1. How do you evaluate teeth alignment and bite issues?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Every evaluation starts with a free, no-obligation consultation. We take photos of your smile and facial structure, a digital panoramic X-ray to see the full picture of your teeth, jaw, and bone structure, and often a 3D iTero intraoral scan, which maps your teeth digitally with no messy impressions. Then Dr. Wendling, Dr. Perry, or Dr. Nolan does a thorough orthodontic exam, looking at how your teeth line up and how your upper and lower jaws meet, to spot alignment and spacing problems, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. From there, we build a treatment plan around your needs and goals and walk you through your options. For children, we follow the American Association of Orthodontists' recommendation of a first visit by age 7, and we usually like to see kids between ages 6 and 10, once the front permanent teeth start coming in.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
2. What orthodontic services do you provide for children and adults?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
We offer two treatments for patients of all ages: traditional metal braces and clear aligner therapy. For children, we recommend Phase I (early) treatment only when an evaluation shows it will make a real difference. It usually starts between ages 7 and 10, lasts 6 to 9 months, and can help guide jaw growth, correct crossbites, and create space for permanent teeth. Afterward, our Growing Smiles Supervision Program monitors growth every 6 to 9 months until it's time for Phase II, the comprehensive treatment that often happens between ages 11 and 14. Kids love choosing colored bands for their braces, and responsible teens can choose Invisalign® for Teens. About 25% of our patients are adults, and it's never too late to start. Adults can choose braces or clear aligner therapy, including Invisalign for Adults, Invisalign Comprehensive for full correction, and Invisalign Touch-Up for minor shifting after past treatment. We're a Platinum Invisalign Provider and have offered Invisalign since 2000.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
3. How many years of experience do you have and what did you learn from that?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Dr. Wendling has been practicing orthodontics with us since 1998 (28 years as of 2026) and has offered Invisalign since 2000. Dr. Perry and Dr. Nolan bring top training from the University of Michigan, Columbia University and Saint Louis University, and our team has over 151 years of combined experience. Over those years, we've treated thousands of patients, and some of the parents who bring their kids to us today once sat in our chairs themselves. That has taught us a few things. Patients deserve honest answers, even when it isn't what they hoped to hear, like the fact that teeth can shift if retainers aren't worn. Taking real time during consultations to explain the pros and cons of each option helps patients feel confident in their choice. And the relationships we build matter just as much as the results. We'd always rather guide you to the right choice than push you toward one.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
4. What qualifications and licenses do you hold in Flint, MI?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Dr. Wendling, Dr. Perry, and Dr. Nolan are orthodontic specialists, each holding a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Master's degree in Orthodontics. Dr. Wendling earned her DDS, orthodontic specialty training and Master's at the University of Michigan, and is a former Examiner for the State of Michigan Orthodontic Specialty Examination. Dr. Perry also earned all of her degrees at the University of Michigan. Dr. Nolan earned his DDS at Columbia University and completed his orthodontic specialty training and Master's at Saint Louis University. All three were inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society, and are members of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association and the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists. Dr. Wendling and Dr. Perry are also members of the Michigan Association of Orthodontists and the Genesee District Dental Society. Our practice is also a Platinum Invisalign Provider.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
5. Do you offer same-day orthodontic consultations?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Same-day consultations are often available.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
6. How do you help maintain results after treatment?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
We're honest with every patient: nothing lasts forever, and teeth naturally want to drift back toward where they started. Retainers are how you keep the smile you worked for. When treatment ends, you'll receive a removable clear retainer for your upper and lower teeth, wherever treatment was completed. It looks a lot like a clear aligner and is barely noticeable. In certain cases, we may also recommend a fixed retainer behind the upper or lower teeth. We recommend wearing your removable retainer every night, indefinitely, for the best long-term results. We'll show you how to care for it: brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or non-whitening toothpaste, rinse with lukewarm water (never hot, which can warp it), and keep it in its case. If a retainer is lost or damaged, call us right away so we can make a new one before your teeth have a chance to shift.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
7. What is the cost of braces or clear aligner treatment in Flint, MI?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Every smile is different, so what you invest depends on your orthodontic needs, the length of treatment, and the option you choose. Treatment with traditional braces or clear aligner therapy can be as low as $175 to $225 per month. Many patients are surprised to learn that clear aligner therapy often involves about the same investment as braces. The best way to know your exact numbers is a free, no-obligation consultation at our Flint office (810-733-3410). After your exam, we'll walk you through your treatment plan and review pricing and payment options with you, with no pressure.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
8. How do you treat complex orthodontic conditions?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Complex cases start with a thorough evaluation. Using a digital panoramic X-ray, an iTero 3D scan, and a hands-on exam, Dr. Wendling, Dr. Perry, or Dr. Nolan look at the whole picture, including teeth, jaw, and bone structure, before recommending a plan. Traditional metal braces are often the best option for complex cases because they work 24/7 and can handle significant tooth movement. For patients who prefer aligners, Invisalign Comprehensive is designed for complex bite issues and full correction. For children, some problems are easier to address while the jaw is still growing. Depending on the case, early treatment may use a rapid palatal expander to widen a narrow upper jaw and correct crossbites, or a growth modification device such as a facemask to guide jaw growth in children with underbites. Early treatment can sometimes prevent the need for surgical corrections later. We recommend it only when it offers clear benefit, and we'll explain every option so you can decide with confidence.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
9. How do you ensure patient comfort during orthodontic treatment?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
We want every visit to feel welcoming, not like a medical office. It starts at your consultation, where our iTero scanner creates a 3D model of your teeth with no messy putty impressions. Clear aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic that won't irritate cheeks and gums the way brackets can. Braces patients can pick custom colored bands and change them at each visit. If a bracket comes off, you can come in the same day during office hours. Adjustment visits typically take about 20 to 30 minutes, and we work hard to keep wait times minimal. Parents can enjoy free coffee from our Coffee Bar and work from our bar-style seating; patients can enter our Fun Contests after appointments for a chance to win prizes, and our Flint office is home to our "Smile. Good things happen here" wall. HEPA filters, ionization machines, and thorough cleaning between patients keep our offices fresh and clean. Most of all, Dr. Wendling, Dr. Perry, or Dr. Nolan personally sees you and takes time to answer your questions.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now
10. How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Lisa K. Wendling, DDS, MS - WENDLING ORTHODONTICS FLINT
Treatment time depends on each patient's needs, but here are the typical ranges: Traditional metal braces: typically 12 to 24 months, with visits every 8 weeks Clear aligner therapy: typically 12 to 20 months, with visits every 12 weeks Phase I (early) treatment for children: usually 6 to 9 months. Some patients finish early and some take a little longer, but most finish close to their estimated time. Wearing aligners 20 to 22 hours a day and keeping your appointments helps keep treatment on track. At your free consultation, we'll give you a personalized timeline based on your smile.
Robert Wesley, DDS - FAMILY DENTAL GROUP
- Submit now
Rami Nazarian, DDS, FICOI - Genesee Family Dentistry
- Submit now