Phase 1 Orthodontics Pembroke Pines Ages 6-10
Your kid's teeth are coming in crooked, and you're wondering if you should panic or just wait it out.
I get it.
As a parent in Pembroke Pines, you're probably juggling a ton already without adding orthodontic stress to your plate.
Here's the thing though: catching dental issues early with Phase 1 orthodontics between ages 6 and 10 can save you thousands of dollars and years of more invasive treatments down the road.
At SMILE-FX Orthodontics in Miramar, we work with kids in this age range all the time.
We're talking about interceptive treatment that works with your child's natural growth pattern, not against it.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids get evaluated by age 7.
Why?
Because your child's jaw is still growing, and that's when we can guide things in the right direction before expensive problems show up.
Picture your kid at Pembroke Pines Optimist Park, flashing a genuine confident smile because we caught a crossbite or crowding issue early.
That's not just about looks either.
That's about breathing properly, chewing correctly, and setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
What Phase 1 Orthodontics Actually Means for Your Family
Phase 1 treatment is the first step in a two-phase orthodontic approach.
It's not about putting braces on a six-year-old and calling it a day.
It's about using gentle appliances, expanders, or light braces to create space, fix bite problems, and guide jaw growth while your child still has room to grow.
Think of it like steering a car onto the right road early, instead of doing a complete U-turn later.
Most Phase 1 treatment lasts between 18 to 24 months, and then we usually take a break and let the permanent teeth come in.
Phase 2 comes later, typically when all the permanent teeth have erupted, to fine-tune everything.
The benefit?
You're looking at shorter overall treatment time, less complex Phase 2 work, and often a better final result.
Why Early Intervention Matters More Than You Think
Here's something most parents don't realize: not every kid needs Phase 1 treatment.
The American Association of Orthodontists says only about 20 to 30 percent of kids actually benefit from it.
That's why we don't just push treatment on everyone who walks through the door.
We evaluate your child, explain what we see, and tell you honestly whether waiting is fine or if early intervention makes sense.
The kids who DO benefit are usually the ones with:
- Severe crowding that's affecting how they speak or eat
- A crossbite where the upper and lower jaws don't line up properly
- An open bite where the front teeth don't touch when the mouth closes
- Significant overbite or underbite issues
- Thumb sucking habits that are changing their bite
- Mouth breathing that's affecting jaw development
The thing is, your child's jaw is still soft and flexible at this age.
It's literally still forming.
That makes it the perfect window to guide growth naturally without needing major corrections later.
The SMILE-FX Difference for Pembroke Pines Families
You could drive around to different offices, or you could come to us in Miramar, just 10 to 15 minutes from Pembroke Pines via Pines Boulevard.
We're not a high-volume aligner factory or a general dentist's side gig.
Our board-certified orthodontists specialize in this stuff, and we've become the number one trusted partner for pediatric dentists across South Florida.
That's not marketing fluff.
That's pediatric dentists actually sending their own kids to us because they know the quality of care.
We use cutting-edge technology like low-dose CBCT imaging and AI-driven growth predictions to build custom plans that feel effortless for kids.
Your child's first appointment isn't like a standard dental visit.
We have personal suites with noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, VR games, snacks, and kid-friendly TVs.
We make it fun because we know kids show up differently when they're comfortable.
Appointments are scheduled around school, with after-school slots and half-day options available.
Parents from Hollywood, Weston, and Davie drive to us specifically because they know their kid isn't going to dread the experience.
Check our patient reviews and you'll see families talking about how their kids actually ask to come back.
Common Signs Your 6 to 10 Year Old Needs Phase 1 Treatment
You don't need to be an orthodontist to spot potential issues.
Watch for these red flags:
Crowding: Teeth are overlapping or bunched up because there's not enough space in the mouth.
Your child might be self-conscious already, or they might have trouble flossing.
We use gentle expanders to create space naturally as the jaw develops.
Crossbite: The back teeth bite down in a misaligned way, with the upper teeth closing inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
This affects how the jaw grows and can cause uneven wear on teeth.
Custom appliances guide jaw growth and fix this issue early.
Open Bite: The front teeth don't touch when the mouth closes.
This is often caused by tongue thrusting or thumb sucking.
It affects speech, eating, and how the face develops.
Overbite: The top front teeth overlap the bottom front teeth too much.
A little overlap is normal, but excessive overbite can cause jaw pain and tooth wear over time.
Underbite: The lower jaw sticks out past the upper jaw.
This is often genetic, but early intervention can help guide jaw growth and reduce the need for later jaw surgery.
Mouth Breathing: If your kid keeps their mouth open at rest instead of breathing through their nose, it affects how the palate and jaw develop.
Sometimes we team up with an ENT if there are airway issues, and we have tools that support better breathing habits.
Persistent Thumb Sucking: After age 4 or 5, thumb sucking starts changing the shape of the palate and teeth positioning.
We use comfort-first tools to help kids naturally move away from the habit without shame.
What Happens During Your Child's First Appointment
Your kid walks into our Miramar studio and immediately sees it's not a sterile, scary office.
It's thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming and actually fun.
