You're going to love your new smile for a lifetime

The benefits of a healthy, confident and beautiful smile are life-long, and it’s never too late to get an amazing smile you are proud to show off. At Ross Orthodontics, we know how well-aligned teeth impact self-image and overall health. Our orthodontic treatments straighten your smile and bite alignment, improve the overall function and health of teeth and jaws, and boost self-esteem and confidence.

So no matter what your age, now’s a good time to get started on a smile that makes you feel good about yourself.

For ages

7-11

Starting early has benefits down the road

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends scheduling your child’s initial orthodontist exam around the age of seven. At Ross Orthodontics, we agree. An early evaluation with our doctors may identify and intercept problems with the developing teeth and jaws that could benefit from early correction. In fact, getting an annual orthodontic exam can potentially eliminate a need for more serious intervention as a child grows older.

Let's take a look

During the initial orthodontic evaluation with Ross Orthodontics, most children have a mix of both primary and permanent teeth. Digital X-rays, a 3D scan, and photographs of the developing teeth and jaw are taken to record for the doctor and to evaluate along with their examination findings. If early treatment is recommended before all permanent teeth have come in, a two-phase treatment plan may be proposed.

Prevention is key

Two-phase treatments typically include a phase-one treatment of 9 to 12 months to address tooth and jaw problems, prevent more serious issues from developing and can often decrease time in phase-two treatment. This treatment is then followed by one to three years of wearing a retainer while the remaining permanent teeth come in. Once all permanent teeth are present, a second phase of treatment may take place for up to two more years, to shape the ideal smile.

Typical treatment

In most cases, however, a single-phase orthodontic treatment is effective in treating most orthodontic concerns, while eliminating additional years of treatment, extra costs, and added orthodontist visits. Rest assured; you can trust Dr. Ross to honestly advise you on all treatment options available to you. We’ll help you determine the ideal time to begin your child’s treatment, so that you can achieve the desired results you have in mind—without incurring unnecessary costs.

For ages

12-17

Smiles should come naturally during the teen years

The most common time to begin orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 12 and 17. At this point, teens typically have most of their permanent teeth in place which is a great time to make sure their teeth and jaw are growing and functioning properly. They may have also become more self-conscious or even embarrassed about a less-than-perfect smile, as this is the age when self-esteem and confidence really begin to develop. This makes the impressionable teen years an ideal time to get a bright, aligned smile they’re happy to share with friends and family.

Braces are the most popular choice, but these are not your grandfather’s braces. Today they’re smaller, sleeker, and surprisingly comfortable. It’s like going from a Model-T to a Tesla.

Invisalign® clear aligners are another option. Teens like them because they’re almost invisible (you can see why they named it like that), but they have a practical side, too. Invisalign clear aligners can be temporarily removed for sports, playing a musical instrument, eating favorite foods, brushing and flossing.

How long will I have to wear braces or Invisalign clear aligners?

Treatment may be quicker than you think! A teenager’s jaw and teeth typically start responding immediately to orthodontic treatment. If you’re looking for an average, think 24 months. But as you know, every child is different, with different concerns, so your actual mileage may vary. Count on Dr. Ross to give you the straight scoop so you can make an informed decision on creating his or her beautiful smile.

For ages

18+

Can we talk like adults here?

If it feels awkward to think of having braces at your age, it shouldn’t. Many, many adults crave that perfect smile for any number of reasons. There may be physical problems, and orthodontics can fix those and make ailments like tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and abnormal enamel wear become a distant memory. And hey, we all want to look our best all the time, so achieving an attractive smile is a big part of improving our self image (or even a selfie!). Whether it’s using Invisalign clear aligners or today’s modern take on braces, your Ross orthodontic team can take you where you want to go.

Orthodontics is an investment in your future

Sure, you desire to flash a beautiful, confident smile every time it feels natural. But there’s more to it than that. Orthodontic treatment improves your dental and overall health by correcting dental issues known as malocclusions. Here are a few examples of what can go wrong:

  • Mouth with crowding
  • Mouth with spacing
  • Mouth with protrusion
  • Mouth with underbite
  • Mouth with crossbite
  • Mouth with openbite
  • Mouth with overbite

Teeth crowding

When teeth lack sufficient space in the mouth, they can overlap or rotate, resulting in a crooked appearance. This makes them difficult to clean, and can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Spacing issues

In cases of missing teeth, undersized teeth, or oversized jaws, the resulting spaces can allow food to get stuck, causing cavities and gum disease.

Protrusion

Often described as “buckteeth,” protrusion occurs when the upper teeth flare too far over the bottom teeth. This overjet can be uncomfortable and makes the teeth vulnerable to breakage.

Underbite

The lower jaw extends in front of the upper jaw, causing stress on the jaw joints as well as additional tooth wear.

Crossbite

The misalignment of teeth, where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both which can cause improper wear of your enamel.

Openbite

The back teeth meet, but the front teeth do not (anterior open bite), or the front teeth meet, but the back teeth do not (posterior open bite). Swallowing and speech problems may result.

Overbite

The upper teeth extend too far over the bottom teeth, causing the teeth to bite into the lower gums or the roof of the mouth. This can lead to gum disease and abnormal enamel wear.

Let's get one thing straight

Most people have 32 teeth in their mouth. What are the chances of all of them being perfect? That’s why we’re here.

See more smile transformations

  • After Patient with overbite, openbite, and crowding
  • After Patient with moderate overbite, overjet, and crowding
  • After Patient with overjet and crowding
  • After Patient with overbite and crowding
  • After Patient with crowding
  • After Patient with overjet and crowding
  • After Patient with overjet and crowding
  • After Patient with crowding
Before Patient with overbite, openbite, and crowding Before Patient with moderate overbite, overjet, and crowding Before Patient with overjet and crowding Before Patient with overbite and crowding Before Patient with crowding Before Patient with overjet and crowding Before Patient with overjet and crowding Before Patient with crowding
After Patient with overbite, openbite, and crowding

After

Before Patient with overbite, openbite, and crowding

Before

What’s the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed additional years of training, specifically in orthodontics and the safe and healthy movement of teeth and jaws. Board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Ross also voluntarily complete additional education and assessments to display their commitment to life-long learning and the highest standards of orthodontic practice.

Every patient is special enough to deserve a board-certified orthodontic specialist, and that’s exactly what you’ll find here at Ross Orthodontics. Our team’s specialized education, skills, and expertise make us highly qualified partners for properly diagnosing orthodontic concerns, recommending the most effective treatment and timing, and guiding an individualized and pleasant treatment journey and smile transformation.

Meet Dr. Ross

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