A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. While some people have a naturally well-aligned smile, many seek orthodontic treatment to correct overcrowded teeth, a gapped smile, or teeth that have drifted out of position due to extractions, harmful oral habits, and abnormal bite patterns. In some cases, orthodontic treatment goes beyond moving the teeth into their correct positions. Orthodontic care can also address the cosmetic and functional problems associated with skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment utilizes customized appliances to apply controlled, incremental forces that gently move the teeth into proper alignment. While conventional metal braces were once the only option in care, patients today have several choices. Thanks to advances in technology and innovations in care, a wider selection of treatment systems is available. These days, orthodontic appliances are far less bulky, much less noticeable, and more comfortable than earlier generations of braces.
The type of orthodontic treatment and the length of time a patient undergoes care varies, depending on the nature of the case. Orthodontic treatment ranges from the minor movement of a single tooth to the alignment of an entire bite. Although certain corrections can be achieved in a few months, more extensive ones can take a couple of years.
At the office of Lasting Smiles Dental Care, we understand all aspects of oral health and the cosmetic requirements of a beautiful smile. We’re passionate about what we do and remain dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefit of a great looking and healthy smile. We offer a comprehensive selection of dental services to help both adults and children improve the alignment, appearance, and health, of their smiles.
There’s more to a straight smile than the sheer beauty of it. Well-aligned teeth support good oral health, optimal jaw function, and contribute to your overall well-being. Although every smile is different, the potential consequences of teeth that are either overcrowded, have spaces between them, have shifted, or don’t come together in an ideal way remain the same.
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Simply put, it’s easier to brush and floss your teeth. With fewer inaccessible nooks and crannies for food to get trapped, your risk of tooth decay and gum disease is lower.
Teeth that meet correctly and are not crowded, stick out, or protrude, are protected, as they should be by the lips and soft tissues surrounding the mouth. They are less vulnerable to trauma, getting “knocked out” or damaging fractures.
Straight teeth make all manner of oral function easier. The result is that you can bite into your food, chew, and speak, without difficulty or impediment.
Teeth and jaws that are well-aligned mean less wear on the teeth. When teeth don’t line up or meet as they should, they often exhibit uneven and excessive areas of wear.
A good bite supports temporomandibular joint health and function. A less than ideal occlusion can affect your oral function and comfort. TMJ disorders are associated with a wide range of problems, including headaches, jaw pain, difficulty opening and closing your mouth, as well as other types of head and neck pain.
With good oral health and well-being mutually dependent upon each other, a well-aligned smile is essential to overall wellness.
At the office of Lasting Smiles Dental Care, we provide integrated care to help children and adults enjoy the benefits a well-aligned, beautiful, and healthy smiles. Whether your visit to our practice is for a dental checkup or consultation visit, we’ll assess the look, health, and function of your smile and advise you if orthodontic treatment is right for your smile.
We also keep a very close watch on your child’s developing smile and will let you know the best time for an orthodontic consultation and care. From checking the emergence of the baby teeth, jaw development, and oral habits to the premature loss of a baby tooth and the eruption and alignment of the permanent teeth, we carefully monitor your child’s smile as they grow.
Even though the best time to begin care is as a growing child, the truth is that one is never too old for orthodontic treatment. Today more and more adults choose orthodontic care with successful, healthy, and satisfying treatment outcomes.
However, with all the choices in types of braces and systems of care marketed today, it can often feel confusing which approach is best. Whether or not fixed, conventional braces, aligners, removable appliances, or other care offer the best way to achieve optimal and timely results depends on several factors.
The severity of the malocclusion or bite problem
The degree of crowding or spacing of the teeth
If dental extractions are required
The relationship between the upper and lower jaws
How long appliances are needed
If any additional, supportive appliances are required
Patient compliance with oral hygiene, appliance maintenance, and wear
As orthodontic treatment has become more widely available, and the appearance of braces has improved, the number of people getting orthodontic treatment has skyrocketed. Over four million people in the United States alone wear orthodontic braces, with 27% of this number being adults.
