Braces & Invisalign | Flagstaff, AZ
Find Your Smile Solution
You’ll love to know that modern orthodontic treatment is more comfortable—and less noticeable—than ever before! Dr. Peterson and Dr. Peppers are committed to giving your family the latest options in our Flagstaff office.
Straighten Your Smile
At Northern Arizona Orthodontics, we use a comprehensive orthodontic process that treats irregularities in teeth to give you or your child a healthy, beautiful smile. Orthodontics can even help with speech impediments caused by tooth misalignment.
The majority of what Dr. Peterson and Dr. Peppers do is align teeth properly. They use braces, Invisalign®, spacers, palatal expanders, or other tools to help correct:
- Chewing difficulties
- Brushing and flossing issues (which can lead to cavities or gum disease)
- Complications where the teeth are digging into the gums or roof of the mouth
- Spacing problems that create pain or discomfort
- Aesthetic concerns
This helps both kids and adults in Flagstaff and the surrounding areas feel more confident with their smiles.
Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment, what comes next? Retainers!
As our bodies age and change, our teeth can, too — whether or not we’ve had orthodontic treatment. So we recommend wearing retainers in some form forever.
We see our patients regularly for at least 12 months after we have finished aligning the teeth; after that, you can always call us if you need us. There are many different retainer options—ask Dr. Peterson or Dr. Peppers about which ones are right for you.
In most cases, we will recommend at least one set of removable retainers. You’ll need to wear your retainers consistently, clean them by brushing with toothpaste and water, and keep them in a protective case when they aren’t in your mouth. We’ll see you every three to four months for at least the first year of your retention phase.
In some cases, we can provide fixed retainers that are not removable. Every case is different, so ask Dr. Peterson or Dr. Peppers about the pros and cons of fixed or removable retainers in your specific case.
Have more questions about retention? Contact our office or schedule your free consultation.
Orthognathic (Jaw) Surgery
Some issues with the teeth and jaws are best corrected with a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
Orthognathic surgery may be used for functional changes (such as improving chewing ability or airway issues) or cosmetic corrections (idealizing the smile, facial symmetry, or profile).
We’ll let you know during your first free consultation whether you or your child may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery.
If you do select a treatment plan that includes surgery, we’ll help you find an excellent surgeon and will work closely with your surgeon and your general dentist to give you the best possible care throughout and after orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Emergencies
If you break or loosen an appliance (a fixed retainer, bracket, or expander, for example), lose a separator, or feel a lot of discomfort, you should call our office right away and let us know—even if you have a regularly scheduled appointment coming up.
One of our doctors or senior staff members is always on call. We’ll let you know what to do next, whether it’s waiting until your upcoming appointment, seeing us in the office for treatment, or walking you through a quick fix over the phone.