West Union Orthodontics for Children, Teens, & Adults
Healthy Smiles at
Every Age
At Smile Designs of Southern Ohio, we provide orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults. Whether you're exploring treatment for your child, your teenager, or yourself, Dr. Ben McDonald will create a personalized plan to help you achieve a healthier smile.
Orthodontics for Children in West Union
Early Intervention | Phase 1 Orthodontics
Giving Smiles a Healthy Start
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At Smile Designs of Southern Ohio, Dr. McDonald uses this visit to evaluate your child's teeth and jaw development and look for any concerns that could affect their future smile.
Most children won't need treatment right away. Instead, Dr. McDonald will continue monitoring their growth and let you know if or when orthodontic treatment would be beneficial.
How Early Treatment Works
By age seven, your child's teeth and jaws have developed enough for Dr. McDonald to evaluate how their smile is growing. This early assessment helps identify developing concerns and determine whether your child would benefit from early orthodontic treatment or continued observation.
Laying the Foundation
If early treatment is recommended, Phase 1 orthodontics can help guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and address certain bite concerns while your child is still growing.
After Phase 1, your child will continue visiting our office for periodic checkups so Dr. McDonald can monitor their smile as permanent teeth erupt and determine whether additional treatment is necessary.
Precision With Phase 2
If a second phase of treatment is needed, it typically begins after most of the permanent teeth have come in.
At that point, Dr. McDonald will create a personalized treatment plan to guide the teeth into healthy alignment and put the finishing touches on your child's smile.
Orthodontics for Teens in West Union
Phase 2 | Comprehensive Orthodontics
Helping Teens Smile With Confidence
The teenage years are often the ideal time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth are in place and the jaws are still developing. We'll help your teen achieve a healthy bite and confident smile while making treatment fit as smoothly as possible into everyday life.
Types of Treatments
Every teen has different needs, routines, and preferences. Some may want the reliability of braces, while others may prefer a more discreet treatment that fits more easily into school, sports, and social activities.
We’ll talk through the benefits and responsibilities of each option with you and your teen so your family can make a well-informed choice.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use a series of removable trays to gradually straighten your teen’s teeth. Their subtle appearance makes them a popular choice for teens who feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
Because the trays are removable, your teen can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. However, clear aligners require consistent wear, so they work best for teens who are ready to take responsibility for following their treatment instructions.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a dependable option for correcting a wide range of alignment and bite concerns. Since they stay in place throughout treatment, your teen will not need to remember to put them back in after meals or activities.
Today’s metal braces have a smaller, more comfortable design than many parents may remember. Teens can also personalize their braces with colored bands to make treatment feel more like their own.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work similarly to traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or ceramic brackets that blend in more naturally with the teeth. They can be a good fit for teens who want the structure of fixed braces with a less noticeable look.
Like metal braces, clear braces remain in place and work continuously to guide the teeth into healthier alignment.
Orthodontics for Adults in West Union
Grown-Up Smiles
The Smile You’ve Been Waiting For
If you've always wanted a straighter smile, there's no better time to get started. Whether you never had orthodontic treatment or your teeth have changed since wearing braces years ago, today's treatment options make it easier than ever to invest in your smile.
Orthodontic Treatment That Works
for You
Subtle Treatments
Clear aligners and clear braces can make orthodontic treatment less noticeable at work, in photos, and throughout your daily routine. You can work toward a healthier smile while feeling comfortable and confident during the process.
Personalized Care
You may be correcting teeth that shifted after earlier treatment, addressing a bite concern, or finally pursuing the smile you have always wanted. Whatever your goals, your treatment will focus on the improvements that matter most to you.
Start Your Family’s Journey Today
Whether you're exploring treatment for yourself or your child, we're here to help your family achieve healthier, more confident smiles.
Schedule your free consultation today and experience personalized orthodontic care from a team that's committed to helping your family smile with confidence.