If you have questions, Igel Orthodontics has the answers! Orthodontics may seem complicated, but Dr. Igel and his team want to make sure that your entire experience with our office and your orthodontic treatment in Omaha, Nebraska, is a positive one. You may have questions about how to get ready for your visit, what will happen when you see Dr. Kort Igel and what types of treatment we offer. You may also want to know more about the products that we provide and how you can make the most of them.

If you have a question that we have not answered here or would like to schedule a visit with Dr. Igel, call (402) 330-1152 to speak with a member of his team.

Before Your Visit

How do I schedule an appointment for an initial consultation?+

Free consultations can be requested in one of two ways — call our office at (402) 330-1152 to schedule an appointment or submit an online Patient History/Health Information Form.

At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening for my child? +

The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth have erupted in most children, allowing us to effectively evaluate their orthodontic condition.

Do I need a referral from my family dentist to set up my first appointment?+

No, you do not.

Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?+

Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide you with professional, personalized treatments. Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment.



What will happen at the initial consultation appointment?+

Your first visit will include a thorough oral examination that includes a 3D image of your jaws and head as well as digital images of your face and teeth. We will discuss your customized treatment plan as well as financial and insurance (if applicable) considerations.

What will I learn from the initial consultation?+

There are five essential questions that we will cover during the initial consultation:

  • What must be done to correct the problem?
  • How non-extraction therapy can prevent future airway issues, if at all possible?
  • How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • How much will the treatment cost?

How often will I have appointments?+

Appointments are scheduled according to each patient’s needs. Most patients with braces or aligners will be seen approximately every eight weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.

Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?+

Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled eight weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic appointments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.

Can I drop my child off for an appointment?+

Yes. We are happy to help you make the most of your time. We ask that you let us know how to contact you while you’re away so we can reach you if we have any questions. We do request to speak with a parent after each appointment, so we ask that parents check in with a member of our team before picking up their child.

What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?+

If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In some cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.



Will I need to have teeth extracted for braces?+

Dr. Igel will do everything in his power to avoid extractions that could restrict a patient’s airway. However, removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve the best orthodontic result. Straight teeth and a balanced facial profile are the goal of orthodontics. Because new technology has provided advanced orthodontic procedures, removing teeth is not always necessary for orthodontic treatment.

How long will it take to complete treatment?+

Treatment time depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic needs. In general, treatment times range from 12 to 30 months.


It is impossible to give an exact cost for treatment until we have examined you. We will cover the exact cost and financial options during the initial consultation. We have financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also help you maximize your insurance benefits and file your claims.

Will my teeth straighten out as they grow?+


Do braces hurt?+

Generally, braces do not “hurt.” After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil will ease the discomfort.

Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?+


Can I still play sports?+

Yes. We recommend a mouth guard for all sports. If you need one, our orthodontist will provide one for you when you get your braces.

Do I need to see my family dentist while in braces?+

Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while wearing braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are wearing braces. However, we recommend cleanings every three to six months while undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?+

Yes. Once treatment begins, we will review care instructions and provide a comprehensive list of braces friendly foods. Some foods to avoid include: gum, ice, hard candy, raw vegetables and all sticky foods (i.e. caramel and taffy). You can avoid most emergency appointments to repair broken or damaged braces by carefully following our instructions.

How often should I brush my teeth while in braces?+

Patients should brush their teeth at least three to four times each day — preferably after each meal and before going to bed.  Igel Orthodontics will provide each patient with an Oral-B electric toothbrush at the start of orthodontic treatment to promote great oral hygiene and show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces.

Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?+


What is Phase 1 (early care)?+

Phase 1 treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase 1 treatment lasts about 12 to 21 months. The primary objective for Phase 1 treatment is to open the airway and facilitate proper growth by making room for the permanent teeth. Early treatment can prevent numerous problems. Waiting for all the teeth to come in first can be very problematic. Early treatment can also improve self-esteem and self-image.

Will my child need full braces if he or she has Phase 1 treatment?+

It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase 1 treatment. The period following Phase 1 treatment is called Phase 1 Retention (or the resting period), during which growth and tooth eruption are closely monitored. Throughout this period, parents and patients will be kept informed of future treatment recommendations.

Will my child need an expander?+

At the completion of the initial consultation, we will determine whether a patient will need an expander.

Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?+


Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?+


In the dentist office, I see advertisements promoting the possibility of getting straight teeth in a single visit. Is this an orthodontic treatment?+

No. Veneers, caps and other quick-fix solutions are designed to simply cover misaligned teeth. Often, to place these restorations the dentist must grind your teeth, removing healthy tooth structure. Orthodontic treatment correctly aligns teeth to improve the look, function and health of your smile for life.



How often must I wear my aligners?+

You must wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily. You may remove them for eating, drinking and regular oral hygiene.

Are there any restrictions to what I can eat while in treatment?+


Will wearing the aligners affect my speech?+


Is there any discomfort with Invisalign® treatment?+

There will be some pressure and minor discomfort with each new set of aligners for a day or two. This is a sign that your teeth are moving into their final positions.

Can I chew gum?+

It is recommended that you remove your aligners prior to chewing gum, as the gum will stick to the aligners.

Can I smoke with the aligners in?+

We discourage smoking with aligners, as the cigarette smoke will tend to discolor them.

