Orthodontics for All Ages in Tigard
Caring for Smiles of All Sizes
Dr. Bryce Willcox and the team at Bull Mountain Orthodontics are proud to offer leading orthodontic care for kids, teens, and adults in and around Tigard. From Phase 1 treatment to adult orthodontics, we have everything your family needs for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Orthodontics for Children in Tigard
Early Treatment for a Lifetime of Smiles
Dr. Willcox and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend that every child see their local orthodontic expert by around age seven. Not every child will require treatment at that time. However, when necessary, addressing developing issues earlier can significantly improve the outcome for your child's smile.
How Early Treatment Works
By age seven, your child has enough permanent teeth for Dr. Willcox to evaluate spacing, bite development, and jaw alignment. At this stage, early signs of crowding, jaw imbalance, or bite shifts are easier to find and deal with.
Early evaluations help your family to plan ahead instead of reacting to problems that have already established themselves. If everything looks right for your child's growth, they simply return every now and then so we can be sure it all stays on track.
Setting Your Child up for Success in Phase 1
Phase 1 orthodontics is all about guiding the development of your child's teeth and jaws, rather than perfecting every tooth. Dr. Willcox may use growth-guiding appliances to improve jaw balance, address harmful habits, or make room for permanent teeth.
Phase 1 normally lasts a few months and is all about making Phase 2 (standard orthodontic treatment, usually during the teen years) go more smoothly if it becomes necessary.
After Phase 1, we'll continue to watch how your child's permanent teeth grow and develop so treatment stays timed correctly.
How Early Treatment Helps
While early treatment isn't for every child, it can be seriously helpful when growth-related issues are present. Common issues we look for include:
- Front teeth that stick out and may be more prone to injury
- Underbites or overbites that affect chewing and jaw function
- Crossbites that can shift the jaw and contribute to uneven growth
- Crowding or spacing problems caused by early or late loss of baby teeth
Orthodontics for Teens in Tigard
The Perfect Time for Orthodontic Care
The teen years tend to be the perfect time for orthodontic care. That’s true because by the time your teen is around 13-14, most of their permanent teeth have come in, and the jaw is starting to set itself up for adulthood.
This lets Dr. Willcox get a good picture of how the jaw will eventually settle, and growth is still active enough that he can effectively guide its development.
Benefits that Last
Teen treatment is about more than a straight, attractive smile. A well-aligned smile cuts down on the wear and tear of your teen’s teeth and supports good jaw movement. This reduces the risk of complications down the road that can be expensive and time-consuming.
Orthodontic care can also work wonders for self-esteem. That matters during the teen years! A confident smile is a big deal for pictures, social gatherings, and all kinds of everyday activities.
Teen Treatment Options
Your teen is unique, so why shouldn’t their orthodontic care be as well? Dr. Willcox will work with them to find the perfect option for their smile. We offer:
- Metal braces for reliable, comprehensive correction
- Clear braces for a more subtle option
- Invisalign for teens interested in a convenient, removable option.
Support Every Step of the Way
Successful orthodontic care is all about keeping your teen supported and included in the process. Our team helps keep expectations clear and offers practical tips to keep their care on track.
If they play sports or musical instruments, we’ll make sure they have the tools they need to succeed.
Orthodontics for Adults in Tigard
Practical, Modern Care
Adult orthodontic care is more popular than ever, and it’s not hard to see why. With modern treatment options that make getting a straighter, healthier smile simple, effective, and convenient, there’s no reason not to help your smile look and feel its healthiest.
Dr. Willcox and the Bull Mountain Orthodontics team know that you need an option that’s convenient and effective, and we have the tools and the expertise to match that expectation.
A Great Time to Smile
Orthodontic care isn’t just for teens. As an adult, your smile can improve drastically with the right treatment plan, leading to better smiles, healthier jaws, and an improved bite.
Your teeth may have drifted over time, leading to crowding, shifting, and uneven wear. These changes can make brushing and flossing less effective and lead to poor overall hygiene and more strain on your jaws. Orthodontic care can restore balance to your bite and support healthier teeth and gums.
Subtle Treatment Options
If you’re like many of our adult patients, you might want a more low-profile treatment option. Dr. Willcox offers Invisalign for a removable option that’s practically invisible, or clear braces that blend right in with your smile.
Of course, modern metal braces are sleeker and more comfortable than ever, so that’s always an option as well. You’ll work together with Dr. Willcox to find the perfect treatment option for you.
Treatment Built for Long-term Stability
Adult orthodontic plans need to account for factors like existing dental work, gum health, and bite function. That’s why planning matters. Treatment is all about creating a stable result that holds up long after appliances come off.
Retention is also critical, and we’ll outline what that looks like from the start so results stay protected.
Everyone Deserves a Healthy Smile
And with the expert team at Bull Mountain Orthodontics led by Dr. Willcox, your whole family’s is right around the corner. Consultations are always free, so give us a call or just schedule right here to get started today!