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A confident smile begins with alignment that supports both appearance and function. Orthodontics is about more than straight teeth — it’s the practice of guiding tooth position and jaw relationships so your bite works efficiently, your oral hygiene is easier to maintain, and your smile looks its best. Whether a concern is purely cosmetic or linked to chewing, speech, or jaw discomfort, a careful evaluation identifies the most appropriate path forward.
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth through the careful application of controlled forces, using appliances that are selected and adjusted to match each person’s biology and goals. Treatment can range from minor repositioning of a single tooth to comprehensive correction of complex bite patterns that involve the upper and lower jaws. The timeline depends on the issue at hand: some corrections are accomplished in months, while others require a longer, staged approach.
At Towne Dental & Orthodontics, our approach balances contemporary techniques with individual needs. We assess each smile for dental health, growth patterns, and long-term stability, then outline realistic treatment options that emphasize safety, comfort, and predictable results. Every plan prioritizes preserving healthy tooth structure and supporting tissues while working toward an aligned, functional outcome.
Good alignment is more than aesthetic — it affects how the mouth functions and how long teeth stay healthy. Teeth that fit together properly distribute biting forces evenly, reducing excessive wear and the risk of chips or fractures. When teeth are crowded or overlapped, bacteria and food debris find hiding places that make brushing and flossing less effective, increasing the chance of decay and gum inflammation.
A well-arranged bite also protects soft tissues and reduces the likelihood of accidental injury. Forward or protruding teeth are more exposed to trauma, while narrow or overcrowded arches can compromise the lips’ natural protection. For many patients, correcting alignment reduces sensitivity to wear and helps preserve the natural dentition for years to come.
Jaw function is another key reason to address malocclusion. When upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly, the temporomandibular joints and associated muscles can become strained, sometimes producing headaches, jaw pain, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Orthodontic care aims to create a balance that supports comfortable, long-term function.
Today’s orthodontic options are broader and more user-friendly than ever. Traditional fixed braces remain a reliable choice for many situations, but newer systems — such as ceramic brackets, lingual braces, and removable clear aligners — offer alternatives that can fit different lifestyles and cosmetic preferences. The best appliance is the one that addresses the clinical need while matching the patient’s daily life and priorities.
Several clinical factors guide appliance selection: the severity and type of bite problem, whether extractions are needed, jaw relationship and growth potential, and the degree of patient cooperation expected. Cases that require complex tooth movements or skeletal correction may benefit from fixed appliances, while mild to moderate alignment issues can often be managed successfully with clear aligners.
Patient involvement is crucial. Removable options like aligners depend on consistent wear and careful hygiene, whereas fixed systems require attention to maintenance around brackets and wires. During the consultation, we explain how each option works, what to expect during treatment, and practical considerations so you can make an informed decision that fits both clinical needs and day-to-day life.
Severity and type of malocclusion (crowding, spacing, crossbite, open bite)
Growth potential in children and adolescents versus adult skeletal considerations
Oral health status — presence of cavities, gum health, or missing teeth that must be addressed first
Patient preferences about appearance, maintenance, and lifestyle compatibility
Orthodontics has embraced digital tools that make diagnosis, planning, and treatment delivery more precise. Intraoral scanners and digital impressions remove the need for traditional molds in many cases, while 3-D imaging and software allow clinicians to visualize tooth movement, assess jaw relationships, and simulate outcomes. These technologies help craft efficient treatment plans and improve communication between clinician and patient.
Clear aligner therapy has been a transformative advance for many patients. Custom-manufactured from digital scans, each aligner in a prescribed series guides teeth gradually into new positions. Aligners are removable, which simplifies eating and oral hygiene, and their discreet appearance makes them a popular option for image-conscious teens and adults. For complex movements, clear aligners can be used in combination with fixed appliances or attachments to enhance control.
Other innovations — such as low-profile bracket designs, self-ligating systems, temporary anchorage devices (TADs), and accelerated orthodontic protocols — offer clinicians a wider set of tools to manage difficult movements and shorten aspects of treatment when clinically appropriate. These options expand the possibilities without compromising the biological principles that make tooth movement safe and effective.
