Orthodontics
Orthodontic Treatment for Braces, Clear Aligners & More
A straighter smile isn’t just about looks. The way your teeth fit together affects how you chew, how easy they are to clean, and over time, how much wear they accumulate. If your bite has always been off, or your teeth have shifted over the years, orthodontic treatment can make a real difference, and today’s options are more comfortable and discreet than most people expect.
At Scottsdale Family Dentistry, we provide orthodontic care for patients of all ages throughout Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. Whether you’re a teenager getting braces for the first time or an adult who’s been putting it off for years, we’ll build a plan that fits your life.
What Orthodontic Treatment Actually Does
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting the position of teeth and the alignment of the jaw. Using braces, clear aligners, or other appliances, we gradually guide teeth into better positions over time.
People tend to think of orthodontics as purely cosmetic, something you do to get a nicer smile. But the functional benefits are just as significant. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease. A corrected bite reduces uneven pressure on individual teeth, which can prevent chipping and wear. And jaw alignment issues, when left unaddressed, can contribute to headaches, jaw soreness, and TMJ problems over time.
The earlier alignment issues are identified, the simpler they tend to be to treat. We recommend an orthodontic evaluation for children around age seven, not because treatment always begins then, but because early assessment gives us the chance to monitor development and intervene at the right moment if needed.
Signs You Might Benefit from Orthodontic Care
You don’t have to be visibly crooked to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Some signs are obvious; others are easy to overlook:
- Teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or rotated
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness
- Difficulty chewing certain foods comfortably
- Teeth that don’t come together evenly when you bite
- Frequently biting the inside of your cheek or tongue
- Uneven wear on specific teeth
- Front teeth that protrude noticeably
If any of these describe your situation, an orthodontic consultation is a good starting point, even if you’re not sure treatment is right for you.
Treatment Options We Offer
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective orthodontic tools available, particularly for complex cases involving significant crowding, bite correction, or jaw discrepancies. Modern brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older versions, and they give us the most precise control over tooth movement. They’re also the most cost-effective option for comprehensive treatment.
Clear braces work the same way as metal braces but use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with the natural color of your teeth. They’re a popular choice for adults and older teens who want the reliability of braces with a less noticeable appearance. They require slightly more care, ceramic can stain if you’re not mindful of diet and hygiene, but for most patients the trade-off is worth it.
Invisalign clear aligners use a series of custom-made, removable trays to move teeth gradually into alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next. Because they’re removable, there are no dietary restrictions and cleaning your teeth is exactly the same as it’s always been. They’re nearly invisible when worn, which makes them particularly popular among adults. The key requirement is consistency, aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to work as planned. For patients with mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign in Scottsdale is an excellent option.
Retainers are used after active treatment to hold your teeth in their new positions. This phase is just as important as the treatment itself, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back without retention, and skipping retainer wear is the most common reason people end up needing treatment twice.
What the Treatment Process Looks Like
Initial consultation: We examine your teeth, take X-rays and photographs, and assess your bite and jaw alignment. We discuss your concerns and goals and walk you through what we recommend and why.
Custom treatment plan: Every plan is built around your specific tooth positions, bite, age, and lifestyle. We’ll give you a realistic timeline and explain what each phase of treatment involves.
Appliance placement: Whether you’re starting with braces or aligners, we take care of the fitting and make sure you’re comfortable and know what to expect going forward.
Progress appointments: For braces, these happen every four to six weeks to make adjustments and check that movement is on track. For Invisalign patients, check-ins are typically less frequent.
Completion and retention: When your teeth have reached their target positions, we remove the braces or finish your aligner series and move into the retention phase with custom retainers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most comprehensive treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though simpler cases can be shorter. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation based on what your teeth actually need.
Does it hurt?
You’ll feel pressure and some soreness for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, and when you switch to a new set of aligners. It’s usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and settles quickly.
Can adults get braces?
Absolutely. We treat adults regularly, and options like clear braces and Invisalign make orthodontic treatment far more approachable for patients who don’t want a mouth full of metal.
What should I avoid eating with braces?
Sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum, hard foods like nuts and raw carrots, and anything you have to bite into with your front teeth, corn on the cob, whole apples. We’ll give you a full list when you start.
Do I really need a retainer afterward?
Yes, and for the long term, not just a few months. Most orthodontists recommend wearing retainers indefinitely at night to maintain your results. It’s a small commitment for something you invested a year or more achieving.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, for yourself or your child, a consultation is the place to start. We’ll assess what’s there, walk you through your options, and give you a clear picture of what treatment would involve.
Scottsdale Family Dentistry provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign for patients throughout Scottsdale, AZ and the surrounding communities of Tempe, Mesa, and Phoenix. Call us to schedule a time that works for you.