Children:

Although we like to examine children of any age, generally we postpone treating with braces until the permanent teeth have grown in, which is around age 12. By postponing treatment we are trying to reduce the total time in braces as well as the cost and number of visits. Occasionally it is necessary to treat a child earlier in order to help the permanent teeth get enough room to grow in, or to correct some dangerous condition, but these situations are evaluated and explained carefully.

However we recommend an orthodontic exam at age 7 when the permanent teeth start to grow in, even though chances are treatment will be postponed.

Adults:

We enjoy treating adults of any age who want straighter teeth, and our only rule is that their teeth be clean and any cavities restored before starting orthodontic treatment. There are so many options, using clear or invisible braces, that nearly any goal can be attained for adults.

We are also an Invisalign Certified Orthodontic office, and are happy to offer this form of "aligner" treatment to qualifying patients who would rather not wear any "braces."




We enjoy the appearance of wide smiles with full lip support, so we tend not to remove permanent teeth.

By using new, high tech materials, visits are usually 2-3 months apart, requiring fewer appointments, yet still finishing the treatment in the predicted time.

After we have finished aligning the teeth, we provide custom "retainers," which hold the teeth in their new positions. We discourage people from wearing their retainers in the daytime because they often get lost, but we encourage long-term nighttime use of the retainers.