Frequently Asked Questions

At Family First Orthodontics, our mission is to provide expert care in a warm, family-friendly environment. Led by Dr. Michael Havel and Dr. Aaron Swapp, we’re here to answer all your questions and make your orthodontic journey as smooth as possible.

General Questions

Q: Where is Family First Orthodontics located?
A: We are conveniently located in Midlothian, TX making it easy for families in surrounding Waxahachie, Red Oak, Ovilla and Cedar Hill communities to access expert orthodontic care. For our exact address and driving directions, please visit our Contact Us page.

Q: What are your office hours?
A: Our office hours are:

Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
We also offer early morning and limited after-school appointments—just ask!

Q: Do you offer free consultations?
A: Yes! Your initial consultation with Dr. Havel is absolutely free. We’ll evaluate your orthodontic needs, discuss treatment options, and answer all your questions.

Treatment & Care

Q: What types of orthodontic treatments do you offer?
A: At Family First Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of treatment options, including:

  • Traditional metal braces

  • Clear ceramic braces

  • Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen

  • Phase 1 (early) orthodontic treatment for children

Dr. Havel will work with you to find the most effective and comfortable solution for your smile.

Q: When should my child first see an orthodontist?
A: We recommend that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7. Early evaluation helps identify any developmental concerns and allows for timely intervention when needed.

Q: How long does treatment usually take?
A: Treatment duration depends on your specific case, but most patients complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. Dr. Havel will provide a custom timeline during your consultation.

Q: How often will I need to come in for appointments?
A: Most patients visit our office every 6 to 10 weeks. These visits allow Dr. Havel to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

Insurance & Payments

Q: Do you accept dental insurance?
A: Yes! Family First Orthodontics accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our team will help you maximize your benefits and take care of all the paperwork.

Q: What if I don’t have insurance?
A: No insurance? No problem. We offer flexible in-house payment plans to make treatment affordable for every family.

Q: How much does orthodontic treatment cost?
A: The cost varies depending on the complexity and type of treatment. During your free consultation, we’ll provide a transparent quote and discuss payment plan options that fit your budget.

Invisalign® Questions

Q: Is Invisalign a good option for me or my teen?
A: Aligners ideal for teens and adults with mild to moderate alignment concerns. Dr. Havel will help determine if it's the right choice for your smile goals.

Q: How many hours per day do I need to wear Invisalign aligners?
A: To get the best results, aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day, and only removed for eating, drinking (except water), brushing, and flossing.

Appointments & Emergencies

Q: What should I do if I miss an appointment?
A: We understand that things come up! Just give us a call at 972-351-9696 and we’ll help you reschedule at a convenient time.

Q: What should I do in case of a braces emergency?
A: If you experience a broken bracket, loose wire, or any significant discomfort, call our office right away. We’ll walk you through any immediate steps and schedule a repair visit as soon as possible.

Still Have Questions?

Our team at Family First Orthodontics is here to help.
📞 Call us at 972-351-9696

We look forward to helping you or your child achieve a healthy, confident smile—with the care and compassion you deserve from Dr. Michael Havel and the Family First team.