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An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to correct the alignment of the teeth and jaws, helping create proper function, balance, and facial harmony. While all orthodontists are dentists, only about 6% of dentists complete the additional training required to become orthodontists.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive an initial orthodontic evaluation around age 7. By this time, several permanent teeth have emerged, allowing our doctors to assess the alignment of both visible and developing teeth. While some children benefit from early treatment, most do not require immediate care and instead enter our complimentary growth observation program. This approach helps us determine the ideal time to begin treatment when it will be most effective, efficient, and most affordable.

No. Some of our new patients come to us from dentist referrals while others come to us as referrals from our previous patients, online reviews, Google searches or social media!

More and more every year!  According to the AAO, 1-in-5 current orthodontic patients are over the age of 21.  Adult treatment is currently about 25% of our patients.  Many of our adult patients prefer the esthetic treatment options we offer, including Invisalign®, clear braces, and our gold or “champagne”-colored braces.

Invisalign® is a clear aligner system that straightens teeth using nearly invisible trays along with small, tooth-colored attachments. Treatment begins with a 3D scan of your teeth, which allows Drs. Alter and Zermeno to design a customized digital plan for your new smile using their expertise in orthodontic esthetics and tooth movement. A series of custom aligners is then created and sent to our office. At your bonding appointment, attachments are placed on select teeth and you’ll receive your first set of aligners. Each aligner is worn 22 hours a day for 1–2 weeks, gradually and comfortably guiding your teeth into their ideal positions.