Orthodontic Services
Altoona Dentist
Last updated
Everyone deserves to smile proudly with well-aligned teeth.
We offer orthodontic solutions to align your teeth, improve bite function, and enhance the overall appearance of your smile. From clear aligners to traditional braces, our team uses modern techniques and advanced diagnostics to create treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. Each approach is designed to deliver long-term oral health and noticeable cosmetic improvement.
Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can affect more than just appearance; they can impact speech, chewing, and even jaw health. Whether you’re dealing with bite issues, gaps, or shifting teeth, orthodontic care offers a path to a straighter, healthier smile. At Altoona Smiles, we provide personalized orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults, making it easier than ever to achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.
Our orthodontic services focus on comfort, clarity, and predictable results. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from initial consultation to active treatment and final retention, ensuring you understand your options and feel supported throughout your journey. If you’re ready to straighten your smile and improve oral health, let us help you achieve lasting alignment and confidence.
Straighten Your Smile for Lasting Health and Confidence
- Invisalign®
Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten your teeth without the need for brackets or wires. Custom-designed for your smile, Invisalign® offers a discreet, comfortable way to correct misalignment, crowding, and bite issues, ideal for teens and adults seeking a modern alternative to traditional braces. - Replacement Retainers
Replacement retainers help keep your teeth in their proper position after orthodontic treatment. Whether your retainer is lost, broken, or worn out, getting a replacement quickly is essential to prevent teeth from shifting. Our team provides comfortable, custom-fit retainers to protect your smile and maintain long-term alignment results.
Featured Treatments
Invisalign®
Invisalign offers a modern solution for achieving a beautiful straighter smile.
Replacement Retainers
Over time, old dental retainers can become worn, lost, or damaged.
Orthodontic Treatment Comparison and Patient Satisfaction
Esthetic Appeal During Treatment %
Patient Comfort & Satisfaction %
Traditional Metal Braces
35
70
Ceramic/Tooth-Colored Braces
60
75
Lingual Braces (Behind Teeth)
95
65
Invisalign Clear Aligners
92
88
No Treatment (Untreated Misalignment)
100
50
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
0%
50%
100%
Narrative: Shows that Invisalign offers the best combination of esthetics (92%) and comfort/satisfaction (88%). Traditional braces are effective but esthetically visible (35%) and less comfortable. Lingual braces are invisible but uncomfortable. Untreated misalignment leaves patients with visible alignment problems and functional issues.
| Orthodontic Option | Visibility During Treatment | Treatment Duration | Comfort Level | Effectiveness | Patient Satisfaction | Retention Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional metal braces | Highly visible (very apparent) | 18-24 months | Moderate (mouth irritation, bracket irritation) | Excellent (95%+) | 70% satisfied | Permanent + removable retainers |
| Ceramic/tooth-colored braces | Less visible (but still noticeable) | 18-24 months | Moderategood (less irritating than metal) | Excellent (95%+) | 70% satisfied | Permanent + removable retainers |
| Lingual braces (behind teeth) | Nearly invisible (behind teeth) | 18-24 months | Fair (tongueirritation, speechaffected) | Excellent (95%+) | 65% satisfied(effectiveness outweighs discomfort) | Permanent + removable retainers |
| Invisalign clear aligners | Nearly invisible (behind teeth) | 18-24 months | Excellent (removabl e, comfortabl e, minimal irritation) | Excellent (95%+) | 88% satisfied (highest satisfaction) | Permanent + removable retainers |
| No treatment | Misalignment visible | N/A | No appliance | N/A (misalignment persists) | 50% (dissatisfied with appearance ; long-term wear patterns) | N/A |
American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) | Journal of Dental Research | American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | Invisalign clinical research and outcome studies | Patient satisfaction research on clear aligners vs. traditional braces
Key Findings About Orthodontic Services
Misalignment of teeth affects approximately one-third of adults according to orthodontic research, with crowding, spacing, and bite problems ranging from minor esthetic concerns to significant functional and health consequences; modern orthodontic treatment can address nearly all alignment issues, with clear aligner systems like Invisalign offering discreet alternatives to traditional braces.
Clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) uses a series of custom-fabricated plastic trays that gradually move teeth into correct position; treatment typically requires 12-24 trays changed approximately every one to two weeks, with most cases completing in 12-18 months, faster than traditional braces in many cases.
The convenience and esthetics of clear aligners have dramatically increased adult adoption of orthodontic treatment; approximately 50% of Invisalign patients are adults age 18 and older, compared to the historical dominance of teenage braces, making orthodontic treatment socially acceptable and less disruptive to professional and personal life.
Retention after orthodontic treatment is critical because teeth naturally tend to shift back toward their original positions if not maintained; modern retention includes fixed retainers (bonded to the back of teeth) and removable retainers (clear aligners or wire retainers) worn nightly for life.
Replacement retainers are necessary periodically because removable retainers wear out, become discolored, or are lost; patients should anticipate replacement retainers every 3-5 years as routine maintenance, with costs ranging from $200-500 per replacement depending on type.
The psychological impact of orthodontic treatment extends beyond appearance improvement; research shows that patients who complete orthodontic treatment report increased confidence, improved self-esteem, and greater willingness to smile in social and professional settings, with benefits persisting years after treatment completion.
See Why Patients Trust Us Through Verified Reviews
“Orthodontics has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. The days of visible metal braces are largely behind us, replaced by clear aligners that are nearly invisible, more comfortable, and give patients the ability to see their smile transformation in real time. Invisalign and similar systems have made orthodontic treatment accessible to adults who would never have considered traditional braces. But straightening teeth is about more than just appearance, correct alignment improves chewing function, makes oral hygiene easier, reduces wear on tooth enamel, and often prevents future dental problems. A properly aligned smile is an investment in long-term oral health.”
Dr. Nicole Brummel
Co-Owner & General Dentist
Questions Patients Ask About Orthodontic Services in Altoona
At what age can someone get Invisalign or braces?
Orthodontic treatment can begin once all permanent teeth have erupted, typically around age 12-13, and can continue into adulthood. There is no upper age limit, adults of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment if they have adequate bone and healthy gums. Invisalign is particularly popular among adults because it’s discreet and doesn’t interfere with professional or social life. The Altoona Smiles team evaluates your specific situation during consultation and discusses whether you’re a candidate and what treatment would work best.
Why is retention so important after orthodontic treatment?
After braces are removed, teeth have a natural tendency to drift back toward their original positions, a process called “relapse.” Retention (wearing a retainer) holds teeth in their corrected position while bone and gums remodel and stabilize around the teeth. Most patients need to wear retainers indefinitely (or at least nightly for life) to maintain their orthodontic results. Without retention, teeth may shift, undoing months or years of orthodontic work and requiring retreatment.
How much does Invisalign cost, and what’s the timeline?
Invisalign cost typically ranges from $3500-7500 depending on case complexity, with simpler cases costing less. Treatment typically takes 12-18 months, though this varies by case complexity and patient compliance (wearing aligners 20+ hours daily). The Altoona Smiles team provides a cost estimate and timeline after evaluating your teeth during consultation. Many dental offices offer payment plans to make treatment more accessible.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and traditional braces?
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays changed every 1-2 weeks, while braces use wires and brackets attached to teeth. Invisalign is nearly invisible, removable for eating and cleaning, and typically faster (12-18 months vs. 18-24 months). However, Invisalign requires high patient compliance, trays must be worn 20+ hours daily or treatment won’t work. Braces are always working but are visible and can cause mouth irritation. For most adult patients prioritizing discretion and comfort, Invisalign is preferred.
What happens if I lose or damage my retainer?
If you lose or damage your retainer, contact the Altoona Smiles team promptly to have a replacement made. Delaying retainer replacement allows teeth to shift, potentially undoing orthodontic results. Replacement retainers cost $200-500 depending on type. To avoid loss, establish a retainer care routine, clean it daily, store it in a case, and wear it consistently as instructed. Many patients benefit from fixed retainers (bonded to the back of teeth) in addition to removable retainers for maximum retention security.