Your Trusted Scottsdale Orthodontists
The number of people seeking orthodontic treatment in the U.S. and worldwide continues to grow — and not just among teens. Today, more adults are choosing orthodontic care to improve both the appearance of their smiles and the long-term health of their bite.
At Dunn Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults in Scottsdale and the surrounding area. If you’re considering braces or clear aligners for yourself or your child, here’s what you should know about modern orthodontic care and how it can benefit your smile.
How can I tell if I should see an orthodontist?
There are some clear signs that orthodontic care may be right for you. Crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, or bite issues such as overbites and underbites can affect both appearance and function. Correcting these concerns helps create a confident smile and supports healthy chewing, speaking, and jaw movement.
While aesthetics are important, orthodontic treatment offers benefits that go well beyond appearance. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain. When teeth are properly aligned, brushing and flossing are more effective — reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems that can develop over time.
Bite Mechanics
Orthodontic treatment also plays an important role in how your bite functions. When teeth and jaws don’t align properly, extra strain is placed on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. Over time, this strain can contribute to jaw discomfort, headaches, facial pain, and TMJ-related symptoms.
By correcting alignment issues and balancing the bite, orthodontic care helps reduce stress on the jaw and supports long-term comfort and stability.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Around this age, permanent teeth begin to emerge, making it easier to identify developing bite or alignment issues early.
In some cases, early or interceptive treatment — such as spacers or palate expanders — may help guide jaw growth and reduce the complexity of future treatment. Even when early orthodontic treatment isn’t needed, monitoring development allows families to plan ahead and address concerns at the right time.
If your child is older than seven and hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, it’s never too late to schedule an evaluation.
What age is “too old” for orthodontic treatment?
There is no upper age limit for orthodontic care. As long as the teeth and supporting structures are healthy, adults can benefit from braces or clear aligners at virtually any stage of life.
An evaluation with our orthodontic team will help determine the most effective treatment options based on your goals, dental health, and lifestyle.
What kinds of problems can be corrected?
Our team treats a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including:
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Overbites and underbites
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Crossbites and open bites
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Crowded or overlapping teeth
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Gaps or spacing issues
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Crooked, rotated, or misaligned teeth
Each treatment plan is customized to address the unique needs of the patient and support long-lasting results.
What happens during treatment?
Every orthodontic journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan. During active treatment, patients typically visit the office every four to six weeks for progress checks and adjustments.
Most orthodontic treatments are completed within 18 to 36 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of appliance used.
How will orthodontic treatment affect my lifestyle?
Lifestyle changes depend on the type of treatment you choose. Clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, allowing greater flexibility. Traditional braces require avoiding certain hard or sticky foods and learning specialized oral hygiene techniques.
Regardless of the appliance, most patients adapt quickly — and find the long-term benefits of treatment far outweigh any temporary adjustments.
Custom orthodontic care for Scottsdale patients
Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a healthier bite, improved oral function, and a confident smile that lasts a lifetime. To learn how personalized orthodontic care can benefit you or your child, call 602-864-0004 and schedule a consultation at our Scottsdale office today.