Digital scanning and 3-D treatment visualization
Clear aligner systems and hybrid treatment strategies
Easier-to-wear, lower-profile fixed appliances
Targeted anchorage methods and adjunctive technologies
Our team stays current with these developments so treatment recommendations reflect both proven protocols and meaningful improvements that affect comfort, efficiency, and predictability.
Finishing active tooth movement is only part of the journey. After appliances are removed, the period of retention is essential to protecting results. Teeth naturally drift over time — the fibers that attach teeth to bone have an elastic memory, and without a retainer those fibers can gradually pull teeth back toward their original positions. A well-designed retention strategy helps the mouth adapt to its new alignment.
Retention approaches vary by case and may include removable retainers, fixed bonded retainers, or a combination tailored to the patient’s needs. The clinician will recommend a plan based on the type of correction, the patient’s oral habits, and the long-term risk of relapse. Regular dental checkups and continued attention to periodontal health support retention and overall oral wellbeing.
Good oral hygiene and routine dental care remain important throughout and after orthodontic treatment. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth helps ensure that tooth movement occurs into tissues that can support lasting results. Periodic reviews allow the team to monitor stability and intervene early if small changes begin to appear.
Orthodontics is an investment in function and confidence that pays dividends in daily life. By creating a bite that chews efficiently, reduces unnecessary wear, and simplifies home care, orthodontic treatment can preserve dental health for years. With clear planning and appropriate follow-up, many patients enjoy stable, attractive smiles well into adulthood.
A consultation begins with a comprehensive review of your current oral health, including dental history, clinical exam, and diagnostic imaging as needed. The goal is to identify the underlying causes of misalignment and explain how different treatment paths address those causes. You’ll receive clear information about the recommended approach and what to expect during each phase of care.
For children, timing matters: early evaluations detect developing problems and allow clinicians to intervene when growth can be used to the child’s advantage. For adults, treatment planning often includes coordination with other dental care to ensure a healthy foundation before tooth movement begins. That collaborative approach helps deliver results that are both attractive and long-lasting.
If you’re curious whether orthodontic treatment could improve your smile, a single visit can provide clarity. We discuss options, review the expected course of treatment, and answer questions so you can weigh the benefits with full information and confidence.
Orthodontic care today is personalized, predictable, and supported by technology that improves comfort and outcomes. Whether the goal is to correct a bite that causes discomfort, create a more maintainable oral environment, or enhance the aesthetic balance of a smile, modern methods make meaningful improvements possible at many ages.
Towne Dental & Orthodontics combines clinical experience with contemporary tools to recommend and deliver care that aligns with each patient’s needs and goals. Our focus is on achieving stable, healthy smiles while minimizing discomfort and disruption to daily life.
If you want to learn more about orthodontic options and whether they’re right for you or a family member, please contact us for more information.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting malalignment of the teeth and jaws. Treatment improves the way the teeth meet, enhances oral function, and makes daily hygiene easier to maintain. Patients of all ages may benefit when misalignment affects chewing, speech, appearance, or long term dental health.
Children often benefit from early assessment to guide growth, while adolescents and adults can receive treatment to address longstanding bite issues or new concerns. Clinical need, overall oral health, and patient goals determine whether orthodontic care is appropriate. A careful evaluation helps identify candidates and the best time to begin treatment.
Orthodontic treatment moves teeth by applying controlled, gentle forces that stimulate bone remodeling around the tooth root. The periodontal ligament responds to these forces and bone is resorbed on one side and formed on the other, allowing predictable tooth movement. This biologic process requires careful planning and periodic adjustments to ensure movement is safe and stable.
Appliances translate clinical plans into physical forces using brackets and wires or a sequence of removable aligners. The timing and magnitude of forces are matched to the individual to minimize unwanted side effects. Regular monitoring ensures teeth move along the intended path while supporting tissues remain healthy.
Contemporary orthodontics offers a range of appliances, including traditional metal braces, ceramic brackets, lingual braces placed on the tongue side of the teeth, and clear removable aligners. Each option provides different advantages related to control, esthetics, and patient lifestyle. Hybrid strategies that combine fixed and removable elements are also common for complex movements.
Fixed systems are often preferred for precise or large tooth movements, while removable aligners can be effective for mild to moderate corrections and offer easier hygiene. The choice depends on the diagnosis, desired outcomes, and patient cooperation. Your clinician will explain how each appliance works and which option best matches clinical needs and daily life.
