If you’re exploring orthodontics, the first thing to know is simple: a healthy, well-aligned smile changes how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. At Align Orthodontics, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through what treatment looks like, who it helps, and what to expect when you’re ready to take the next step.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is the branch of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to improve oral health, bite function, and smile appearance. Using braces, clear aligners, or other appliances, your smile expert gradually moves teeth into healthier positions. Children, teens, and adults can all benefit from modern, effective treatments.
The goals go beyond looks. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which lowers your risk of cavities and gum issues over time. A properly aligned bite reduces uneven wear, helps your jaw joints work the way they should, and makes chewing more comfortable.
At Align Orthodontics, Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Condict, and Dr. Smith focus on the small details that lead to lasting results. Whether you’re an adult who’s been thinking about your smile for years or a parent wondering if it’s time for your child’s first visit, orthodontic care meets you where you are.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic treatment works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, guiding them into better positions over time. Most treatment plans last 12 to 24 months, depending on case complexity. Your smile expert uses braces or clear aligners, along with regular check-ups every 4 to 8 weeks, to track progress and make careful adjustments along the way.
Here’s what the process generally looks like:
- Free consultation. Your first visit includes an exam, a discussion of your goals, and treatment plan options. We also offer a virtual consultation if that’s easier for your schedule.
- Diagnostic records. Digital scans, photos, and X-rays give your smile expert a complete picture of your teeth, roots, and jaw structure.
- Custom treatment plan. Dr. Condict, Dr. Kunkel, and Dr. Smith map out a step-by-step plan tailored to your bite and goals.
- Active treatment. Braces or clear aligners do the work of moving your teeth. You’ll come in for short check-ups so we can fine-tune your progress.
- Retention. Once your teeth are in their ideal spots, a retainer keeps them there for the long haul.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that treatment length varies based on growth, oral habits, and the complexity of the case. We’ll give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation. In many cases, patients tell us the steady, predictable pace makes the whole experience feel manageable from start to finish.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straightening your smile pays off in more ways than one. The advantages reach well past appearance, touching your daily comfort and long-term oral health alike.
What Are the Health Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth?
- Better bite function. Chewing becomes easier and more comfortable when your teeth meet the way they should.
- Simpler cleaning. Straight teeth give floss and your toothbrush a fair shot at every surface, lowering your risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Healthier jaw and TMJ. A balanced bite reduces strain on your jaw joints and the muscles around them.
- Less wear and tear. Aligned teeth wear evenly, which helps protect your enamel over the years.
How Does a Straighter Smile Affect Confidence and Speech?
- More confidence. When you love your smile, you share it more often. That shows up in photos, conversations, and how you carry yourself.
- Clearer speech for some. Correcting bite issues can improve how certain sounds form.
These benefits build on each other. A small adjustment to your bite today can mean fewer dental concerns down the road, which is exactly why we take your smile seriously at every stage.
Comparing Treatment Options: Braces vs Clear Aligners
At Align Orthodontics, we offer metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners, so you have options for every smile. Each one has strengths, and the right choice depends on your case, your lifestyle, and how visible you want your treatment to be.
Metal braces are powerful and reliable. We use self-ligating braces, which are lighter and more efficient than what you might remember from years ago. They handle complex bite issues with precision.
Clear braces work just like metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in. They’re a great middle ground for teens and adults who want a more discreet look without giving up the strength of fixed treatment.
Clear aligners are removable, see-through trays that gradually shift your teeth. You take them out to eat, brush, and floss, which makes daily life simple. They’re a popular pick for adults who want their treatment to stay under the radar.
During your free consultation, Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Condict, or Dr. Smith will walk you through which option fits your goals best.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic treatment cost depends on case complexity, the type of treatment you choose, total treatment length, and any specialty appliances your bite may need. Simpler cases typically cost less than complex bite corrections. A free consultation gives you a clear estimate up front, so you know exactly what to expect before committing to any treatment plan.
A few things that shape your final cost:
- Case complexity. Mild crowding takes less time and fewer adjustments than correcting a significant overbite or crossbite.
- Treatment type. Metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners each have different price points.
- Treatment length. Longer plans involve more check-ups and appliance changes.
- Age and growth. Early (Phase I) treatment for kids is priced differently than full treatment for teens or adults.
To put it in real terms, a teen with mild crowding who finishes treatment in about a year will usually pay less than an adult correcting a significant bite issue over two years with specialty appliances. That’s why a personalized estimate matters so much.
You shouldn’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a smile. We offer flexible financing and custom payment plans that fit your family’s budget. Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, and our team will help you make the most of what’s available to you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment helps people with a wide variety of bite and alignment concerns. You may be a good candidate if you notice any of these signs:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Overbite (upper teeth cover lower teeth too much)
- Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth)
- Crossbite (upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly)
- Open bite (front teeth don’t meet when biting down)
- Jaw discomfort or uneven tooth wear
- Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
Age isn’t a barrier. We see kids, teens, and plenty of adults who’ve decided it’s finally their turn. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in for Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Condict, or Dr. Smith to spot any developing issues early.
If you’re not sure whether orthodontic care is right for you or your child, a free consultation is the best way to find out. We’ll take a look, share what we see, and explain your options without any pressure. Many families tell us this first visit is what finally gave them the clarity they needed to move forward with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though some cases finish sooner and others take longer. Your timeline depends on the complexity of your bite, the treatment option you choose, and how closely you follow your smile expert’s instructions. We’ll give you a realistic estimate during your free consultation.
Do braces or aligners hurt?
You may feel some pressure or soreness for a few days after getting braces or starting a new aligner tray. This is a normal sign that your teeth are moving. Most people manage it easily with over-the-counter relief and soft foods. The feeling fades quickly as your mouth adjusts.
Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Adults make up a growing share of orthodontic patients, and many of our adult patients choose clear aligners or clear braces for a more discreet look. Healthy teeth and gums can be straightened at any age, and Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Condict, and Dr. Smith treat adults of all ages.
How often are appointments needed?
Most patients come in every 4 to 8 weeks during active treatment. These short visits let your smile expert adjust your braces or check the fit of your clear aligners. Virtual check-ins are sometimes an option too, depending on your treatment plan and progress.
Is a free consultation available?
Yes, Align Orthodontics offers a free consultation at each of our practice locations. You’ll meet our team, get a full evaluation, and leave with a clear understanding of your treatment plan options and costs. We also offer a virtual consultation if you’d prefer to start from home. Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Condict, and Dr. Smith are members of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics, with detailed training and a track record many families have come to trust. When you’re ready to learn more, this is the easiest place to begin leveling up your smile.