready to start your smile story?