Treatment planning begins with a thorough clinical exam, review of dental history, and diagnostic imaging such as digital scans or radiographs when indicated. Assessment includes the type and severity of malocclusion, dental health, jaw relationships, and growth potential in younger patients. These findings are combined with the patient's goals to create a customized plan.
Patient preferences about appearance, daily maintenance, and willingness to follow instructions are important in selecting an appliance and sequence of care. The clinician also evaluates whether other dental issues must be addressed first, such as cavities or periodontal concerns. A well coordinated plan balances clinical objectives with practicality and long term stability.
Digital tools such as intraoral scanners, 3-D imaging, and treatment planning software enhance diagnostic accuracy and allow clinicians to visualize anticipated tooth movements before treatment begins. These technologies reduce the need for traditional impressions, improve communication, and support more predictable results. Digital records also make it easier to monitor progress and adjust plans when necessary.
Manufacturing advances enable precise, custom aligners and lower profile bracket systems that increase comfort and esthetic appeal. Adjunctive options like temporary anchorage devices provide targeted support for difficult movements, while simulation tools help patients understand expected outcomes. Together, these innovations streamline treatment and support evidence based decision making.
An orthodontic consultation starts with a review of your dental history and a clinical examination to evaluate tooth positions, jaw relationships, and overall oral health. Diagnostic records such as digital scans, photographs, and radiographs may be taken to clarify the underlying causes of misalignment. The clinician will explain how different treatment paths address those causes and what practical steps each approach involves.
You will receive a recommended plan that outlines the proposed appliances, an estimated timeline, and any coordination needed with other dental care to prepare a healthy foundation for movement. The consultation includes a discussion of risks, benefits, and expected maintenance so you can make an informed choice. Our team at Towne Dental & Orthodontics will answer questions and outline next steps tailored to your needs.
Good oral hygiene is essential during treatment and includes thorough brushing around brackets or aligner attachments, daily interdental cleaning, and rinsing as recommended by your clinician. Avoiding very hard, sticky, or excessively crunchy foods helps protect appliances and reduces emergency visits. Maintaining gum health supports safe tooth movement and helps prevent complications.
Removable aligners should be cleaned regularly and worn for the prescribed number of hours each day to remain effective. Fixed appliances require attention to plaque control and periodic professional cleanings to maintain periodontal health. Report any discomfort, loose components, or concerns promptly so the team can make timely adjustments.
Retention is the phase that follows active tooth movement and is essential to protect the achieved alignment from natural relapse. Elastic fibers in the periodontal tissues and ongoing forces in the mouth can tug teeth toward their original positions, so retainers help stabilize teeth while tissues adapt. A thoughtful retention strategy preserves treatment results and reduces the likelihood of future shifts.
Retention options include removable retainers, fixed bonded retainers, or a combination tailored to the correction and individual risk factors. The recommended duration varies by case and often involves long term nighttime wear for continued stability. Regular checkups allow the clinician to monitor retention and intervene if minor changes appear.
Adults are excellent candidates for orthodontic treatment, and many treatment modalities are designed with adult needs in mind. Clinical considerations include existing restorations, periodontal status, and slower bone remodeling compared with younger patients. A comprehensive evaluation ensures that tooth movement will occur into healthy supporting tissues and that any necessary preparatory care is completed first.
Clear aligners and low profile fixed appliances provide esthetic options that fit professional and personal lifestyles for adults. Treatment planning may coordinate orthodontics with restorative or implant dentistry to achieve optimal function and appearance. Your clinician will outline realistic expectations and a sequence of care that addresses both alignment and overall oral health.
Treatment duration varies widely based on the complexity of the case, the type of movements required, and whether skeletal changes are involved. Simple tooth alignments can sometimes be completed in several months, while comprehensive corrections that involve jaw relationships may take a year or longer. Growth in children can be used advantageously to shorten or simplify some interventions.
Patient cooperation, particularly with removable appliances, affects how efficiently treatment progresses. Biological factors such as bone density, age, and periodontal health also influence the pace of movement. Regular visits and adherence to the prescribed plan help keep treatment on track and support predictable outcomes.