Orthodontic Treatments For All Life Stages

Worried about your teen wearing their Invisalign? We have you covered. We switch your teen to braces at no additional charge if they are noncompliant with Invisalign.

With Teen Invisalign we know the challenges. Lost aligners are replaced at no charge during treatment. Rubberbands can also be worn with Invisalign to correct bite issues. Invisalign is a great option for patients with busy schedules or students who play instruments or sports.

Invisalign is a great option for invisible treatment but it also has a lot of other benefits. Dental hygiene is easier with Invisalign and eating with Invisalign is more flexible. But compliance can be a concern for some teens. Braces are a great option for those who may have a hard time remembering to wear Invisalign or keep track of Invisalign. Noncompliance with Invisalign can extend treatment time. We will help you select the right tool for your teen at the exam.

The timing to start orthodontics varies by person. We start seeing kids at age 7 to watch their growth. We see them annually for complimentary exams until they are ready to start. Usually between ages 10-14 is a great time to start orthodontics. We can help you decide when it is best to start at your complimentary exam.

With Invisalign and braces some things are the same. When your teen starts they will be given verbal and written instructions on how to care for their braces or Invisalign. The first week your teen will be sore and a little uncomfortable as they are getting used to having Invisalign or braces. Eating and talking will be a little different but after a week it will become normal. The first few days your teen will be a little sore and may need Ibuprofen or Tylenol and soft foods. When we see your teen for a braces adjust or when they switch to new aligner they may be sore for a day or two. We are here to support your teen through this journey.

We are here to listen to your needs. If your kids need a certain time of day, just let us know. We are open on many days that the schools are closed. We are understanding of planning appointments around school, band, sports, or other activities. We typically see your teen for appointments every 6-12 weeks. Each appointment ranges from 15-45 minutes. Let us know what you need at your exam.

Retainers are a lifetime commitment. The only way to keep teeth straight after orthodontics is to wear retainers. The first round of retainers are included in treatment. We offer permanent retainers or clear removable retainers. Permanent retainers are a great option for those who struggled during treatment with compliance or who had very rotated teeth. Even with permanent retainers your teen still needs to wear the clear retainers. In our experience clear retainers are the best option. Clear retainers are worn nightly and compliance is great with clear retainers. Replacement retainers are an additional charge and we do offer discounts for buying multiple retainers.

You may have heard your dentist say your child needs Phase One Treatment or Early Treatment. Each orthodontist has a philosophy on early treatment. Dr. Kunik’s approach to early treatment is very conservative. He believes in intervening to help your child’s dental health and development. Dr. Kunik is also here to listen if your child has concerns effecting the development of their self esteem. Not all children need early treatment and we are happy to discuss at your exam.

Want to know a little more?

Phase Two Treatment is done when all or the majority of permanent teeth are in. Phase Two Treatment is typically done during ages 10-14. Phase Two Treatment is needed after a Phase One Treatment to align the teeth and correct the bite and set up a healthy dentition for adulthood.

Dr. Kunik only uses a few appliances that he knows truly work and are efficient. The appliances Dr. Kunik utilizes for early treatment are expanders, Invisalign First, braces, and habit appliances.

Visiting a new office can be scary. Our team is always excited to see your child and we are here to make it fun. The first visit in our office your child can expect to meet our treatment coordinator, Dr. Kunik, and a few team members. We will likely get photos and xrays if needed. We like to start seeing kids annually at age 7 so they can get comfortable in our office and with our team.

Children are typically our most compliant patients with Invisalign. If your child is not compliant with Invisalign we switch them to braces to finish their treatment at no additional charge to you.

Dr. Kunik uses Invisalign in early treatment to widen the upper arch and improve the bite or to align the front permanent teeth. It is great for hygiene and flexible for eating. Invisalign can be a challenge for those who might have compliance issues. Braces and expanders for early treatment are a great option for certain cases where a non removable appliance is most efficient. Braces and expanders are also necessary for some cases. We will give all options at your exam.

Your child is likely worried about the pain with orthodontics. Expanders and braces can be uncomfortable for the first week, but then will feel normal again. Braces and Invisalign my cause initial soreness for a few days, but that will dissipate after about a week. With the expander, you will have a key to turn the appliance at home usually 3 times a week. It does not hurt to turn the expander and it may even tickle your nose for a few seconds as it is a very gentle appliance. Our team is here to provide support and explain the process to ease any anxieties or answer any questions.