Orthodontics in the Ortega Neighborhood
Straightening your teeth does not have to mean a mouth full of metal. Ortega Boulevard Dental offers clear aligner orthodontics through SureSmile, giving patients a discreet way to shift their smile without traditional braces. As with everything else here, we will tell you honestly whether clear aligners are the right option for what you are hoping to fix, and what a realistic timeline and cost look like before you commit to anything.
Serving Jacksonville since the 1950s
Same-day CEREC crowns available.
4.9 Stars
1,300 + Reviews on Google
One dentist for most implant cases, start to finish
Orthodontic Treatment at Ortega Boulevard Dental
Clear Aligner System
Using the SureSmile system, we take a scan of your teeth in a single appointment, typically around 30 minutes. From there, your custom aligners are made and shipped to our office, a process that takes about two weeks. You will pop them in and out as directed, with periodic follow-up visits so we can monitor your progress along the way.
Making a Straighter Smile More Affordable: Ortho Day Pricing
Twice a year, Ortega Boulevard Dental holds an Ortho Day, a dedicated day where clear aligner treatment is offered at a reduced rate for patients paying without dental insurance coverage for orthodontics. It is a practical way to help you get the smile you want, even if your plan does not cover it.
What your neighbors are saying
The staff and dentist (Dr. Hekkert) are incredibly kind, professional, and attentive. They explained everything clearly and really listened. Pricing was shown upfront, and not after the fact which I liked. My teeth look 20 years younger.
Erik Hekkert was an amazing dentist, very professional and his team was 100% excellent. I couldn’t ask for a better experience. I came in for a simple exam. I let them know my concerns on some of my teeth and I was able to get a same-day extraction on two of the main teeth I wanted out. This was a great experience and I definitely recommend this dentistry
My visit to the dentist today was pleasant as always. I’ve been a patient here for years and this practice is consistent in providing excellent service. The staff are always pleasant, professional, and knowledgeable regarding my dental needs.
Everyone at Ortega Boulevard Dental is so kind. They make going to the dentist a pleasant experience. You never have to wait long and they are extremely efficient! Dr. Hekkert and his team are great, …I would highly recommend going here!
Rated 4.9 stars by patients across Ortega and greater Jacksonville.
Why Patients Choose Ortega Boulevard Dental for their Dental Needs
A neighborhood fixture since the 1950s
Ortega Boulevard Dental has been part of this community for over 70 years, not a practice that just opened up nearby.
Same-day crowns, done right
Dr. Hekkert has been placing same-day CEREC crowns since 2003, bringing that experience to Ortega Boulevard Dental patients today.
Comfort-focused technology
Digital X-rays, a CBCT 3-D X-ray machine, and a Single Anesthesia System that regulates injection flow and pressure for a more comfortable visit.
In-network with major PPOs
We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and many more, with several financing paths for anything insurance doesn’t cover.
One doctor for implant and crown
In most cases, Dr. Hekkert places the implant and delivers the restorative crown himself, so you’re not routinely sent elsewhere mid-treatment.
No pressure, ever
We will never push you to get treatment you don’t need, and we will be honest about what we think is best for you. We’ll partner with you to make sure you are receiving the dental care you deserve.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the area of dentistry focused on gradually moving teeth into better alignment and correcting how the upper and lower teeth meet when you bite down. It addresses things like crowded or gapped teeth, as well as bites that do not quite line up, whether that is an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. The goal of orthodontic treatment is a straighter smile and a bite that functions more comfortably, not just a cosmetic fix.
What’s the Difference Between Orthodontics and General Dentistry?
General dentistry covers the health of your teeth and gums, things like cleanings, fillings, and treating decay or gum disease. Orthodontics is more specific: it focuses on the position and alignment of your teeth and how your bite functions. The two often work together. A tooth that is decayed or a gum that is inflamed needs general dentistry to treat, while teeth that are crowded, gapped, or not meeting correctly need orthodontic treatment to correct.
For smaller shifts in tooth position, Ortega Boulevard Dental offers clear aligner treatment in-house. For cases that need traditional braces or other fixed appliances, we will tell you that upfront and refer you to a specialist who can help.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligner treatment uses a series of custom-made, removable trays to gradually shift your teeth into a better position. Each tray is designed to move your teeth slightly further than the one before it. As you progress through the series, your teeth move step by step toward the final position mapped out at the start of treatment.
The process typically starts with a digital scan of your teeth, which is used to create a custom set of trays designed specifically for your mouth. You will wear each set of aligners for the period of time recommended, removing them to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush and floss, before switching to the next tray in the series.
Treatment length depends on the case. Minor shifts, like closing a small gap or correcting mild crowding, can sometimes be completed in as little as a few months. More involved cases, such as correcting a bite issue or more significant crowding, often take closer to a year or longer. Most patients change trays every one to two weeks, with periodic check-in visits throughout treatment to track progress and make sure teeth are moving as planned.
Because the trays are removable, clear aligners fit into daily life differently than fixed appliances like braces. There are no wires to avoid, no brackets to work around when eating, and nothing permanently attached to your teeth.
Our Process for Orthodontic Treatment
Your first orthodontic visit starts with an honest conversation about what you are hoping to change and whether clear aligners are a good fit for it. If they are, we will take a scan of your teeth that day. Your aligners typically arrive within two weeks, and from there we will schedule periodic check-ins to monitor your progress and make sure things are moving the way they should.
Financing and Insurance Options for Orthodontic Treatment
If your dental insurance includes orthodontic coverage, treatment is billed according to your plan’s contracted rate. For patients without that coverage, Ortho Day offers a significantly reduced rate on clear aligner treatment twice a year. Outside of Ortho Day, we also offer Sunbit and CareCredit financing, both of which can include 0% interest on qualifying plans, along with our in-house membership plan.
Looking for a Straighter Smile?
If you have been curious about straightening your smile without traditional braces, we are happy to talk through whether clear aligners are the right fit for you. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment
How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?
Common signs include crowded or overlapping teeth, noticeable gaps, or a bite that feels off when you chew or close your mouth. We can take a look and give you an honest read on whether treatment would help.
Is orthodontic treatment only for cosmetic reasons?
Not always. While straighter teeth are often the visible goal, correcting a misaligned bite can also make chewing more comfortable and teeth easier to clean.
Does Ortega Boulevard Dental offer traditional braces?
No. We offer clear aligner treatment through SureSmile. If your case would be better suited to traditional braces or another fixed appliance, we will tell you that upfront and refer you to a specialist.
What is Ortho Day?
Ortho Day is a dedicated day held twice a year where we offer clear aligner treatment at a reduced rate for patients without dental insurance coverage for orthodontics.
Does insurance cover clear aligners at Ortega Boulevard Dental?
It depends on your plan. If your insurance includes orthodontic coverage, we bill according to your plan’s contracted rate. If not, Ortho Day and our financing options can help.