NEW PATIENTS

Frequently Asked Questions.

Answers to what we hear most often. If something isn't covered here, reach out — we're always glad to help.

5.0 Stars · Nearly 400 Google Reviews

Board-Certified Orthodontist

Serving Charleston Since 1984

Best of Charleston · 6 Consecutive Years

Getting Started

  • The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At that age, we have enough permanent teeth present to identify developing issues with the bite, the jaw, and the airway, while there's still time to do something about them if needed. Most children won't need treatment at seven, but an early look gives us a baseline and lets us monitor growth so we're never caught off guard.

    If you notice your child mouth breathing, snoring, or having difficulty chewing before age seven, don't wait. Come in sooner.

  • No referral is needed. Families are welcome to schedule directly. That said, we do receive referrals from pediatric dentists, general dentists, ENTs, sleep physicians, and pediatricians across the Charleston area, and we're always grateful for those relationships. If your dentist suggested you come see us, we'll make sure they're kept in the loop on your care.

  • An orthodontist is a dental specialist who completes an additional two to three years of full-time residency training in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics after dental school. Dr. Bullwinkel is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary achievement that represents the highest standard in the specialty. We focus exclusively on the alignment of the teeth, the development of the jaw, and the relationship between the two. Your general dentist remains your partner for cleanings, cavities, and overall dental health throughout treatment.

Scheduling & Appointments

  • We see patients Monday through Thursday, 8am to 5pm. We are closed Fridays except for orthodontic emergencies.

  • We do our best to accommodate busy family schedules and offer a range of appointment times throughout the day. We know school hours are precious, and we'll work with you to find a time that minimizes disruption. For certain appointment types, particularly longer adjustment visits, we may need to schedule during school hours. Dr. Bullwinkel will always let you know in advance when that's the case and why.

  • We work hard to keep our schedule accessible for new patients and existing patients alike. If you're hoping to get in sooner than the first available appointment, please let our front desk know. We maintain a short notice list for families who can come in on shorter notice if something opens up.

  • We have an after-hours emergency line that comes directly to Dr. Bullwinkel. She'll help you assess the situation, walk you through how to handle it at home if possible, and if needed she'll meet you at the office. You will never be left without support outside of office hours.

Treatment

  • Treatment length depends entirely on the individual. A straightforward case might take twelve to eighteen months. More complex treatment involving jaw development, airway concerns, or surgical coordination can take longer. Dr. Bullwinkel will give you an honest timeline estimate at your consultation and update you throughout treatment as your progress develops. We don't believe in rushing treatment to hit an arbitrary endpoint, and we don't believe in keeping patients in treatment longer than they need to be.

  • Dr. Bullwinkel personally reviews every case at every visit. She'll tell you directly where you are in treatment, what's working, and what the next phase looks like. If something changes, you'll hear it from her first. We believe informed patients make better partners in their own care, so we explain the why behind every decision we make.

  • This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it's a fair one. At your next adjustment appointment, ask Dr. Bullwinkel directly. She'll give you an honest answer based on where your treatment actually stands, not a number designed to make you feel better in the moment. If you'd like a progress update between visits, reach out to our front desk and we'll make sure you get one.

  • Yes, and this is important. Continuing regular cleanings and checkups with your general dentist throughout treatment is essential. Brackets and wires create areas where plaque can accumulate, and keeping your teeth and gums healthy during treatment protects the results we're working toward together. We recommend cleanings every six months at minimum, and more frequently if your dentist recommends it.

Insurance & Investment

  • We will file your orthodontic insurance on your behalf and work to maximize whatever benefits your plan provides. Every insurance plan is different, and our team will walk you through exactly what your coverage means for your specific treatment before you make any decisions.

  • We offer in-house financing to make treatment accessible for families at every stage. CareCredit is also available as an additional option. We believe a family's commitment to quality care shouldn't be limited by finances, and we'll work with you to find a payment structure that fits your situation. Your Treatment Coordinator will review all investment details with you at your consultation.

  • Yes. Contact our front desk and we'll get that to you. You can also access your account information through our patient portal at any time.

Your Experience

  • Your complimentary consultation includes a full health history review, a 3D intraoral scan, low-radiation CBCT imaging, and a clinical exam conducted personally by Dr. Bullwinkel. She'll walk you through her findings and your treatment options in plain language. Plan for approximately sixty to ninety minutes for your first visit. Full details are on our New Patients page.

  • Absolutely. A significant portion of our patients are adults, whether they're seeking treatment they never had as a child, addressing airway concerns that have affected their sleep and quality of life, or simply ready for a smile they feel confident in. There is no age limit on orthodontic treatment, and adult cases are some of the most rewarding work we do.

  • Yes. We offer Spark clear aligner therapy, a highly effective clear aligner system. Whether Spark or traditional braces is right for you depends on your specific clinical situation, and Dr. Bullwinkel will recommend whichever approach will get you the best result. We never let the appliance drive the treatment plan.

  • Your Treatment Coordinator is your main point of contact throughout your time with us. They'll guide you through your first visit, walk you through your treatment plan and investment details, help coordinate your appointment schedule, and make sure you always know what's happening and what comes next. Think of them as your advocate inside the practice.

Airway & Specialty Care

  • Airway-focused orthodontics looks beyond the alignment of the teeth to evaluate how the jaw develops and how that development affects breathing, sleep, and overall health. It's a specialty area within orthodontics that Dr. Bullwinkel has pursued with significant advanced training. You can read more on our Airway page.

  • It's worth paying attention to. Mouth breathing and snoring in children can be associated with patterns of jaw development that affect the airway, and early evaluation gives us the most options to address them. We'd rather see your child and tell you everything looks fine than have you wonder. A complimentary consultation is always the right first step.

  • We approach tongue ties thoughtfully. A frenum is not inherently problematic, and whether intervention is indicated depends entirely on how it affects function for that individual patient. In our practice, we work closely with myofunctional therapists who evaluate tongue function and guide that conversation. We want every intervention to be genuinely necessary and genuinely helpful.

  • Always. Orthodontics, especially airway-focused care, is a team effort. We coordinate actively with ENTs, sleep physicians, oral surgeons, pediatricians, allergists, and myofunctional therapists throughout the Charleston area and beyond. We communicate directly with your other providers so you don't have to be your own care coordinator.