Straighter teeth, better function, and a healthier bite — for children and adults
Braces are the most efficient and accurate method for moving teeth. Using bands, brackets, and wires — available in stainless steel or clear options — Dr. Patel precisely controls tooth movement over a treatment period tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Clear bracket options available for a less noticeable appearance
- Fitted across two appointments, with adjustments every 4–8 weeks
- Adults are never too old — healthy teeth and supporting structures are all that’s required
What misaligned teeth cost you over time
Crooked or crowded teeth are harder to clean. Plaque accumulates in areas that brushing and flossing cannot reach, accelerating decay, gum disease, and eventually premature tooth loss — problems that compound significantly over years without correction.
Bite misalignment also creates uneven wear on tooth surfaces and excess load on jaw joints. Correcting alignment while facial bones are still developing — ideally around age 7 for children — is far less invasive and less costly than waiting until growth is complete, when skeletal corrections may require surgery rather than braces alone.
Orthodontics — children, adults, and what to expect
From the right age to start treatment to what happens after braces come off — answered clearly.
Children should have their first orthodontic evaluation at age 7, when most facial asymmetries and bite problems become identifiable. Early assessment allows Dr. Patel to guide permanent tooth eruption into favorable positions, preserve space for developing teeth, and in many cases simplify or shorten the overall treatment needed later — reducing both complexity and cost.
Braces use bands, brackets, and wires to apply consistent, controlled force to the teeth. Installation is completed over two appointments. Patients return every 4–8 weeks so Dr. Patel can adjust the wires and monitor progress. Rubber bands and headgear are added when bite correction requires additional force beyond the brackets alone. Clear brackets are available at additional cost for patients who prefer a less visible option.
Once active treatment ends, retainers hold the teeth in their corrected positions while surrounding bone stabilizes. The standard retention schedule: full-time wear for up to one year, nighttime-only wear for another year, then a gradual phase-out. Dr. Patel continues to monitor results with annual or semi-annual check-ups for up to five years post-treatment.
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. Patients with healthy teeth and strong supporting bone structures are good candidates regardless of age. Modern options — tooth-colored brackets that are barely noticeable, specialized low-friction wires, and fixed retainers — make adult treatment more comfortable and discreet than ever. Improved smile aesthetics benefit personal, social, and professional life at any stage.
A straighter smile is easier to clean, develops more favorable wear patterns, and places less stress on jaw joints — all of which extend the long-term health and longevity of your natural teeth. In some cases, correcting the bite eliminates the need for other medical and dental treatments, making orthodontics one of the most cost-effective long-term investments in your oral health.
Ready for a straighter, healthier smile?
Book an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Bhargav Patel today.
