Orthodontics for All Ages
Braces and Invisalign for children, teens, and adults in Sacramento and Fair Oaks, CA
A great smile fits every stage of life, and the right time to start treatment looks different for a seven-year-old than it does for a forty-year-old. At New Element Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Christopher Myers treats children, teens, and adults across Sacramento and Fair Oaks, CA, with a plan built around each patient’s age, bite, and goals. Below is what treatment looks like at each stage, and how to know when it’s time to come in.
Orthodontics for Children
When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up around age seven. By that age most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth, which lets Dr. Myers spot how the jaw and permanent teeth are developing. Catching an issue early often means a simpler correction later, and sometimes avoids the need for tooth extractions or surgery down the road.
What early treatment can accomplish
Starting early gives us the chance to guide growth rather than fix problems after they’ve set. Early orthodontic treatment can:
- Guide jaw growth so permanent teeth come in straighter
- Set the width of the upper and lower dental arches
- Create room for crowded teeth before they overlap
- Reduce the chance of needing permanent teeth removed later
- Ease the effects of thumb sucking and some minor speech concerns
Signs your child may need to see an orthodontist
Parents are not expected to diagnose a bite, and an evaluation with us is free. Still, a few signs are worth watching for:
- Baby teeth that are lost very early or very late
- Trouble chewing or biting
- Breathing through the mouth
- Ongoing finger or thumb sucking
- Teeth that are crowded, blocked, or out of place
- Jaws that shift, pop, or make noise
- Teeth that meet abnormally or do not meet at all
- Front teeth that look crowded around age seven or eight
If any of these sound familiar, the next step is simple: book a complimentary evaluation, and we will tell you honestly whether your child needs treatment now or should be monitored as they grow.
Orthodontics for Teens
Will braces really change my teen’s daily life?
Less than they expect. Today’s braces come in metal, ceramic, and clear styles, and Invisalign offers a removable option for many teens. They eat, play sports, and take photos the same as before, with a few small habits added for cleaning and care.
How long will my teen wear braces?
Most teen treatment runs somewhere between twelve and twenty-four months, and three things decide where a given patient lands:
- Whether early treatment happened: Some teens had a first phase as children, which can shorten or simplify the second phase. Others are best served by waiting for the right growth stage.
- What needs correcting: A small spacing fix moves faster than a significant bite correction. Two patients with different starting points will finish on different timelines.
- The patient’s own habits: Wearing elastics and aligners as directed, and keeping teeth and appliances clean, is the single biggest factor a teen controls. Consistency genuinely shortens treatment.
Braces that fit a teenager’s life
We fit the appliance to the patient, not the other way around. Depending on the case, teen options at our practice include traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Myers reviews which choices are realistic for a given bite at the consultation, so families decide with full information.
Orthodontics for Adults
Why are so many adults getting braces now?
Roughly one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of twenty-one, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Adults choose treatment for two reasons that tend to overlap: they want a smile they feel good about, and they want the long-term oral health that comes with teeth that are easier to clean and a bite that works correctly.
What brings adults in
Common reasons adults start treatment include:
- A bite that doesn’t fit together properly, known as malocclusion
- Teeth that are crowded or gapped, which can make decay and gum disease more likely
- Jaw discomfort or pressure linked to misaligned teeth
- Simply wanting a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
How adult treatment differs from treating children and teens
The key difference is bone. In children and teens the jaw is still growing, so we can guide it. In adults the jaw has finished developing, which occasionally means surgery is part of correcting a significant bite issue. A few other factors come up more often in adults:
- Gum and bone health: Adults are more likely to have some gum recession or bone loss, so we coordinate care with your dentist and keep periodontal health front and center. Straighter teeth are generally easier to keep healthy.
- Wear and missing teeth: Years of use can wear teeth down or let them drift, and a missing tooth lets neighbors tilt into the gap. Orthodontics can reposition them as part of a larger plan.
- Unfinished childhood treatment: Plenty of adults started braces years ago and never finished. Completing that work later is common and very doable.
Discreet options for adults
The mental image of a mouth full of metal keeps some adults from ever calling. It shouldn’t. Adult treatment at New Element Orthodontics includes clear and ceramic braces, self-ligating and lingual braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, several of which are barely noticeable in daily life. We will walk you through which options suit your bite and your work and social life.
Why Sacramento and Fair Oaks Families Choose New Element Orthodontics
Dr. Christopher Myers earned his dental degree at the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, then returned to USC for his orthodontic residency and a Master of Science, and has practiced since 2009. He is a board-certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential only a portion of orthodontists complete. Every treatment plan is built for one person rather than pulled off a shelf, and your first consultation is always free, at either our Sacramento or Fair Oaks office.
Common Questions About Orthodontics for All Ages
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. Initial consultations at both our Sacramento and Fair Oaks offices are complimentary, for your child or for yourself. You will leave knowing whether treatment is needed, what it would involve, and what it would cost, with no obligation.
Am I too old for braces?
No. Adults make up a large share of orthodontic patients, and healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. The main difference is that an adult jaw has finished growing, which Dr. Myers accounts for when planning your treatment.
Do you offer Invisalign as well as braces?
Yes. We offer Invisalign clear aligners alongside metal, ceramic, clear, self-ligating, and lingual braces. The right choice depends on your bite and your preferences, which we cover at the consultation.
Which office should I visit?
Both offices provide the same care with Dr. Myers and the same team. Choose whichever is more convenient. Our Sacramento office is at 2525 K St #106, and our Fair Oaks office is at 10425 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Book Your Free Consultation
Whether it’s a first check-up for your seven-year-old, braces for your teen, or a fresh start for yourself, the next step is a complimentary consultation. New patient appointments are always free of charge. Call us or request an appointment online, and let’s plan a smile that fits your life.
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