Dr. Zachary Skabelund, Dr. Lamont Jacobs, and the whole team at Uptown Orthodontics are all about helping you get the most out of your smile, both in and out of the office. Here are some of our most commonly asked questions along with their answers.
Uptown Orthodontics recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early visits allow Dr. Skabelund or Dr. Jacobs to monitor jaw growth and development and catch potential issues before they become more serious.
No referral is necessary! You can schedule a free consultation at our Fairfield or Oxford locations anytime.
Not at all! Many adults in Fairfield and Oxford experience changes in alignment that affect both function and appearance. Uptown Orthodontics treats patients of all ages with excellent results.
Yes! Whether you’ve moved or are looking for a new provider, Uptown Orthodontics welcomes transfer cases. Call our office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Skabelund.
We provide traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and clear aligners at our Fairfield and Oxford offices to fit your goals and lifestyle.
Yes! Uptown Orthodontics offers affordable options for short-term treatment plans designed to correct minor relapse effectively.
Treatment varies based on your needs, but most patients wear braces or aligners for 12–24 months. Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs will provide a customized timeline during your consultation.
Yes! We repair or replace permanent retainers. Contact Uptown Orthodontics to book an appointment at the location nearest you.
Absolutely! We can make you an in-house clear retainer for an affordable cost. We also do many other types of retainers including traditional Hawley retainers made from acrylic and metal wires. We also offer Invisalign Vivera retainers.
Early treatment at Uptown Orthodontics can guide jaw growth, create space for developing teeth, and correct bite problems before they worsen.
A palatal expander widens the upper jaw to correct crossbites, reduce crowding, and improve breathing. Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Skabelund recommend expanders for children while jaw growth is active.
Costs vary depending on treatment type. Uptown Orthodontics offers in-house zero-interest financing, flexible down payments starting at $300, and monthly plans beginning at $200.
Yes! We work with most major insurance providers and will help maximize your orthodontic benefits.
Yes! We provide low down payments, interest-free financing, and plans tailored to your budget.
Yes! Most patients can use FSA or HSA funds for orthodontic care at Uptown Orthodontics.
Early treatment at Uptown Orthodontics can guide jaw growth, create space for developing teeth, and correct bite problems before they worsen.
A palatal expander widens the upper jaw to correct crossbites, reduce crowding, and improve breathing. Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Skabelund recommend expanders for children while jaw growth is active.
You may feel some soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, but it’s usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Patients at Uptown Orthodontics in Fairfield and Oxford often find any discomfort fades quickly with time.
Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods like popcorn, gum, and hard candies. These can damage brackets or wires and prolong treatment. Uptown Orthodontics will give you a full list at your first visit to help keep your braces safe and intact.
No. Remove aligners to eat or drink anything besides water. Always clean your teeth before reinserting the aligners, and wear them for 22 hours a day for the best results. Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs emphasize that consistency is key for treatment success.
Most patients visit every 6–8 weeks for adjustments or progress checks. At Uptown Orthodontics, we’ll set a schedule that works best for you, whether you’re being treated in our Fairfield or Oxford office.
Brush your aligner or retainer with a soft toothbrush and mild soap—avoid toothpaste, which can scratch the material and make it cloudy. Always store your retainer in its case when not in use. Dr. Jacobs often says: “If it’s not on your teeth, it’s in its case!” You may also soak retainers in denture cleaner periodically for extra freshness.
Yes. With braces, brush your teeth when you wake up, before bed, and after meals. This prevents plaque and food buildup around brackets and wires. Uptown Orthodontics recommends flossing daily using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers.
Water flossers (such as Waterpik™) are helpful but should not replace regular flossing. Keeping up with this routine protects your teeth and gums throughout treatment.
Yes! In fact, it’s even more important for orthodontic patients to see their dentist regularly. Food can become trapped around brackets, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Your dentist will work closely with Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs to keep your smile healthy throughout treatment.
Not at all. You may need a short adjustment period, but braces won’t keep you from participating in music, sports, or singing. If you play a contact sport, Uptown Orthodontics strongly recommends wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces.
Orthodontic treatment does more than improve your smile—it supports better oral health and overall wellness. Studies show that properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. They also prevent uneven tooth wear and lower the chance of dental injuries, especially in cases of protruding teeth.
Early care at Uptown Orthodontics can guide jaw growth and support the best possible aesthetic and functional outcomes for facial development and airway health. Orthodontics has also been linked to improved self-esteem and even a greater likelihood of professional opportunities. Patients treated by Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs often report clearer speech, easier oral hygiene, and a noticeable boost in confidence after treatment.
Maintaining straight teeth may even help lower risks for systemic health issues linked to gum disease, such as heart disease and diabetes—making orthodontic treatment at our Fairfield and Oxford locations an investment in your long-term health.
Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, corrects severe jaw misalignments that can’t be resolved with braces or aligners alone. This treatment involves a coordinated plan between your orthodontist and an oral surgeon to align the jaws, improve facial balance, and create a healthy bite.
Not every patient needs surgery, but when necessary, Dr. Skabelund and Dr. Jacobs will thoroughly evaluate your case and explain all options to ensure you receive the best possible care. Advanced techniques like MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion) and TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) may also be used. These small, biocompatible implants help move teeth or expand the jaw without traditional surgery.
Dr. Skabelund is trained in surgical orthodontics and has completed numerous cases to correct underbites, expand narrow jaws, and address other complex conditions—helping patients in Fairfield and Oxford achieve better function, balance, and confidence.
Still have questions about your care or that of a loved one? No problem! Dr. Skabelund, Dr. Jacobs, and the whole team are available to help you feel empowered and in charge. Call us in Fairfield or Oxford, or just schedule a free consultation right now to get started!
Find out what a legacy of orthodontic excellence can do for you with a free consultation at Uptown Orthodontics. Call us or fill out this form to schedule your first visit to our office in Fairfield or Oxford. Please note that not all new patient appointment times are available online—calling the office may offer additional scheduling options.