The first appointment takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and here's what happens:
We take low-dose digital x-rays to see exactly what's going on under the gums and with jaw development.
We explain everything in plain language your child understands, using phrases like "This is just a fun check to see how we can help your smile grow strong."
We take photos and measurements to track growth over time.
We do a thorough bite assessment and check how the upper and lower teeth and jaws relate to each other.
We listen to your concerns and your child's concerns, because a seven-year-old who's worried about looking weird with braces needs reassurance too.
We explain options honestly, including whether waiting makes sense or if early treatment is the smart move.
There's zero pressure because we're not trying to sell you something you don't need.
We're trying to set your kid up for the best smile possible.
After we have all the information, we sit down with you and walk through a custom treatment plan.
We explain costs, timelines, what appliances we'd use, and how often you'd come back.
You leave knowing exactly what to expect, and your kid leaves already feeling like part of the team because we made them feel heard.
Cost and Insurance for Phase 1 Orthodontics in Pembroke Pines
Let's talk money because that's probably what you really want to know.
Phase 1 treatment typically ranges from $3,500 to $6,500, depending on what your child needs.
Severe cases might cost more, simple cases might cost less.
The cool part?
Most insurance plans cover some portion of orthodontics, and our team verifies coverage upfront so you're not surprised by bills.
We often see families save thousands by doing Phase 1 early instead of waiting and needing more extensive Phase 2 treatment later.
Think of it this way: you're paying to guide growth now versus paying to move teeth that have already developed wrong.
We also offer flexible payment plans so cost doesn't stop you from getting your kid the care they need.
Want to know more about braces costs and options?
We've got detailed breakdowns on our site.
How We're Different From Other Orthodontists
There are a lot of options out there for braces and aligners.
Some places are just pushing volume and don't really care about your kid's experience.
Some are trying to sell clear aligners to kids whose teeth aren't even ready for that.
We're different because we actually specialize in kids and teens.
Our whole practice is built around understanding how young people grow and what they need emotionally to stick with treatment.
We use 3D-printed appliances that fit perfectly instead of one-size-fits-all stuff.
We involve your child in the decision-making process so they feel ownership over their smile.
We have partnerships with local schools and pediatric dentists because we're embedded in the Pembroke Pines and Broward community, not just passing through.
Our schedule flexes around school, sports, and family life because we get that your time is valuable.
Read how we're different to get the full picture.
Real Talk About Phase 1 Treatment Timelines
If we recommend Phase 1 treatment, your child will typically wear appliances for 18 to 24 months.
Then we take a break, usually about a year or more, and let all the permanent teeth erupt.
During this break, your kid wears a retainer to hold the progress we made.
Phase 2 usually starts when most or all permanent teeth are in, typically around age 11 or 12.
Phase 2 usually takes another 18 to 24 months to finalize everything and get that perfect bite and smile.
Total time from start to finish is usually somewhere between 4 to 6 years, but that's spread out and includes breaks, so it's not constant appointments and adjustments.
The upside is that by the time your kid is done, they've got a smile that's set up for life.
No major corrections needed later, healthier bite function, and confidence that comes from knowing their smile looks and feels good.
Pembroke Pines Families Love Us (And Here's Why)
We don't just treat kids from Pembroke Pines.
We treat families from Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and all throughout Broward County.
They drive to Miramar because they know the experience is worth it.
One parent told us their kid used to hide when smiling in photos and now asks to take pictures.
Another said the orthodontist visit became their child's favorite appointment because of the VR games and snacks.
That's the difference between transactional orthodontics and care that actually sees your kid as a person.
We schedule around I-75 traffic, coordinate with local schools like Panther Run for easy pick-up, and share growth tips with PTAs because we're actually part of the community.
Our interactive map makes it easy to find us from anywhere in Pembroke Pines, and our location on Pines Boulevard is straightforward to access.
What You Should Know Before Scheduling
Not every child needs Phase 1 treatment, and that's okay.
About 70 to 80 percent of kids are fine with watchful waiting and just getting Phase 2 braces later when all permanent teeth are in.
But about 20 to 30 percent benefit enormously from early intervention.
The only way to know which camp your kid falls into is to get evaluated by someone who actually knows what they're looking at.
That's what we do.
We're honest about what we see, explain options clearly, and let you make the decision that's right for your family.
No pressure, no sales pitch, just straight talk about orthodontics.
If you've got questions about what Phase 1 really involves, how Invisalign might work for your teen later, or anything else about your child's smile, our team is here to answer.
Your Next Step is Simple
Stop wondering if your kid needs early orthodontic treatment.
Schedule a free 3D scan and VIP smile consultation with us.
We'll evaluate your child, answer your questions, and give you a clear picture of what's happening with their teeth and jaw development.
No obligation, no hard sell, just honest expert advice from board-certified specialists who actually care about kids.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here.
We serve Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale.
Your child's best smile and healthiest bite start with one conversation.
Phase 2 Orthodontics for Teens and Young Adults in Pembroke Pines: Complete Smile Transformation
Your kid finished Phase 1 treatment a year ago, all their permanent teeth came in, and now you're staring at a new question: what comes next?
