Orthodontic care in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, can help improve tooth alignment, bite relationships and smile confidence for children, teens and adults. At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, our orthodontist can provide personalized treatment based on each patient’s age, dental development, orthodontic needs and goals.
Dr. Bradley D. Smith has practiced orthodontics since 1997 and has treated more than 10,000 orthodontic patients. His experience includes approximately 4,000 early or Phase I cases, 5,000 teen orthodontic cases and 3,000 adult orthodontic cases.
Why Orthodontic Care Matters
Orthodontics involves more than creating a straighter smile. Tooth position and bite relationships can influence chewing, oral hygiene, tooth wear and overall dental function.
Depending on the patient’s needs, orthodontic care may help:
- Improve crowded, crooked or rotated teeth
- Close unwanted spaces between teeth
- Address certain overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites and deep bites
- Improve how the upper and lower teeth come together
- Make some areas easier to brush and floss
- Guide developing teeth and jaws when treatment during growth is appropriate
- Improve smile appearance and confidence
Because every patient is different, our orthodontist can evaluate the teeth, bite, jaw relationships and treatment goals before recommending care.
Orthodontic Care We Offer
Explore our age-specific orthodontic services below to learn more about treatment for children, teens and adults.
Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens and Adults
Orthodontic needs can change throughout life. The appropriate treatment depends on the patient’s stage of development, oral health and the type of tooth movement or bite correction required.
Children: Early orthodontic evaluations can help identify developing concerns and determine whether treatment is needed now or whether growth should simply be monitored. Dr. Smith does not automatically recommend early treatment for every child.
Teens: The teenage years are a common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment because many permanent teeth have erupted while growth may still be occurring. Treatment options may include braces or clear aligners depending on the case.
Adults: Healthy teeth can often be moved at many stages of adulthood. Adult treatment may address crowding, spacing, bite concerns, orthodontic relapse or preparation for other dental care.
Personalized Treatment Options
No single orthodontic appliance is right for every patient. Depending on the diagnosis, our orthodontist may recommend braces, clear aligners, early orthodontic treatment, palatal expansion or another individualized approach.
Treatment recommendations are based on factors such as:
- Tooth alignment and spacing
- Bite relationships
- Jaw growth and development
- Patient age and dental development
- Oral health
- The movements required
- Lifestyle and aesthetic preferences
- Long-term treatment goals
Dr. Smith evaluates what each treatment option can realistically accomplish before recommending an approach.
Early Evaluation and Treatment Timing
The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7.
An evaluation at this age does not mean treatment will begin immediately. Many children can be monitored as their permanent teeth erupt and their jaws continue developing.
When early treatment is appropriate, our orthodontist may address specific concerns that could benefit from treatment during growth. Children who are not yet ready for treatment may be monitored until the timing is more appropriate.
A Comprehensive Approach to Orthodontic Treatment
At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, orthodontic evaluations consider more than the position of individual teeth. Depending on the patient’s needs, our orthodontist may also evaluate jaw relationships, growth, oral habits, tongue posture and breathing patterns when these factors are relevant to the orthodontic diagnosis.
When appropriate, care may involve palatal expansion, airway-focused orthodontic evaluation or orofacial myofunctional therapy.
If a concern extends beyond orthodontics, Dr. Smith may coordinate care with a dentist, oral surgeon, ENT, periodontist, myofunctional therapist or another healthcare provider.
Advanced Technology for Orthodontic Care
Modern orthodontic technology can support diagnosis, treatment planning and ongoing care.
Dr. Smith has used digital intraoral scanning for more than 10 years and in-office 3D printing for approximately eight years.
When clinically appropriate, our orthodontist may also use CBCT imaging to gather additional three-dimensional information about the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures.
What to Expect From Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Our orthodontist can review your concerns, examine the teeth and bite and explain which treatment options may be appropriate.
Depending on your needs, the process may include:
- A discussion of your smile and bite concerns
- A comprehensive orthodontic examination
- Digital photographs or scans
- Diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- A personalized treatment recommendation
- An estimated treatment timeline
- Regular progress evaluations during treatment
- A retention plan after active treatment is complete
Our goal is to make sure patients understand why treatment is recommended and what to expect before moving forward.
Orthodontic Care in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
Whether you are seeking an early orthodontic evaluation for your child, comprehensive treatment for a teenager or orthodontic care for yourself, our orthodontist can help you understand your options.
We provide orthodontic care at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, and also welcome patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.
Contact our office today to schedule an orthodontic consultation and learn more about personalized treatment at Smiles by Smith Orthodontics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care
What is the best age to start orthodontic care?
There is no single best age for every patient. The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends an initial evaluation around age 7, but many children do not need treatment at that time. Our orthodontist can determine whether treatment, monitoring or waiting is most appropriate.
Do adults benefit from orthodontic treatment?
Yes. Adults may seek treatment for crowding, spacing, bite concerns, orthodontic relapse or cosmetic goals. Dr. Smith has treated approximately 3,000 adult orthodontic cases.
Is orthodontic treatment only about straightening teeth?
No. Orthodontic treatment may also address bite relationships, chewing function, jaw development and other clinical concerns in addition to improving tooth alignment and smile appearance.
What is the difference between early, teen and adult orthodontics?
Early orthodontics focuses on developing teeth and jaws while a child is growing. Teen orthodontics often involves comprehensive treatment as permanent teeth erupt, while adult treatment considers mature jaw relationships, existing dental work and adult treatment goals.
Will my child need treatment after an early orthodontic evaluation?
Not necessarily. Many children are simply monitored as their teeth and jaws develop. Our orthodontist may recommend treatment only when there is a specific concern that could benefit from being addressed at that stage of growth.
How do I know which orthodontic treatment is right for me?
The appropriate treatment depends on your alignment, bite, oral health, age, treatment goals and the movements required. Our orthodontist can compare braces, clear aligners and other options after completing an evaluation.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of tooth movement required and the treatment method. Our orthodontist can provide a more individualized estimate after your orthodontic evaluation.
Do you provide orthodontic care in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Yes. Our orthodontist can provide orthodontic care for children, teens and adults at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA. We also welcome patients from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.