Orthodontics

A healthy, aligned smile isn’t just about looks—it can significantly improve oral function, long-term dental health, and self-confidence. At Family Smile Centers, we offer comprehensive orthodontic care, including both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces, to help patients of all ages achieve straighter, healthier smiles in a modern, friendly, and highly personalized setting.

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Straighter Smiles, Healthier Lives

Orthodontics does more than improve appearances—it makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reduce enamel wear, and prevent issues like jaw discomfort or speech problems. At Family Smile Centers in St. Charles County, orthodontics also means structural support for your bite, joints, and overall facial balance. Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your child or an adult seeking a discreet way to enhance your smile, our orthodontic services are designed to fit your goals, lifestyle, and budget.

Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters

Misaligned teeth—also called malocclusion—affect far more than appearance. Crowded or spaced teeth trap plaque and are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite can cause uneven enamel wear, chipping, gum recession, and extra strain on the jaw muscles and joints, which may contribute to tension, headaches, or TMJ-related discomfort.

Orthodontic treatment gently guides teeth into healthier positions and aligns the bite so your teeth share forces evenly. The result is easier brushing and flossing, more efficient chewing, clearer speech for some patients, and a smile that looks and feels balanced. Today’s options—including clear aligners and low-profile braces—are designed for comfort and discretion, with plans tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

Orthodontics can benefit children, teens, and adults alike. Early evaluations help catch growth-related issues, while adults often seek treatment to improve function and confidence. With proper retention after treatment, you can protect your results and enjoy long-term oral health.

Smiling teen with braces looks up confidently, wearing headphones around neck and a denim shirt.
Smiling woman holding a clear dental aligner near her mouth, promoting orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of custom, clear aligners to gradually move teeth—no brackets or wires. The trays are virtually invisible, removable for eating and brushing, and designed for comfort. You’ll wear each set for about one to two weeks before switching to the next, while your dentist monitors progress and fine-tunes your plan. Over time, your bite and smile align predictably, often with fewer office visits than traditional braces.

Many patients choose Invisalign for its convenience, cosmetic appeal, and flexibility.

  • Clear aligners are virtually invisible during daily wear
  • They can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions
  • Fewer in-office visits are required compared to traditional braces
  • Smooth material reduces irritation to cheeks and gums
  • Effective for mild to moderate spacing, crowding, and bite issues

Invisalign is ideal for adults with active lifestyles, teens concerned about aesthetics, or anyone who wants a less invasive way to improve their smile.

Traditional Braces

Braces remain a trusted and highly effective method for correcting a wide range of orthodontic concerns. With brackets bonded to the teeth and archwires adjusted regularly, braces provide precise control over tooth movement, even in more complex cases. Today’s braces are more comfortable and streamlined than ever before. Patients can choose between metal and ceramic (tooth-colored) brackets, and treatment plans are tailored to address everything from crooked teeth to bite misalignment.

Braces work through constant, gentle pressure that gradually repositions the teeth over time. Regular adjustments ensure that treatment stays on track and delivers the best possible result.

  • Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by wires
  • Monthly adjustments allow for controlled tooth movement
  • Highly effective for complex alignment and bite issues
  • Suitable for children, teens, and adults
  • Treatment time varies based on the severity of the case

Braces may be the preferred option for patients needing significant tooth or jaw correction, or for those who prefer a treatment method that doesn’t rely on patient compliance to be effective.

Smiling teen with braces and glasses poses confidently with Invisalign

What Age Is Best for Orthodontics?

While orthodontic treatment is commonly associated with teenagers, the truth is there’s no age limit on achieving a straighter smile. We provide orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults alike. For children, early evaluations around age 7 can identify developing issues before they become more difficult to treat. For adults, advances in orthodontics mean you can achieve a beautiful smile without compromising your lifestyle or professional appearance. Our team will evaluate your alignment, bite, and oral health to recommend the right treatment plan and timing for you or your child.

Our Technology Makes a Difference

Modern orthodontics is powered by technology, and we’ve invested in tools that make your treatment more accurate, efficient, and comfortable. With iTero digital scanning, we can create a 3D model of your teeth without the need for traditional impressions.

This technology allows us to:

  • Plan treatment with extreme precision
  • Monitor progress throughout your orthodontic journey
  • Show you simulated “before and after” results in real time
  • Improve the fit and comfort of your Invisalign aligners

By combining advanced tools with clinical expertise, we deliver orthodontic results that are both functional and visually stunning.

Dentist in mask and gloves examines a patient's mouth with dental tools in a clinical setting.
Young girl smiling with mouth open, showing clean teeth for pediatric dental care.
Dentist and patient smiling while reviewing dental results in mirror after treatment.
Smiling child sitting in dental chair, interacting with dentist during checkup.
Confident dental professional in scrubs standing in clinic, ready to assist patients.
Modern dental exam room with chair, tools, and natural light, ready for patient care.

Orthodontic Consultations Available

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment starts with a personalized consultation. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and recommend a custom treatment plan based on your needs. We’ll also review projected timelines and potential costs and answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re exploring Invisalign or traditional braces or want to know if orthodontics is right for you or your child, we’re here to guide you through the process without pressure or obligation.

Smiling girl with braces sits in a dental chair, possibly after an orthodontic adjustment.

Straighten Your Smile with Confidence

Orthodontic care at Family Smile Centers combines advanced technology, personalized planning, and a patient-first approach. From digital scans and precise treatment simulations to clear aligners and low-profile braces, we tailor care to your goals, lifestyle, and timeline. Whether you’re correcting crowding, adjusting your bite, or pursuing a complete smile transformation, our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way. We prioritize comfort and convenience with flexible scheduling, transparent progress check-ins, and guidance on retainers to protect your results. We work closely with you to make treatment as smooth and rewarding as possible, minimizing disruptions to your daily life while maximizing your smile’s potential. Let’s take the first step toward the confident, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orthodontics
FAQs

Learn more about how Invisalign and braces can improve your health and confidence.

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners for a discreet look, while braces use brackets and wires for precise correction—especially in complex cases.

We recommend an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early exams help spot bite or alignment issues before they become harder to treat later.

Not at all! We treat adults of all ages. Braces and Invisalign can discreetly and effectively straighten your smile—no matter your stage in life.

What Our Patients Are Saying

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Our Services

At Family Smile Centers, we provide personalized orthodontic care for all ages—from early evaluations to advanced treatments that guide teeth and jaw alignment. With extended hours, modern technology, and a full range of orthodontic options, we make it easy to achieve a healthy, confident smile.

General & Family Dentistry

Preventive care, cleanings, exams, fillings, and emergency visits—delivered with a gentle, family-first approach.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Smile makeovers, whitening, veneers, and more—using advanced materials for beautiful, lasting results.

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Dental Implants

Durable, natural-looking tooth replacement options, including All-On-X and implant-supported dentures.

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Sleep Apnea & Snoring Treatment

Breathe easier and sleep better with custom oral appliances—a comfortable, quiet alternative to CPAP therapy.

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