In the past few decades, advances in care have facilitated more precise treatment planning with appliances that are less bulky, more efficient, and increasingly cosmetic.
Smaller and streamlined bracket metal bracket design
Clear, cosmetic brackets
Self-ligating braces
Lingual Braces
Clear Aligners
3-D Imaging with CBCT
Digital Impressions
Intraoral Scanners and 3-D Planning Software
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Accelerated Orthodontics
Since their arrival on the scene over two decades ago, clear aligners have revolutionized the delivery of orthodontic care. Continuing to soar in popularity, this innovative method of care offers many patients a more discreet, comfortable, and convenient solution for improving the alignment of their smiles.
Custom-made to the exact specifications of a patient’s smile, clear aligners are designed to gently and incrementally move the teeth into their correct positions. As patients swap out one aligner for the next one in the prescribed series, they’re able to witness progressive improvements in their smiles. Best of all, with treatment that is virtually invisible to the outside world, no one but the patient knows they are undergoing orthodontic care.
By transforming smiles with minimal interference to daily activities, clear aligners allow patients to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods and engage in recreational activities without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances or sharp poking wires. Moreover, as the aligners are completely removable, there’s no need to struggle to brush and floss in between orthodontic brackets and wires.
While clear aligner therapy is a solution for every type of malocclusion, orthodontic treatment with this innovative method of care offers an excellent option for many image-conscious teens and adults.
At the office of Lasting Smiles Dental Care, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care to provide patients with the highest quality services. Whether you are a candidate for treatment with clear aligners, or another method of orthodontic care, we’ll help you achieve a well-aligned and attractive smile.
While some children require early intervention or an initial phase of care, most youngsters begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14. At this time, they are generally in the mid to late mixed dentition stage. This means they have a mix of permanent front teeth, permanent molars, and some baby teeth.
The benefit of placing braces at this stage is that the orthodontist can improve the alignment of permanent front teeth, guide the incoming new adult teeth into position, and utilize the child’s growth and development to the best advantage.
Braces are generally worn for one to three years with an average treatment time of two years. If a child requires a space maintainer, habit control therapy, or exhibits significant jaw disharmony, treatment may begin earlier.
After orthodontic appliances are removed retainers are worn for a period of time to stabilize and maintain the results.
With the wide variety of orthodontic treatment options available to adults, the process of wearing braces is more convenient, more comfortable, more efficient, and much less conspicuous than ever before. Bulky metal braces are truly a thing of the past. The latest generations of metal appliances are substantially smaller and less unsightly than their predecessors. Moreover, an adult interested in orthodontic care can select braces that are hardly visible at all. Today’s tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, or removable clear aligners can all effectively deliver treatment to achieve successful and pleasing outcomes of care.
For adults seeking orthodontic care, it’s essential to keep in mind that achieving a successful outcome relies on healthy teeth and supporting bone. Adults seeking treatment sometimes exhibit the damaging consequences of uncorrected bites and poorly aligned teeth. Because their teeth are so jumbled and hard to clean, they may have extensive dental decay, display signs of gum disease, exhibit bone loss, or even had extractions. They may also suffer from worn-down teeth or TMJ joint dysfunction.
While it’s critical to address outstanding dental issues before the start of orthodontic care, it’s also important to continue maintaining the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues both during and following treatment.
Although adult orthodontics requires an investment of time and resources, the payoff is well worth it. The value of a healthy and attractive smile is priceless. Thanks to modern orthodontics, having teeth that look good and function well is something that can be enjoyed at any age.
Everyone who has worn orthodontic appliances can attest that the day their braces or appliances are removed is a happy and gratifying time. Achieving a beautiful, well-aligned, and functional smile is the ultimate reward for having made a commitment to orthodontic care.
