What conditions can orthodontics actually address?
Orthodontic treatment is about more than a straighter smile. It can meaningfully improve how your teeth fit together and how easy they are to keep clean. Common situations we treat include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- An upper or lower jaw that doesn't align properly (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic work or extractions
- Mild to moderate bite discrepancies that affect chewing or jaw comfort
Some cases (particularly those involving significant jaw alignment) may require a referral to an orthodontic specialist. We'll tell you plainly at your consultation if that's the better path.
Traditional braces: what they involve
Braces work by applying continuous, calibrated force to the teeth through a system of brackets and archwires. The brackets are bonded to each tooth; the archwire is threaded through them and applies gentle pressure in the direction of the planned movement. Periodic adjustments (usually every four to eight weeks) update the tension as the teeth move.
Modern metal brackets are smaller and lower-profile than earlier generations. Clear ceramic brackets are also available for patients who want something less visible on the front teeth while still using a fixed appliance.
Braces remain the most versatile orthodontic tool for complex tooth movements, root torque, and certain bite corrections.
Clear aligners: how they compare
Clear aligners like Invisalign use a series of custom-made plastic trays, each moving the teeth incrementally toward the planned position. You wear each tray for about one to two weeks before moving to the next. The aligners are removable, so eating and cleaning are simpler, there are no brackets or wires to work around.
Aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and some bite corrections. They're the right choice for many patients, but not all. If the movements your teeth need are better suited to fixed appliances, we'll say so. Our full Invisalign page covers the aligner process in more detail.
What your consultation looks like
Listening first
We start with your goals, what's bothering you, what you've noticed, what outcome would feel like a success. There are no wrong answers.
Clinical exam and imaging
We examine your teeth, jaws, and bite. We take any X-rays or scans needed to understand the full picture, not just what's visible.
Our recommendation
We present your options, braces, aligners, or a specialist referral — and explain the trade-offs for your specific case, so the choice that fits your teeth and your life is clear.
Clear cost estimate
We outline the expected treatment length and total fees, including what your insurance may cover, so there are no surprises.
Retention: the part that protects your investment
Orthodontic results don't maintain themselves. Once treatment ends, teeth will drift back toward their original positions without something holding them in place. This isn't a failure of treatment, it's simply how bone and tissue behave.
At the end of your case, we'll fit you with custom retainers (removable, fixed, or both) and give you a wear schedule designed to protect your result long-term. If you've had orthodontics in the past and feel like your teeth have shifted, that's worth discussing, may be something we can address.
How orthodontics fits with your general dental care
Orthodontic treatment doesn't pause your other dental needs. You'll still need regular cleanings and check-ups throughout your orthodontic course, actually, cleaning around braces and aligners requires a little extra attention, and we'll help you stay on top of it. If other dental work is needed before or during orthodontic treatment, we coordinate it as part of the same care relationship.
Ready to explore whether orthodontics is the right move? Book a consultation and we'll give you a clear, honest picture of what's possible.