Frequently Asked Questions for Your Orthodontist

What makes First Choice Dental Orthodontists unique?

Our Madison Wi Orthodontists are among a distinguised list of Invisalign™ Premier Providers.

• Dr. Santos was voted one of the top 3 Orthodontists by her peers in Madison magazines 2007 'The Best of'.
• Dr. Santos and staff are continually educating themselves in the newest techniques and appliances to make your treatment faster and more pleasant.
• In house lab means faster return times and fewer appointments.
• We are able to coordinate orthodontic adjustments with hygiene appointments for fewer trips to the office. Many times we can also remove wires for a more thorough cleaning.

Do First Choice Dental Orthodontists Take My Insurance?

We accept many insurances. We’d be happy to answer questions on your specific insurance.

Is there a charge for the orthodontists' exam?

No, we do not charge any fee for the initial exam.

Do Braces hurt?

There can be discomfort when moving teeth. Ibuprofen or Tylenol is sufficient and recommended for these times.

What do I do if I have an emergency and your orthodontist's office isn’t open?

Please call our ‘Ortho’ number. The message will instruct you as to what protocol to follow. That number is 608-848-0820.

Can I eat/drink with my Invisalign® aligners in?

We do not recommend eating with the aligners in. You can only drink warm or cold water with your aligners in. You should remove your aligners to drink any other beverages.

How often do I have to be seen for orthodontist appointments?

The usual period between adjustments is 6 weeks. However, this can be longer or shorter depending on your specific treatment.

I don’t want to miss school/work for orthodontist appointments, what are my options?

It is recommended that you bring your work/school schedule with you to each appointment. We do our best to accommodate before/after work/school appointments, but there are times when mid-day appointments may be necessary. We will do our best to find a time for you during a late-start or early release day if possible.

What are my options for paying for orthodontist treatment?

First Choice is always actively seeking out ways to make Orthodontics accessible to everyone who seeks treatment. We offer in-house financing as well as financing through a company called Care Credit. You can find more information, and apply online, at www.carecredit.com

How many Orthodontists does First Choice Dental employ?

First Choice has 3 Orthodontists. Dr. Sarah Santos, who is a full-time Orthodontist and serves all 4 Orthodontic locations: Verona, Sun Prairie, Downtown (Regent St.), and Beloit. Dr. Mark Runge, a part- time Orthodontist, serves the Beloit office. Dr. Todd Rasch, serves Middleton and Sun Prairie.

What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a General Dentist?

Orthodontists are first trained as a dentist and then complete a program that trains specifically in Orthodontics. This program is usually 2-3 years in addition to the dental training.