Treatments
Orthodontic treatment, explained
Every plan starts with a consultation with your orthodontist. These pages explain the options in plain language.
Clear aligners
Invisalign® clear alignersInvisalign® treatment uses a series of removable, nearly invisible aligners, each made from a digital scan of your teeth. Your orthodontist plans every stage of tooth movement and checks your progress at regular visits.
Braces
Braces for kids, teens and adultsBraces move teeth with brackets and a wire that your orthodontist adjusts over time. Today’s brackets are smaller and smoother than they used to be, and treatment is planned from digital records.
For parents
Orthodontic evaluation by age 7The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. At that age an orthodontist can spot developing bite and jaw issues early — and most children simply need monitoring.
For teens
Orthodontics for teensBraces or Invisalign® that fit around school, sports and everything in between — with a plan your teen understands and you can follow.
For adults
Orthodontics for adultsTeeth can move at any age. Adults choose orthodontic treatment for appearance, comfort and to make teeth easier to keep clean — with discreet options that fit work and family life.
Treatment at every age
Children: the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by about age 7. Most children only need monitoring at that visit; when early treatment helps, options include palatal expanders, Invisalign® First and the Invisalign® Palatal Expander.
Teens: most teens start once their adult teeth are in. Braces and Invisalign® Teen both work well, and we fit visits around school and sports.
Adults: it’s never too late. Many adults choose Invisalign or clear braces, and we coordinate with your dentist when other dental work is part of the plan.
Your options
Braces: metal braces, tooth-colored clear (ceramic) braces, self-ligating braces, and lingual braces behind the teeth on request.
Invisalign® clear aligners: removable, hard to notice, and planned digitally so you can see a preview of the planned tooth movement before you start.
Jaw surgery cases: when a bite can’t be corrected with braces alone, we plan the braces with your oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who performs the surgery.
After treatment: retainers keep your result in place, and teeth whitening is available once braces or aligners are finished.
How treatment works
It starts with a free consultation. Your orthodontist examines your teeth and bite and takes digital records, including iTero scans instead of impression putty and CBCT 3D imaging when a plan needs a closer look.
If treatment would help, you get your options, the expected length of treatment and the full fee in writing before you decide. Most comprehensive treatment takes about 18 to 24 months, and early (Phase 1) treatment about 12 to 18 months; your plan may differ. Visits are usually every 6 to 8 weeks for braces and every 8 to 12 weeks for aligners, at any of our seven offices.
Cost and insurance
We work with most PPO plans, are in network with the TRICARE Dental Program and FEDVIP, accept FSA and HSA funds, and offer monthly payment plans through OrthoFi.
Questions
- Do I need a referral from my dentist?
- No. You can book a free consultation directly.
- Braces or Invisalign: which is better?
- Both work well for many people. Braces work without having to remember to wear them; Invisalign is removable and hard to notice. Your orthodontist will tell you which suits your teeth.
- How long does treatment take?
- Most comprehensive treatment takes about 18 to 24 months. You get your own estimate at the consultation.
