What Is Orthodontics and Why Does It Matter?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Unlike general dentists who handle routine care, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school. This extra education equips them to address complex alignment concerns that affect both how your smile looks and how your bite functions.
Board-certified orthodontists like Dr. Matthew Tsai bring this specialized training directly to families in Beaverton and surrounding communities. Modern Beaverton orthodontics goes far beyond straightening crooked teeth. Today’s treatments correct overbites, underbites, crossbites, and spacing concerns that can lead to uneven wear, jaw discomfort, and difficulty cleaning teeth properly. When your teeth fit together correctly, you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and long-term dental complications.
Dr. Matt Orthodontics, a practice with heart, gives you access to orthodontic technologies that make treatment faster and more comfortable than ever. Digital scans have replaced messy impressions. No more goop. Custom 3D-printed brackets deliver precision that wasn’t possible a decade ago. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or your child, understanding what orthodontics offers is the first step toward a healthier smile.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works: From Consultation to Results
Getting orthodontic treatment is more straightforward than most people expect. The process breaks down into four main phases, each building toward your final results.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
Your treatment starts with a thorough evaluation at the Beaverton office. Dr. Matt takes digital photos, X-rays, and scans of your teeth during this visit. These images create a detailed picture of your current alignment and flag any underlying concerns. You’ll talk through your goals, learn about your options, and get a treatment recommendation built around your specific case. It’s free, and there’s zero obligation.
How Does Your Treatment Plan Come Together?
Once you decide to move forward, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Matt, your braces guy, designs a plan built around your specific needs. This might involve metal braces, clear aligners, or LightForce clear braces depending on your case. Digital planning tools map out exactly how your teeth will move from start to finish.
What Is the Active Treatment Phase?
This is where the real change happens. You’ll wear your braces or aligners as directed and visit the office for regular adjustments, typically every four to eight weeks. These appointments confirm your teeth are tracking correctly and give Dr. Tsai a chance to make any needed modifications.
Why Does Retention Matter After Braces?
After your braces come off or you finish your aligner series, you’ll wear retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions. This phase is non-negotiable for maintaining your results long-term. Think of retainers as the insurance policy on your new smile.
Treatment timelines vary based on complexity. Simple cases may wrap up in six months, while more involved corrections can take up to 24 months. You’ll get a realistic estimate during your free consult.
Key Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Straightening your teeth delivers benefits that go well beyond aesthetics. Here’s what you actually gain from orthodontic treatment:
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Improve Oral Health?
- Easier cleaning, fewer cavities. Crowded or overlapping teeth create tight spaces where food particles and bacteria hide. Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively, which means less risk of cavities and gum disease over time.
- Improved jaw function. Misaligned bites put uneven stress on your jaw joints and teeth. Correcting your bite can reduce TMJ discomfort, headaches, and abnormal wear patterns. Some people don’t even realize their headaches are bite-related until treatment resolves the underlying cause.
- Less risk of damage. Properly aligned teeth are also less prone to chips, cracks, and decay, which means addressing alignment concerns now can prevent expensive restorative work down the road.
Can Orthodontics Boost Your Confidence?
- A smile you’re proud of changes things. Many people report feeling more comfortable in social and professional situations after treatment. It’s not just cosmetic; it’s how you carry yourself.
- If visibility concerns have held you back, clear aligners and LightForce clear braces offer effective treatment without the look of metal. Adults and teens both love having options that fit their lifestyle.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, orthodontic treatment can improve both oral function and facial aesthetics at any age, making it a worthwhile investment in your overall health.
Comparing Orthodontic Options: Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners vs. LightForce
At Dr. Matt Orthodontics in Beaverton, you can choose from three main appliance types. The right one depends on your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and preferences. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Aligners | LightForce Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Most noticeable | Nearly invisible | Tooth-colored, subtle |
| Best For | Complex cases, all ages | Mild to moderate cases | Moderate to complex cases |
| Removability | Fixed in place | Removable for eating/cleaning | Fixed in place |
| Treatment Precision | High | High | Highest (custom 3D-printed) |
| Typical Duration | 12-24 months | 6-18 months | 12-24 months |
Metal braces remain the most versatile option. They handle complex tooth movements effectively, work well for all ages, and are typically the most fits-your-budget choice. Metal Meets Modern is real: today’s brackets are smaller and sleeker than what you remember.
