Frequently Asked Questions

A dentist provides general dental care — cleanings, fillings, extractions. An orthodontist is a dentist who completed an additional 2–3 year residency focused exclusively on tooth movement, jaw alignment, and bite correction. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists. Dr. Zipper completed his orthodontic residency at Temple University after earning his DMD from Nova Southeastern University.

If your concern is crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or jaw alignment — you need an orthodontist. If your concern is cavities, gum disease, tooth pain, or routine cleaning — you need a dentist. Many patients see both. Your dentist may refer you, but a referral is not required.

At Zipper Orthodontics, the first visit is a free consultation that includes: a clinical examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw; digital X-rays and an iTero 3D scan (no goopy impressions); a discussion of your goals and concerns; a personalized treatment plan with options; a complete cost breakdown with insurance verification; and payment plan options. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes. There is no obligation to start treatment.

Phase 1 (interceptive treatment) is early orthodontic treatment for children ages 7–11, typically using expanders or partial braces to address jaw growth issues, crossbites, or severe crowding before all permanent teeth erupt. It usually lasts 6–12 months. Phase 2 is comprehensive treatment (full braces or aligners) after all permanent teeth have erupted, typically in the teen years. Not all children need Phase 1 — many go directly to Phase 2.

Most patients experience mild soreness for 2–4 days after braces are placed or after adjustments. The discomfort is typically pressure, not sharp pain, and can be managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen. Clear aligners tend to cause less soreness than braces. After the first week, most patients adapt and report minimal discomfort for the remainder of treatment.

With clear aligners — yes, you remove them to eat. With braces, avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can break brackets: no popcorn, hard candy, ice, caramel, or gum. Most other foods are fine — pizza, pasta, soft bread, fruit, vegetables (cut small), and proteins. Your orthodontist will provide a complete list at your bonding appointment.

For braces, every 4–8 weeks. For clear aligners, every 6–10 weeks. Each appointment usually takes 15–30 minutes. Appointments are available Monday through Thursday 9–5 and Friday 9–1 at both the Boca Raton and Boynton Beach offices.

Yes. Orthodontic treatment does not replace regular dental care. Continue seeing your general dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. Keeping teeth clean and cavity-free is especially important during braces, as brackets and wires create additional surfaces where plaque can accumulate.

Teeth naturally tend to shift back — this is called relapse. Without consistent retainer wear, teeth can begin moving within weeks. Retainers are worn full-time initially, then transitioned to nighttime-only. Most orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer every night indefinitely. If your teeth have shifted, Dr. Zipper can evaluate whether a new retainer or additional treatment is needed.