Orthodontics for all ages
Children's orthodontics
While there’s no minimum age for kids to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.
By this time, most children will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, making it easier for orthodontists like Dr. Langford or Dr. Ringer to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems before they have the chance to become more severe.
Early, or interceptive, treatment will allow us to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Help avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct bad habits like thumb sucking
- Help improve minor speech problems
We offer free initial consultations, so get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now means a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Orthodontics for teens
If you have a teen who recently learned braces can improve their smile, you’re likely to have lots of questions, and you may be feeling nervous or worried when you think about beginning the process. Bulky, uncomfortable metal braces are a thing of the past, with today’s braces smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than ever before. They also come in a variety of styles, materials, and even colors.
One of the biggest questions on your teen’s mind before having braces put on is often, “How long will I have to wear braces?” Although there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we can estimate the amount of time it will take to treat their smile with braces based on a few key factors.
- Early treatment — Early treatment allows us to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if necessary, so we’re often able to catch problems in the beginning stages. This can cut down on the total time needed in braces considerably.
- The areas needing correction — The amount of treatment that’s needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process itself takes. It’s important to remember that different patients react to treatment in different ways. What takes one patient only 12 months may take another patient 24 or 36 months. Treatment times will vary.
- Your teen — Your teen’s willingness to play by the rules plays a major role in the length of time it will take to complete their treatment. By sticking to your orthodontists recommendations, taking care of their braces, and maintaining a healthy dental hygiene routine, they can keep their treatment time to a minimum.
Orthodontics for adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens. One in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Many adults are choosing to receive treatment later in life because they understand the importance of maintaining their oral health, they want to feel better about their overall appearance, or both.
If you’ve experienced any of the following issues, orthodontic treatment may be for you:
- A bad bite (malocclusion) causing your teeth to fit together incorrectly
- The teeth are too crowded or spaced too far apart
- Any abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- Or simply a desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
- Although the thought of wearing braces as an adult can be intimidating, there are several options that are discreet but effective.
We offer ceramic braces, which blend in closely with your own smile, and Spark™ and Invisalign®, clear aligner systems that are nearly invisible.
Traditional metal braces
While often considered for their cosmetic benefits, metal braces are an effective treatment solution for many different kinds of orthodontic issues for patients of all ages.
Ceramic braces
Designed to work similarly to metal braces, clear braces utilize transparent or tooth-colored materials to align teeth more subtly.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is a treatment method where the patient wears a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift crooked teeth into place.
Invisalign® Teen
Invisalign® Teen makes it easy for younger patients to keep up with their lifestyle and stay confident while receiving treatment.
Consider orthodontic treatment
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth — When your teeth are properly aligned it’s easier to keep them clean with flossing and brushing, which in turn helps to prevent other oral issues, including some that can affect your overall health.
- A healthy, straight smile builds confidence and self-esteem — Successfully completed orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and allow you to smile freely for maybe the first time ever!
- Untreated oral issues will get worse — Delaying or refusing orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues that will wind up costing you more in the end.
Children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, requiring a different level of attention and care. We work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you in a comfortable environment.