Clear aligners appeal to adults and teens who want a discreet treatment experience. The removable trays let you eat whatever you want and maintain your normal brushing routine. They do require discipline, though. You need to wear them 20 to 22 hours daily.
LightForce clear braces are the newest bracket system available in Beaverton orthodontics. Each bracket is custom 3D-printed to fit your individual tooth anatomy. Dr. Matt Orthodontics offers this technology because we’re all about Customized Smiles With Detailed Care.
The best choice depends on your unique situation. Your braces guy can evaluate your case and recommend the option that will deliver the best results for your smile. Families near the Orenco Station area and throughout Beaverton trust Dr. Matt to match them with the right appliance for their goals.
What Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Orthodontic treatment typically costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Cost depends on case complexity, treatment duration, and appliance type. Metal braces are generally the most fits-your-budget option, while clear aligners and LightForce clear braces may cost slightly more. Every case is different, but understanding what influences cost helps you plan.
Typical cost ranges (based on industry estimates):
- Metal braces: $3,000–$7,000
- Clear aligners: $3,500–$8,000
- LightForce clear braces: Similar to or slightly above metal braces
Factors that affect your investment:
- Case complexity and the amount of tooth movement needed
- Treatment duration
- The type of appliance you choose
- Whether you need any preliminary treatments
Dr. Matt Orthodontics offers flexible payment options to Beaverton families, so cost doesn’t stand in the way of a great smile. Budget-Friendly Smiles matter to us. Interest-free payment plans with minimal down payments spread the cost over your treatment period. If you have dental insurance, benefits often cover a portion of orthodontic care. Providers like Delta Dental, MODA, BlueCross BlueShield, MetLife, Cigna, and Aetna commonly include orthodontic coverage.
The most accurate way to understand your investment is through a free consult. During this visit, you’ll receive a detailed cost breakdown based on your specific needs. Many people find that investing in orthodontics now prevents more expensive work down the road.
Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment works for people across all age groups. Here’s what candidacy looks like at different life stages:
When Should Children See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By this age, a child’s mouth has developed enough to reveal early concerns with jaw growth and incoming permanent teeth. Phase 1 treatment can guide development and potentially reduce the need for more extensive work later. Smiles That Grow With You, that’s the whole idea.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Right for Teens?
Adolescence remains the most common time for orthodontic treatment. All permanent teeth have typically erupted, making it an ideal window for full correction. Teens have access to every treatment option, from metal braces to clear aligners.
Can Adults Get Braces Too?
There’s no age cutoff for orthodontic treatment. About 1 in 3 orthodontic patients today is an adult, according to the AAO. Whether you missed treatment as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, adult orthodontics can deliver excellent results. Clear aligners and LightForce clear braces are popular with adults for their discreet appearance.
Common conditions treated include:
- Crowding and overlapping teeth
- Gaps and spacing
- Overbite, underbite, and crossbite
- Open bite
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when chewing
Good candidates have healthy gums and are committed to following their treatment plan. If you’re unsure whether Beaverton orthodontics is right for you, a free consult can answer that question quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most orthodontic treatment takes 12 to 24 months, though this varies by case complexity. Simple alignment corrections may finish in as few as six months, while more involved cases can extend beyond two years. Dr. Matt will give you a realistic timeline during your free consult based on what your teeth actually need.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
You may experience mild discomfort for a few days after getting braces or starting a new set of aligners. This tenderness is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter relief. Most people adjust quickly.
Can adults get braces or aligners?
Healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Clear aligners and LightForce clear braces offer adults effective treatment options that fit professional and social lifestyles without drawing attention. Many of Dr. Matt’s adult cases say they wish they’d started sooner. The only real requirement is healthy gums and a willingness to follow your treatment plan.
How do I choose between braces and clear aligners?
The right choice depends on your diagnosis and daily routine. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate cases and people who want removable appliances. Braces handle complex movements more effectively and don’t rely on compliance for wear time. Your braces guy will recommend the best option after evaluating your teeth, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
What happens during a free orthodontic consultation?
During your visit to the Beaverton office, Dr. Matt examines your teeth, takes digital scans and X-rays, and talks through your smile goals with you. You’ll learn about your treatment options, estimated timeline, and investment. This appointment gives you everything you need to make a confident decision about moving forward, and there’s no pressure either way. Ready to take the next step? Dr. Matthew Tsai, your braces guy and a board-certified orthodontist, provides boutique orthodontic care designed around your unique smile. Where Will Your Smile Take You? A free consult is the easiest way to find out.