Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment time varies from patient to patient. The amount and type of tooth movement needed, bite complexity, treatment approach, and how the teeth respond during treatment can all influence the overall timeline.

Some alignment concerns can be addressed more quickly than cases involving more extensive crowding or bite correction. After evaluating your teeth and bite, your dental team can discuss a treatment plan and expected timeline based on your individual needs.

Clear aligners and braces can both move teeth, but they are not automatically interchangeable for every orthodontic situation. The appropriate approach depends on the type and complexity of the tooth movement and bite correction needed.

SureSmile® uses a series of removable, custom-fitted aligners to gradually guide teeth toward planned positions. Braces provide another approach and may be preferable when greater control is needed for particular alignment concerns. Explore SureSmile® clear aligners.

Yes. Orthodontic care is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults may pursue treatment to address crowding, spacing, teeth that have shifted over time, bite imbalance, uneven pressure, or concerns about smile appearance.

Adult treatment planning also considers existing dental work, gum health, tooth support, and other factors that may affect safe and predictable tooth movement. Learn about orthodontic treatment for adults.

Orthodontic evaluation during childhood allows the dental team to observe tooth eruption, available space, jaw development, crowding, and developing bite relationships while the mouth is still changing.

An early evaluation does not necessarily mean treatment needs to begin immediately. In some cases, monitoring growth and tooth eruption may be the appropriate next step. Explore orthodontic evaluations for children.

Orthodontic appliances work by applying controlled forces that gradually move teeth. Because of this, patients may notice pressure or temporary tenderness, particularly after treatment begins or following an adjustment or transition in the treatment process.

The experience varies by patient and by appliance. If discomfort feels unusual, severe, or does not improve as expected, contact the dental team so the appliance and your progress can be evaluated.

Appointment timing depends on the orthodontic system being used, the stage of treatment, and how your teeth are responding. Follow-up visits allow the dental team to evaluate tooth movement, bite changes, appliance condition, and overall oral health.

Your recommended schedule will be established as part of your individual treatment plan rather than using the same interval for every orthodontic patient.

Retention is an important part of protecting orthodontic results. After active tooth movement is complete, teeth can shift as the surrounding tissues adapt and as natural changes occur over time.

Retainers help maintain the improved tooth positions achieved during treatment. Following the retention instructions provided for your case supports greater long-term alignment stability.

Crowded and overlapping teeth can create areas that are more difficult to reach effectively with a toothbrush or floss. Improving alignment may make some of these surfaces more accessible for daily plaque removal.

Oral hygiene remains especially important during orthodontic treatment because braces and other appliances can create additional areas where food and plaque collect. Explore preventive dental care.

Bite relationships can be one factor considered when evaluating jaw function, but jaw discomfort can have multiple causes. Orthodontic treatment should not be assumed to resolve every case of jaw pain or tension.

An evaluation can look at tooth contacts, jaw movement, alignment, wear patterns, muscle symptoms, and other findings to determine whether the bite appears relevant and what type of care may be appropriate. Learn about TMJ evaluation and treatment.