Kenosha: 262.697.8766
Antioch: 847.603.1682
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Frequently
Asked Questions

No, it is not. Many of our patients are referred by their family dentist, yet many other patients take the initiative to schedule an examination themselves.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening at age 7. By this age, several permanent teeth in most children have erupted, allowing us to effectively evaluate your orthodontic condition.
If you or your child can potentially benefit from orthodontic treatment, simply call our office or send us an e-mail. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for you. When you call to schedule your appointment, our front office staff will request some basic information from you.
Upon arriving, each patient will be asked for the new patient forms and insurance card. The doctor will then complete a thorough clinical exam. Additional information, such as X-rays or photographs, may be needed for proper diagnosis.

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

  • Is there an orthodontic problem, and if so, what is it?
  • What must be done to correct the problem?
  • Will any teeth need to be removed?
  • How long will the treatment take to complete?
  • How much will the treatment cost?
Treatment time obviously depends on each patient’s specific orthodontic problem. In general, treatment time lasts from 8 months to 30 months. The "average" time frame a person is in braces is approximately 18-24 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 examination. We have several financing options available to accommodate your needs, and we will review these with you. We will also review your insurance policy and help to maximize your benefit and file your claims.
Appointments are scheduled according to each patient's needs. Most patients in braces will be seen every 4 to 8 weeks. If there are specific situations that require more frequent monitoring, we will schedule appointments accordingly.
Unfortunately, we cannot schedule all appointments for students during after-school hours. However, because most appointments are scheduled 4 to 8 weeks apart, most patients will miss minimal school due to their orthodontic treatments. We will, however, make a sincere effort to meet your scheduling needs.
Yes. We understand your busy schedule, and we are happy to help you make the most of your time. On some occasions, we may request to speak with a parent when they return, so we ask that parents check in with their patient manager before dropping off their child.
Generally, braces do not "hurt." After certain visits, teeth may be sore for a few days. In these situations, pain medications such as Advil or Tylenol will ease the discomfort. However, after most visits, patients do not feel any soreness at all! We often remind our patients, "It does not have to hurt to work!"
Yes! Regular checkups with your family dentist are important while in braces. Your family dentist will determine the intervals between cleaning appointments while you are in braces.
Yes. Once treatment begins, we will explain the complete instructions and provide a comprehensive list of foods to avoid. Some of those foods include: 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.
Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day - after each meal and before going to bed. We will show each patient how to floss their teeth with braces and may also provide a prescription for a special fluoride, if necessary.
If your braces are causing extreme pain or if something breaks, you should call our office. In most cases, we can address these issues over the telephone. If you require an emergency appointment, we will set aside time for you.
Yes. Some orthodontic problems are significant enough to require early intervention. However, if a patient is not yet ready for treatment, we will follow that patient's growth and development until the time is right for treatment to begin.
Phase One treatment, if necessary, is usually initiated on children between the ages of 7 and 10. Phase One treatment usually lasts about 6-18 months. The primary objective for Phase One treatment is to address significant problems to prevent them from becoming more severe and to improve self-esteem and self-image.
It is best to assume that your child will need full braces even after Phase One treatment. The period following Phase One treatment is called 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.
Teeth, and sometimes entire facial structures, are permanently changed by orthodontic treatment. It is important that the treatment be appropriate and properly completed. Orthodontic specialists have extensive and specialized training that enables them to provide their patients with professional, personalized treatments.
Yes. A tooth with a crown will move just like a tooth with a simple filling. When teeth are missing, orthodontic treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
A surprising percentage of our patients are adults. In fact, 25 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults. Health, happiness and self-esteem are vitally important to adults. No patient is "too old" to wear braces!
Schedule an Appointment
The first step to a beautiful smile is scheduling an appointment!
Your First Visit
Know what to expect and view the first appointment checklist.
Patient Forms
Forms to print out, fill out, and bring with you to your first visit.
Kozak 101
Comprehensive view of our practice and our results.
What Our Patients Are Saying

"Thank you, Dr. Kozak, For making my children's smiles so fantastic. For fixing there teeth so that they are no longer self-conscious of there smiles. This is the first time in a long time that I've truly felt that "I've gotten my money's worth--and more". Dr. Kozak and his colleagues at Kozak Orthodontics exceeded my expectations 10 fold, while being a perfectionist with the eye of an artist and a stickler for detail my children's teeth are more beautiful than I could ever have expected . The team at Kozak Orthodontics takes the time to get to know there patients and develop a comfortable relationships with them. Visits are friendly and quick. Kozak Orthodontics offers incentives and rewards for good Orthodontic care. They also initiate fun contests for there patients throughout the year. And what more can you say about Dr. Kozaks staff. They make you feel that they are there for you and you leave feeling that you have known them for years even after the very first visit. Kozaks staff is more than just a team but as a group of good friends working together to make BIGGER SMILES!!!! After 9 years and two sets of braces I have one thing to say THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!"

David Blanchard

To the Team at Kozak Ortho, I'd first like to say, over the past 8 years, with my oldest daughter and now the past 2 years with my youngest daughter, your staff has been nothing but professional and it's been a pleasure to have you Dr. Kozak , and your wonderful staff to assist in creating unbelievable smiles for both of my daughters. The path with our oldest, has been long and trying and after 3 sets of braces and double madibular jaw surgery by your referred surgeon, the results have been remarkably worth it all! And to this day, Kayla still loves coming to see you all !! As far as my youngest, she wouldn't ever let the dentist near her, and then she found her oldest sisters ortho, and from the beginning was nothing but comfortable and anxious to get to her appointments and to get her "Kozak cash" for doing a good job! She just got her braces off in August 2011, and her smile is beautiful! For anyone who's hesitant about not knowing the Kozak team, I give you my word, there is no one I'd rather have spent all these years with. They have all become like family to us. Thank You, soo very much for all your care you have given my girls and I !

The Milliken Family

"My daughter was there earlier this week and had a great conversation with Casey, her technician. A few days later she received a card in the mail from her wishing her a great school year. Not only that but there were mentions of some of the personal topics they talked about. It really meant a lot to her and she was so excited!!! Thanks so much to Casey!!!!"

Robin R.
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Kenosha OFFICE
10320 - 75th Street, Suite B
Kenosha, WI 53142
262.697.8766
Antioch OFFICE
1326 Main Street, Suite B
Antioch, IL 60002
847.603.1682