Orthodontic Treatment
Options for Children, Teens & Adults
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Every Smile
Whether you're exploring orthodontic treatment for your child, your teenager, or yourself, our team is here to help you find the right solution. We combine personalized care, advanced technology, and years of clinical expertise to create healthy bites and confident smiles that last a lifetime.
A Personalized Approach to Orthodontics
No two smiles are exactly alike. That's why we believe orthodontic treatment should never be one-size-fits-all.
Whether you're concerned about crowding, spacing, bite problems, or jaw development, we'll take the time to understand your goals and recommend the treatment approach that best fits your needs. Our focus isn't simply on straight teeth. It's on creating healthy function, long-term stability, and beautiful smiles.
Orthodontic Care for Every Stage of Development
Expert Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens, and Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn't just about choosing braces or aligners. Timing matters. The right treatment at the right stage of development can often make treatment more efficient, more predictable, and more effective.
As a combined pediatric dental and orthodontic practice, we are uniquely positioned to monitor growth, identify developing concerns, and provide specialized care throughout every stage of life.
Preadolescent Treatment (Phase I Orthodontics)
Guiding Growth While It Matters Most
Some orthodontic problems are best addressed while a child is still growing. Phase I treatment allows us to evaluate jaw development, tooth eruption, and bite relationships during critical stages of growth.
Early treatment may help:
Correct crossbites and developing bite problems
Create room for erupting permanent teeth
Guide jaw growth and development
Address harmful oral habits
Reduce the severity of future orthodontic concerns
Improve facial balance and function
Not every child needs Phase I treatment, but every child benefits from an expert evaluation.
Why Families Trust Us for Early Orthodontic Care
Growth and development are central to what we do.
Dr. Martinez has more than a decade of orthodontic experience and serves on the faculty of the UNLV Orthodontic Residency Program. He developed the residency's Phase I orthodontics curriculum and helps train future orthodontists in the diagnosis and treatment of growing patients.
For parents, that means your child is being evaluated by a doctor with extensive experience in determining when treatment is truly needed and when careful observation is the better choice.
Adolescent Treatment (Comprehensive Orthodontic Care)
The Most Common Time for Orthodontic Treatment
The teenage years are often the ideal time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment. During this stage, most permanent teeth have erupted while growth is still occurring, creating an excellent opportunity to correct bite problems and align teeth efficiently.
Treatment may include:
Metal braces
Self-ligating ceramic braces
Clear aligners
Expanders
TADs and other specialized appliances when appropriate
Advanced Expertise for Growing Smiles
Orthodontic treatment for adolescents often involves more than simply straightening teeth. Proper treatment planning requires an understanding of growth, biomechanics, facial development, and long-term stability.
As a faculty member at the UNLV Orthodontic Residency Program, Dr. Martinez teaches orthodontic biomechanics and ABO examination literature review. His commitment to orthodontic education helps ensure our patients receive treatment based on current evidence and sound clinical principles.
Adult Orthodontics
It's Never Too Late to Improve Your Smile
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for children and teenagers. Many adults choose treatment to improve their smile, correct bite issues, or address changes that have occurred since previous orthodontic treatment.
Adult orthodontics can help with:
Crowding
Spacing
Bite discrepancies
Relapse after previous treatment
Preparation for restorative or cosmetic dental treatment
Whether you choose braces or aligners, we'll develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and schedule.
Why Families Choose Our Practice
✓ Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof
✓ Specialized expertise in growth and development
✓ More than 10 years of orthodontic experience
✓ Faculty appointment with the UNLV Orthodontic Residency Program
✓ Creator of the residency's Phase I orthodontics curriculum
✓ Advanced expertise in orthodontic biomechanics and evidence-based treatment
Primary Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Metal braces remain one of the most effective and reliable orthodontic treatment options available. Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
Metal braces are an excellent option for patients of all ages and can successfully treat both simple and complex orthodontic concerns.
Self-Ligating Ceramic Braces
For patients seeking a more aesthetic alternative to traditional braces, self-ligating ceramic braces offer an excellent balance of appearance and performance.
Unlike traditional ceramic braces that rely on clear elastic ties, self-ligating ceramic brackets do not require ties during most stages of treatment. This helps avoid the discoloration and staining commonly associated with clear elastics.
Benefits include:
Tooth-colored appearance
More discreet smile during treatment
No tie staining during most stages of treatment
Excellent control for complex tooth movement
Proven effectiveness for a wide range of orthodontic concerns
When space closure is needed, power chains may occasionally be used as part of treatment to achieve the best possible result.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment option for many patients.
Because aligners are removable, patients can continue enjoying their favorite foods and maintain their normal brushing and flossing routines.
Clear aligners are especially popular among teens and adults seeking flexibility and convenience.
Compare Your Treatment Options
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Advanced Orthodontic Solutions
Specialized Treatment for More Complex Orthodontic Needs
Some orthodontic concerns require more than braces or aligners alone. Our practice offers advanced treatment options that allow us to address growth, skeletal discrepancies, eruption concerns, and complex bite problems.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
Small temporary anchors that help create precise tooth movement and improve treatment efficiency.
Palatal Expanders
Appliances used to widen the upper jaw and create space while supporting healthy bite development.
MARPE (Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion)
An advanced expansion technique that may be appropriate for selected teens and adults who require skeletal expansion.
Space Maintainers
Devices used to preserve space after the premature loss of baby teeth and support proper eruption of permanent teeth.
Habit Appliances
Specialized appliances designed to address habits such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting that may impact dental and facial development.
Orthognathic Surgery
For certain patients with significant jaw discrepancies, orthodontic treatment may be coordinated with oral and maxillofacial surgery to achieve optimal function, facial balance, and long-term stability.
How We Choose the Right Treatment
Your Consultation Matters
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation.
During your consultation, we'll:
Perform a thorough orthodontic examination
Review digital images and diagnostic records
Evaluate growth and development when applicable
Discuss your concerns and goals
Review treatment options and timelines
Explain financial and insurance considerations
Our goal is simple: recommend the treatment that will provide the healthiest, most predictable outcome for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early evaluations allow us to identify concerns and determine whether treatment or observation is appropriate.
What is Phase I orthodontic treatment?
Phase I treatment is early orthodontic intervention performed while a child is still growing. It focuses on guiding development and addressing specific concerns before they become more significant.
Are braces painful?
Patients may experience mild soreness after adjustments or appliance placement, but most discomfort is temporary and manageable.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, growth patterns, and treatment goals. We'll discuss your estimated timeline during your consultation.
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely not. Orthodontic treatment can be successful at virtually any age when the teeth and supporting structures are healthy.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will help you understand your coverage and maximize available benefits.
Which treatment option is best for me?
The best treatment depends on your orthodontic needs, goals, lifestyle, and preferences. We'll review all appropriate options and help you make an informed decision.
Financing & Insurance
Making Treatment Affordable
We believe everyone deserves access to a healthy, confident smile.
Our team works with families to make treatment affordable through:
Flexible payment options
Insurance benefit coordination
Family-friendly financing solutions
Transparent treatment fees
We'll help you understand all costs and available options before treatment begins.
Let's Find the Right Treatment for Your Smile
Whether you're exploring Phase I treatment for your child, comprehensive orthodontic care for your teenager, or orthodontic treatment for yourself, our team is here to help.
Together, we'll create a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve a healthy bite, a confident smile, and lasting results.