Almost every individual who has undergone orthodontic care will need to wear some type of retainer for a prescribed period of time. Retainers help to protect the teeth from relapse.
One of the reasons retainers are needed is because the teeth have a tendency to move back towards their original positions. The delicate fibers connecting the teeth to the jawbones have elastic memory. Once orthodontic appliances are removed, these fibers want to rebound to their natural positions and move the teeth out of their new alignment. Wearing retainers allow these fibers to reorganize in their new positions and to reset their memory.
Retainers are also extremely important because the teeth are part of a complex masticatory system and subject to forces that cannot always be predicted or controlled. Even after orthodontic treatment, any number of things such as tongue or lips postures, unfavorable growth of the jaws, oral habits, and periodontal problems can disrupt teeth alignment.
Remember, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. Committing to wearing retainers is the best way to preserve your smile and to keep your teeth as straight and beautiful as the day your braces were removed.
Orthodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry focused on correcting the position of teeth and the relationship between the upper and lower jaws to improve function and appearance. Treatment uses carefully designed appliances to apply controlled, incremental forces that move teeth through the bone. Over time this movement prompts a biological response in which bone remodels around the tooth roots, allowing teeth to settle into new, stable positions.
Care begins with a detailed evaluation and treatment plan based on clinical exams, dental imaging, and dental models or digital scans. Appliances are selected to address a patient’s specific needs and may be adjusted periodically to guide tooth movement. Regular monitoring ensures movement is progressing safely and efficiently while protecting overall oral health.
Good candidates include children, teens, and adults who have crooked teeth, spacing or crowding issues, bite problems, or jaw alignment concerns that affect chewing, speaking, or dental health. Candidates should have healthy teeth and supporting bone; conditions such as untreated decay or active gum disease typically require treatment before orthodontic appliances are placed. A comprehensive evaluation identifies whether orthodontics alone is appropriate or if coordinated care with other dental specialists is needed.
At Lasting Smiles Dental Care our team reviews medical and dental history, performs a clinical exam, and obtains imaging to determine candidacy and design a personalized plan. We consider growth potential in younger patients and existing restorations or periodontal status in adults to recommend the safest, most effective approach. If orthodontics is not immediately recommended, we provide a monitoring plan so treatment can begin at the optimal time.
Treatment duration varies with the complexity of the case and the goals of care; minor tooth movements may take several months, while comprehensive treatment to correct significant bite issues can take one to three years. Factors that influence timing include the severity of misalignment, whether growth modification or extractions are required, the type of appliances used, and how consistently a patient follows care instructions. Regular compliance with appliance wear, oral hygiene, and scheduled visits helps keep treatment on track.
During the initial consultation your provider will explain an estimated timeline and the milestones to expect throughout care. Periodic progress checks and adjustments allow the team to refine the plan as needed and address any delays promptly. After active treatment, a retention phase helps stabilize the result and is an important part of the overall timeline.
A range of appliances is available to meet different clinical needs and patient preferences, including traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic brackets, and lingual braces that sit on the tongue side of the teeth. Removable options such as clear aligners offer a discreet alternative for many mild to moderate alignment concerns, while functional appliances and space maintainers are used for specific growth and development issues in children. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and auxiliary appliances can provide additional control for complex movements.
Advances in digital dentistry support more precise planning and fabrication of appliances using 3-D imaging and intraoral scanning. These technologies can improve fit, comfort, and predictability of movement and may streamline certain stages of care. Your provider will recommend the most appropriate appliance based on the treatment objectives, oral health, and lifestyle considerations.
Clear aligners are an effective option for many patients and can achieve excellent results for a wide range of mild to moderate tooth movement and bite concerns. Their removable design offers advantages for oral hygiene and dietary flexibility, and they are often preferred by image-conscious teens and adults. However, aligners may be less suitable for certain complex tooth movements or significant skeletal discrepancies that require fixed appliances or surgical collaboration.
