Moved to Little Elm in the middle of braces?
Little Elm keeps growing, and a lot of the families arriving have a kid already in braces or a box of aligners in a moving carton. Transferring treatment is common. It just goes smoother with a little prep.
By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS · Board-certified orthodontist · Reviewed October 2026Get your records from the old orthodontist before you leave, book a transfer visit with a new orthodontist soon after you arrive, and read your original contract for what it says about moving. The new office looks at where treatment stands and quotes what’s left, not the whole thing from scratch.
Before you move: what to ask for
Your current orthodontist should hand these over without a fight. It’s easier to collect them in person than to chase them by email from Texas.
- X-rays, photos, and digital scans from the start of treatment and the most recent visit.
- Treatment notes, including the plan and what’s been done so far.
- The appliance details. Bracket system for braces. For aligners, the brand and which tray number you’re on.
- Your contract and payment history, including any balance and what the contract says about moving.
- Retainer details if you’re close to the end.
After you arrive: don’t let it drift
Braces are designed to be checked on a schedule. A few extra weeks between visits usually isn’t a big deal, but a few months can mean wires that stopped doing anything useful, or a loose bracket nobody noticed. Book the transfer visit early, even if the house is still full of boxes.
Aligners are a little different. You can often keep moving through trays you already have, but once you run out, the next set has to come through an orthodontist who works with that system. Ask about that before your last tray.
How the money usually works
This is the part people worry about, so here’s how it typically goes. Your original contract often says what happens if you move: a partial refund, a prorated balance, or nothing at all. Read it before you assume anything.
The new orthodontist then prices the treatment that’s left. That depends on how far along you are and whether the plan needs adjusting. It’s rarely the same as the original fee, and it’s rarely zero either.
On insurance, orthodontic coverage is usually a lifetime maximum. If some of it was already used at the old office, the remainder goes toward the new one. The front desk can check that for you at the first visit.
Getting settled in Little Elm
A couple of local details that trip up new families:
- Your school district may not be Little Elm ISD. Depending on the neighborhood, a Little Elm address can be zoned to Little Elm ISD, Frisco ISD, or Denton ISD. Check your address with the district before planning appointments around a campus.
- 380 and FM 423 are the roads that matter. Most of Little Elm reaches Frisco on FM 423 or The Colony on Highway 121, and the north side lives on 380. That’s where all three Elate offices sit. Here’s which is closest.
- You’ll want a general dentist too. Tribute Family Dentistry shares the West Frisco building with Elate, which makes cleanings during braces easy to line up.
When you’re ready, Elate’s first visit is free. Bring the records and the contract, and the doctor can tell you where treatment stands and what’s left. More on Elate’s Little Elm page.
Common questions
Can I transfer my braces to a new orthodontist after moving?
Yes. Orthodontists take transfer patients regularly. The new orthodontist reviews your records and current progress, then explains the plan and fee for the remaining treatment.
What records should I get from my old orthodontist?
Ask for your X-rays, photos, digital scans, treatment notes, the name of the appliance or aligner system, and your contract with the payment history.
Will I pay twice for orthodontic treatment if I move?
Not usually for the full amount. Your original contract often addresses what happens if you move, and the new office prices the treatment that remains. Check both before you commit.
Talk to a board-certified orthodontist near Little Elm.
The first visit at Elate Orthodontics is free. Scans, an exam with the doctor, and exact pricing.