The Basics

Braces for All Ages

Adults. If you’re worried that you’re too old for treatment, consider this: our oldest patient is 83! Orthodontic care can help you overcome problems you may have battled with your entire life, such as a gummy smile, wrinkling, headaches and jaw pain. Change your smile, change your face, change your life!

Kids. We recommend that you schedule an appointment for your child by age seven. This enables Drs. Terry and John to identify if orthodontic treatment is necessary and to guide growth of the jaw and incoming permanent teeth when necessary.

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. They may be removable like Invisalign or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. New wires and other technology now move teeth faster and with less discomfort than in times past.

Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. (Early treatment procedures may take as few as six months.) Patients respond differently to orthodontic treatment, however, so the time to complete your treatment might vary from the original estimate. Diligently using your prescribed rubber bands or headgear helps keep your treatment moving forward!