Orthodontics
Straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces — clear, removable Invisalign aligners for teens and adults, with most cases done in under two years.
Orthodontics
A straight, confident smile can make a real difference in how you feel every day. If crowded, spaced, or misaligned teeth have been holding you back from smiling freely, we can help — right here at River Street Dental.
Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth and improves your bite, which isn't just about looks. It's about long-term dental health, too. We take a conservative approach to tooth movement and avoid removing teeth.
When Should Kids Get Started?
The American Association of Orthodontists — and most dentists — recommend that children have their first orthodontic consultation around age seven. That might sound early, but there's a good reason for it.
By age seven, most kids have their first four permanent molars and four central incisors. That's the point where we can start to see how things are developing and determine whether your child could benefit from early treatment, whether braces will be needed later, or if expanders might help guide things along.
What Are the Benefits of Early (Two-Phase) Treatment?
If two-phase orthodontics is recommended, here's why it matters:
It guides jaw development while your child is still growing.
Early treatment, with expanders, can help shape the jaw into proper alignment — which can prevent more serious issues down the road, including ones that might eventually require surgery.
It addresses visible dental concerns early.
Crowded or misaligned teeth can be tough on kids socially. Taking care of those concerns sooner rather than later can make a real difference in your child's confidence during those formative years.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a great option if you want straighter teeth without metal braces. The aligners are clear, custom-made, and practically invisible — most people won't even notice you're wearing them. And because they're removable, you can take them out to eat, drink, or for important meetings and events.
Invisalign works for both teens and adults, and most patients complete treatment in less than two years — some in as little as six months.
Invisalign can help correct:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Widely spaced teeth
- Overly crowded teeth
How Does Invisalign Work?
- 1Dr. Carroll starts with a careful evaluation of your oral health and any orthodontic concerns to determine whether Invisalign is the right fit. While many patients qualify, some individuals with more severe bite issues may be better served by traditional orthodontics.
- 2If Invisalign is the right path, we take a digital scan and X-rays of your teeth and send it to a dental lab to assist Dr. Carroll in your treatment plan. Then you will return for a consultation and when you are ready to proceed with orthodontics, a set of custom aligners is made just for you.
- 3At your next appointment, your first set of aligners is placed and you'll get detailed instructions on how to use them.
- 4Over the following months, you'll come in periodically so Dr. Carroll can check your progress and make any adjustments along the way.
Most patients are finished in two years. Some see their results even sooner.
If you've been thinking about straightening your teeth — or wondering if it's time for your child — give us a call. We'll talk through your options and figure out the best plan together.
Schedule a Consultation
Wondering if braces or Invisalign are right for you or your child? Let's talk it through.
Book AppointmentFirst Visit at Age 7
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic consultation by age seven — early enough to catch developing issues before they become bigger problems.
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Ready to explore your options?
Schedule a consultation to discuss braces, Invisalign, or early treatment for your child. We'll figure out the best path together.
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