Guiding Growth, Supporting Health, Creating Smiles
Orthodontic treatment is so much more than straightening teeth. It’s about creating healthy foundations for growth, breathing, function, and long-term wellness. Every patient’s journey is unique, and we offer a thoughtful, phased approach to care – always centered around your child’s growth and needs.
What does treatment look like?
Every smile tells a story – not just about teeth, but about breathing, posture, sleep and overall health. Dr. Murphy’s orthodontic philosophy looks beyond crooked teeth to uncover why they became crowded or misaligned in the first place.
Phase One: Early Interceptive Treatment (Typically before age 10)
Guiding growth while your child is still developing
- Create space for adult teeth – Expanders or arch developers
- Support proper jaw growth – Use of functional appliances
- Encourage nasal breathing and healthy oral habits
- Improve bite and facial balance early
- Collaboration with other providers – Myofunctional therapy, ENT, airway evaluation
Phase Two: Final Alignment and Bite Correction (Early Teens)
Once all or most adult teeth have arrived, our goal is to ensure lasting function, comfort, and confidence in your child’s growing smile.
- Brackets (Braces)
- Clear aligners
- Light expansion or arch development
Early Orthodontic Intervention
Interceptive orthodontic care involves evaluating and addressing potential dental issues in children before they become more complex. Initial evaluation is recommended by the age of 7 or sooner if you notice crowding, habits like mouth breathing, or concerns with your child’s bite or facial growth. Early intervention can help guide the growth of the jaw and teeth, potentially reducing the need for more extensive treatments later. By addressing these issues early, orthodontists can improve the overall outcome, shorten treatment time, and prevent more severe dental problems as the child grows.
Braces
Metal braces are used to correct misaligned teeth and bite issues. These braces consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a wire that is adjusted over time to gradually shift the teeth into their proper position. Traditional braces are highly effective for a wide range of dental concerns, such as overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Although they may be less discreet than newer options like clear aligners, traditional braces are durable, and reliable. The treatment duration typically lasts from one to three years, depending on the complexity of the alignment issues.
ClearCorrect Aligners
ClearCorrect is a modern orthodontic solution designed to straighten teeth using a series of custom-made, transparent aligners. Unlike traditional metal braces, ClearCorrect aligners are virtually invisible, offering a more discreet treatment option for people concerned about aesthetics. The aligners are removable, making it easier to eat, brush, and floss compared to fixed braces. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before being replaced with the next in the series, gradually shifting the teeth into their desired position. ClearCorrect is popular for its comfort, convenience, and effectiveness, making it a preferred choice for teens seeking a more subtle and flexible orthodontic treatment.
Clear & Ceramic Braces
Clear and ceramic braces are orthodontic options designed to straighten teeth while offering a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored or clear materials for the brackets, making them blend in with the natural color of the teeth and less noticeable. Clear braces, on the other hand, feature transparent brackets and wires, providing a highly aesthetic treatment option. Both types of braces function similarly to traditional metal braces but are favored for their more subtle appearance, making them particularly popular among adults and teens who want to avoid the visible metal look. While they may be slightly more fragile than metal braces, clear and ceramic braces are effective at treating a wide range of alignment issues.
Orthodontic Emergencies
Orthodontic emergencies occur when braces or other orthodontic appliances cause discomfort, injury, or become damaged. Common issues include broken brackets, loose wires, or rubber bands that may cause irritation to the gums and mouth. In some cases, a bracket might detach, or a wire might poke the inside of the cheek, causing pain or injury. While not all orthodontic problems require immediate attention, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid treatment delays or further complications. Orthodontic emergencies can often be managed with simple home remedies or temporary fixes, but it’s essential to contact the office for proper care and guidance.
Retainers & Oral Appliances
Retainers and oral appliances are tools in orthodontic care, designed to maintain the alignment of teeth after braces or other treatments. Retainers are custom-made devices that help keep teeth in their new position following the completion of orthodontic treatment. Crowded teeth often happen because the jaws didn’t grow to their full potential. Arch developers and expanders are used to create space naturally, supporting the airway, proper tongue posture, and long-term stability.
