Straightening teeth and correcting jaw relationships do more than improve how a smile looks — they restore balanced function and long-term oral health. Orthodontic treatment is used to address crowded or widely spaced teeth, teeth that have shifted over time, and bite problems that affect how the upper and lower jaws meet. In many cases, treatment focuses not only on tooth position but also on skeletal alignment, where coordinated care can correct discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws for both aesthetic and functional benefit.
Orthodontic care relies on carefully controlled forces delivered by customized appliances to guide teeth into more favorable positions. These appliances can be fixed or removable, visible or discreet, simple or highly specialized depending on the clinical goals. Advances in materials and biomechanics have made modern appliances more precise and gentler than earlier generations, allowing predictable movement while minimizing discomfort.
Determining whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate begins with a thorough clinical evaluation, which looks at tooth alignment, bite relationships, jaw growth, gum and bone health, and any oral habits that could influence treatment. This comprehensive assessment helps create a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient’s needs, whether the goal is to improve chewing and speech, reduce wear on teeth, or create a more balanced facial appearance.
At Bayside Dental Group we combine clinical expertise with modern diagnostic tools to help patients of all ages explore orthodontic options. Our approach emphasizes clear explanations, staged planning when needed, and coordination with other dental specialties so that orthodontic care fits into each patient’s broader oral-health plan.
Beyond aesthetics, properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral hygiene, more efficient chewing, and reduced risk of certain dental problems. When teeth are crowded or overlap, toothbrush bristles and flossing tools can’t reach all surfaces easily, which raises the risk of decay and gum inflammation. Straightening teeth simplifies daily hygiene and helps protect long-term periodontal health.
Alignment also influences how forces are distributed during biting and chewing. Teeth that meet evenly are less likely to develop uneven wear, fractures, or sensitivity from abnormal stresses. Correcting bite imbalances can therefore preserve tooth structure and support comfortable function over many years.
The relationship between tooth alignment and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is another reason alignment matters. When the bite is significantly off, the jaw joints and the muscles that control chewing can be placed under unusual strain, sometimes contributing to pain, headaches, or restricted jaw movement. Orthodontic treatment that improves occlusion can reduce these strains and help restore more comfortable jaw mechanics.
There are also speech and airway considerations tied to dental and jaw relationships. In selected cases, improving tooth position and jaw alignment can have positive effects on articulation, breathing during sleep, and overall oral function — all factors that contribute to a person’s daily comfort and well-being.
Easier and more effective cleaning, which supports lower rates of decay and gum disease.
Improved protection for front teeth and soft tissues, reducing the risk of traumatic injury or chipping.
More efficient chewing and clearer speech, since teeth and jaws work together in harmony.
Even distribution of bite forces, helping to prevent premature wear and uneven tooth breakdown.
Support for healthy jaw joint function by reducing abnormal stresses on the TMJ and associated muscles.
Overall, alignment supports long-term oral health and contributes to a higher quality of daily function.
Choosing the right treatment begins with a face-to-face exam and diagnostic records, which may include photographs, digital x-rays, and models or digital scans of your teeth. These records allow your clinician to analyze the severity of the alignment issue, the relationship between the jaws, and any supporting bone or gum health concerns that need attention before movement begins.
Treatment timing is also an important consideration. For children, certain milestones in tooth eruption and jaw growth present strategic opportunities to guide development. For adults, treatment planning often includes coordinating orthodontics with restorative or periodontal care so that the teeth and surrounding tissues are healthy throughout movement.
While many people focus on the appliance itself, the most important decisions depend on clinical factors: the complexity of the bite problem, whether extractions or expansion are necessary, the amount of space to be created or closed, and the patient’s ability to follow wear and hygiene instructions. We review these factors carefully and discuss realistic timelines and expected outcomes.
Orthodontic technology now offers a spectrum of appliance choices, so patients can select an option that balances effectiveness with comfort and appearance. Fixed metal braces remain a reliable choice for complex movements; newer bracket designs are smaller and more comfortable than in the past. Ceramic brackets provide a less conspicuous fixed option for those who want a more cosmetic appearance while maintaining the control of traditional braces.
Clear aligner systems have transformed care for many teens and adults by offering a removable, low-profile alternative. Aligners are custom-fabricated and changed in a series to produce incremental movement; because they are removable, they make oral hygiene and eating more convenient. Their predictability depends on case selection and patient compliance, since consistent wear is required for best results.
Lingual braces (which attach to the tongue-side of the teeth) and low-profile self-ligating systems are additional options that can be ideal in certain situations. Temporary anchorage devices (small, strategically placed mini-implants) expand the tools available to move teeth in ways that were difficult or slow to achieve previously. Your clinician will recommend the appliance or combination of appliances that offers the most reliable path to your goals.
Whatever the appliance, the keys to successful treatment are careful planning, routine monitoring, and patient cooperation with oral hygiene and appliance care. We explain the responsibilities associated with each option so that you can make an informed decision that fits your daily life.
Recent innovations have improved both the planning and execution of orthodontic treatment. Digital intraoral scanners eliminate traditional impressions for many cases, producing accurate 3-D models that support detailed treatment simulations. When needed, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides three-dimensional views of the jaws and supporting structures to aid complex diagnosis and surgical planning.
Computer-aided design and manufacturing, combined with 3-D printing, allow customized appliances and aligner trays to be produced with exceptional accuracy. These processes reduce variability and help clinicians deliver more predictable results across a wide range of cases. In many practices, software-driven treatment simulations let you see the projected outcome before active movement begins.
Adjunctive techniques such as temporary anchorage devices (TADs) and selective osteogenic procedures can expand what’s clinically achievable in a shorter timeframe without compromising stability. Innovations in materials — from resilient archwires to clear, stain-resistant brackets — also contribute to better comfort and a more discreet experience for patients.
While technology plays an important role, the best outcomes still come from thoughtful diagnosis, evidence-based planning, and ongoing clinical oversight. Technology is a tool that amplifies skilled care; your clinician’s experience remains essential to interpreting digital data and adapting treatment when biology responds differently than planned.
Finishing active tooth movement is an important milestone, but maintaining that result is equally crucial. After appliances are removed most patients transition to a retention phase, commonly with removable or fixed retainers designed to hold teeth in their new positions while the supporting tissues mature and stabilize. Retention protocols vary, and long-term follow-up supports the best chance of preserving alignment.
Teeth naturally respond to forces throughout life — from chewing and tongue posture to age-related changes in bone and gum tissues — so occasional monitoring helps detect shifts early. Good oral hygiene, routine dental care, and periodic orthodontic check-ins all contribute to an enduring result. When orthodontics is part of a broader restorative or periodontal treatment plan, the team coordinates to protect both alignment and the overall health of the teeth and gums.
Patients often report that the convenience, improved function, and stability gained from orthodontic treatment are lasting benefits. With appropriate retention, many people enjoy decades of improved chewing, clearer speech, and a smile that is easier to keep healthy.
Our team focuses on practical retention strategies that fit daily life and long-term goals, ensuring that the investment of time and care pays off for years to come.
In summary, modern orthodontics combines clinical science, patient-centered planning, and advanced diagnostic tools to create healthy, functional, and attractive smiles. If you’d like to learn more about orthodontic options and whether treatment can help you or a family member, please contact us for more information.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