How do I keep my aligners clean?+

Brushing them with toothpaste will keep them fresh and clean.

How often do I see an orthodontist while wearing Invisalign®?+

Regular office visits are every eight to 12 weeks. This will ensure that your Invisalign treatment is progressing as planned.

What happens after my treatment is complete? Do I need retainers?+

Yes.  All orthodontic patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night, indefinitely. Sleeping with your retainers in at night will ensure a healthy bite and maintain the new position of your teeth.

How long does Invisalign® treatment take?+

Treatment time varies depending on the severity of the misaligned teeth. Treatment time can generally take about the same amount of time as when conventional braces (brackets and wires) are used. Some published reports suggest that the time needed may be less.

Does Invisalign® work for kids?+




Is the VPro+™ waterproof?+

Yes, the VPro+ device (Oscillator) is waterproof.

Can I use the VPro+™ more than once a day?+

While the suggested use is one five-minute session per day, there are no contra-indications to utilizing the device multiple times a day.

If I am an Invisalign® patient, am I supposed to wear my clear aligners while using the VPro+™?+

Yes, you should wear your aligners while using the VPro+ device.

Will it take time to adjust to my VPro+™?+

The VPro+ was designed with comfort in mind, so there is a gradual ramp up to full vibration. While you may not be familiar with the sensation right away, most people become accustomed to usage after just a few five-minutes sessions.

How much pressure should I apply?+

Bite down gently on the mouthpiece during use. There is no need to bite down harder than is needed to support the device.

When is the best time to use my VPro+™?+

The VPro+ is used for just five minutes a day, allowing you to complete your session when it’s convenient for you. Many patients choose to use the VPro+ as part of their morning or nightly routine.

What should I do if the VPro+™ will not turn on?+

Make sure that the device is charged using the charging case and wall plug. If the VPro+ LED turns red, then the case and the VPro+ are working properly but have a low charge. Charge the VPro+ and then begin use. If the VPro+ LED indicator does not light up, check your case’s power connection. If the case is properly plugged in, please contact Igel Orthodontics at (402) 330-1152 for further assistance.

What should I do if the VPro+™ will not charge?+

If the VPro+ LED indicator does not light up red when placed in the case, check the case’s power connection. If the case is properly plugged into wall power using the provided VPro+ USB cord, please contract us for further assistance.

Do I need to use the VPro+™ app?+

No. You can successfully utilize your VPro+ device without downloading the mobile app. The VPro+ app conveniently allows you to track your device usage and share that information with Dr. Igel‘s office or family members.

Where do I go to download the VPro+™ app?+

You can download the VPro+ app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

What if my VPro+™ won’t pair or sync with the app?+

First make sure that you have Internet and Bluetooth connection turned on. Next, make sure that your VPro+ is charged. Your VPro+ must be near your mobile device to sync properly. If your device still won’t pair after following these steps, press and hold the button on the VPro+ for 10 seconds. The bottom LED will turn red and the device will reboot.

How do I pair my device?+

Open the VPro+ app and follow the onboarding screens. Enter your name and press the “Select VPro+ Device” button. Make sure your VPro+ is in close proximity to your smart device and select it from the device selection menu. A green check should appear next to the device you selected. Press the “Selected VPro+ Device” below to confirm selection. Then press “Get Started.”

How do I identify which device to pair to if multiple devices are available to pair?+

Attempt to limit the number of other VPro+ devices displayed on your pairing screen by taking your mobile device and VPro+ to a space separate from other VPro+ devices. Additionally, ensure that your VPro+ and your mobile device are in close proximity to each other. The VPro+ displayed at the top of your app is the device with the strongest signal, meaning it is the device closest to your phone. Pair to this device. To ensure you have successfully paired to your device, use the “Locate Device” feature present in the Settings section of the app to vibrate your device.

Can I pair my VPro+™ to multiple devices (phones or tablets)?+

Yes! You can pair your VPro+ device to as many devices as you like. Your VPro+ needs to be in Bluetooth range of any phone or tablet you wish to pair with. You will also need to be in range of any device you want to sync your usage with.

How can I unpair my VPro+™ from my phone or tablet?+

To unpair your device, navigate to settings in the VPro+ app. Select the “Reset Device” button. Confirm your selection and your device is now unpaired.

I got a new VPro+™ because my old one was lost or stolen. How do I pair my new device?+

First, unpair your old device by navigating to settings in the VPro+ app. Select the “Reset Device” button. Confirm your selection and your device is now unpaired. Now you may follow the onboarding screens to pair your new device. Please refer to the FAQ above.

How do I share my VPro+™ usage data with Dr. Igel‘s office?+

Select the Share button located on the Weekly View and Monthy View pages of the VPro+ app. Select 1 Month, 3 Month or 6 Month. This represents the time period of the data you wish to share. You will be taken to your device’s email app. You can now enter the email address for Dr. Igel‘s office: info@igelorthodontics.com. Your usage data will populate as an attachment to the email. You can also share your data with other family members.

I typically have Bluetooth turned off. Can I still use this app?+

Bluetooth does need to be enabled on your device in order for your VPro+ to sync to the app. If you do not have Bluetooth enabled, VPro+ will store your data until it can sync with your device again. As long as you enable Bluetooth on your device with your VPro+ nearby, you can successfully sync your data when you want.