Effectiveness depends heavily on proper case selection and patient compliance; wearing aligners for the recommended daily hours and following replacement schedules are essential for predictable progress. Your orthodontic provider will evaluate the specific movements needed and recommend the treatment modality that can deliver the most stable and functional outcome for your situation.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, when early bite problems and jaw growth issues can often be identified. At this age an orthodontist can detect developing discrepancies such as severe crowding, crossbites, or asymmetries that may benefit from early monitoring or interceptive treatment. Early evaluation does not always mean immediate treatment, but it allows the clinician to develop a timeline and intervene when growth can be most advantageous.
Monitoring a child’s dental development helps guide decisions about space maintenance, habit management, and the timing of orthodontic appliances if needed. In cases where early intervention is indicated, targeted measures can simplify later treatment and improve long-term function. Parents should seek an evaluation if they notice difficulty chewing, breathing through the mouth, or visible jaw shifts when the child opens or closes their mouth.
Adults seeking orthodontic treatment often have fully developed jaws and a history of dental restorations, previous extractions, or periodontal concerns that must be considered during planning. Healthy gums and adequate bone support are essential for safe tooth movement, so any active gum disease or decay should be addressed before beginning orthodontics. Adults may also require coordination with restorative treatment to replace missing teeth, reshape worn teeth, or update crowns and bridges after alignment is complete.
Treatment options for adults include discreet choices such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, or lingual appliances, and sequencing of care is tailored to overall dental goals. Because adult bone remodeling can be slower than in adolescents, treatment timelines and mechanics may differ, and the team will emphasize periodontal maintenance throughout care. Comprehensive planning ensures that functional needs and aesthetic expectations are both met while preserving oral health.
Complex cases involving significant jaw discrepancies or skeletal malformations begin with a thorough diagnostic workup that often includes clinical exams, dental models or digital scans, panoramic and cephalometric imaging, and sometimes CBCT 3-D imaging. These records allow the clinician to assess jaw relationships, airway concerns, and the need for growth modification versus surgical correction. For growing patients, orthopedic appliances can guide jaw development; for fully grown patients, combined orthodontic and orthognathic surgical treatment may be necessary to achieve optimal function and facial balance.
Treatment of complex cases typically involves a multidisciplinary team that can include oral and maxillofacial surgeons, periodontists, and restorative dentists to coordinate timing and sequence of procedures. Advanced digital planning tools help simulate outcomes and improve precision during both orthodontic and surgical phases. Clear communication about objectives, steps, and expected results is critical to successful interdisciplinary care.
Follow-up visits during active orthodontic treatment focus on monitoring tooth movement, making controlled adjustments to appliances, and addressing any concerns such as discomfort or appliance breakage. Appointment intervals commonly range from four to eight weeks depending on the mechanics in use and the stage of treatment, and these visits allow the team to verify progress and modify the plan as necessary. During each visit the clinician will check oral hygiene and offer guidance to prevent decalcification and gum problems while appliances are in place.
Occasional progress records such as photographs or radiographs may be taken to document movement and refine treatment goals, and timely communication about any unusual pain or appliance issues helps prevent delays. Good adherence to instructions between visits, including appliance care and wear schedules for removable systems, supports steady progress and reduces the need for emergency appointments.
Retainers are essential for maintaining orthodontic results because teeth have a natural tendency to move back toward their original positions after active treatment. The soft tissues and periodontal fibers around the teeth exhibit elastic memory, and bone maturation around newly positioned teeth continues for months after appliances are removed. Wearing retainers as prescribed allows these tissues to stabilize and reduces the risk of relapse.
Retention protocols vary by case and may include removable clear retainers, Hawley-style retainers, or fixed bonded retainers along the back of the teeth. Your provider will recommend a retention schedule based on the original problem, treatment mechanics, and individual risk factors, and long-term or intermittent retainer wear is often advised to preserve alignment over a lifetime.
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