Phase 2 orthodontics is where the real magic happens.
This is when we take everything we set up in those early years and turn it into a smile that's not just straight, but perfectly aligned and functional for life.
If your teen had Phase 1 treatment, Phase 2 is typically smoother, faster, and less complicated than it would be for someone who's never had orthodontic care.
If your child is just now getting orthodontic treatment as a teen or young adult, Phase 2 is the comprehensive approach we use to get them where they need to be.
At SMILE-FX Orthodontics in Miramar, we see teenagers and young adults all the time who are ready for serious bite correction and smile enhancement.
Whether they had Phase 1 prep or not, we meet them where they are and build a plan that actually works with their lifestyle.
What Phase 2 Orthodontics Actually Involves
Phase 2 treatment is the comprehensive stage where we finalize tooth position, correct bite relationships, and create that confident smile your teen's been waiting for.
This is when most teens and young adults get braces or clear aligners to straighten teeth and achieve proper alignment.
Unlike Phase 1, which focuses on guiding jaw growth, Phase 2 is about moving teeth into their final positions.
We have multiple options available, and what we choose depends on your teen's specific needs, preferences, and how involved they want to be in their treatment.
The whole process typically takes 18 to 30 months, depending on complexity.
Kids who had Phase 1 usually finish faster because we've already done half the work.
Braces vs Clear Aligners: What's Right for Your Teen
This is the biggest decision most families face in Phase 2.
Both options work well, but they're different in important ways.
Traditional braces are still the gold standard for complex bite problems and stubborn teeth.
They work continuously, 24/7, without requiring your teen to remember anything.
Brackets bond to teeth, wires apply consistent pressure, and things move steadily forward.
Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and we have color options, clear brackets, and even tooth-colored wires if your teen cares about that.
Check out more details on braces options and what to expect.
Clear aligners like Invisalign are removable trays that gently move teeth into position.
Your teen changes trays every one to two weeks and wears them 20 to 22 hours per day for best results.
The big appeal is that aligners are invisible, and your teen can remove them to eat, drink, and clean their teeth normally.
The downside is they require commitment and discipline.
If your teen forgets to wear them or takes them out too often, treatment takes longer.
They also don't work as well for severe bite problems or rotated teeth.
Learn more about how clear aligners work and when they're the best choice.
Here's the honest truth: we recommend clear aligners for about 40 to 50 percent of our teen patients.
The other 50 to 60 percent get better, faster results with traditional braces.
We don't push one over the other because what matters is what actually solves your teen's specific bite problem.
The Bite Issues We Fix in Phase 2
Not all bite problems are the same, and different ones need different approaches.
Here's what Phase 2 tackles when it shows up in teens and young adults:
Severe crowding where teeth are twisted, overlapped, or crunched together.
This affects how well your teen can floss, clean between teeth, and it can cause early gum disease if left alone.
We create space and position each tooth where it belongs.
Deep bite where the upper front teeth bite way too far over the lower front teeth.
This causes the lower front teeth to hit the roof of the mouth, leading to gum damage and tooth wear.
Phase 2 corrects this by moving teeth into a healthier relationship.
Open bite where the front teeth don't touch at all when the mouth closes.
This affects how your teen chews and can cause speech issues.
We close this gap and establish proper front tooth contact.
Underbite where the lower jaw sticks out past the upper jaw.
In teens, we can still influence jaw position somewhat, and careful orthodontics combined with good growth can help.
Some severe underbites need surgery later, but Phase 2 sets us up for the best outcome.
Crossbite where some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
This causes uneven jaw growth and tooth wear.
Phase 2 corrects this alignment problem.
Why Your Teen Might Feel Resistant to Treatment
Let's be real: teenagers are at an age where peer perception matters.
Some teens are totally cool with braces, others would rather not have metal on their teeth, and some are in between.
This is where having options actually helps.
If your teen is worried about how they'll look, clear aligners might be the answer because they're nearly invisible.
If your teen doesn't care much about appearance but is worried about discomfort, braces usually feel less intrusive after a few days of adjustment.
If your teen is worried about what other kids will say, remind them that plenty of their peers are in treatment too.
Honestly, kids today are way more accepting of braces than they were ten years ago.
We also find that teens who get to be part of the decision-making process feel ownership over their treatment.
When they choose between options instead of having it forced on them, they're way more likely to stick with it.
The Role of Retainers After Phase 2 Finishes
Here's the thing nobody tells you: finishing braces or aligners isn't actually the end.
It's the beginning of a new phase called retention.
After we've moved all the teeth into perfect position, we need to hold them there.
Teeth naturally want to drift back toward where they came from.
We use two types of retainers to prevent this:
Fixed retainers are thin wires bonded to the back of the teeth.
They stay there permanently and do their job 24/7 without your teen having to think about it.
Most patients keep fixed retainers on their lower front teeth for life.
Removable retainers are either clear plastic trays (similar to aligners) or wire-and-acrylic Hawley retainers.
Your teen wears these at night, usually for at least the first few years after treatment ends.
After that, wearing them a few nights per week usually keeps everything stable.
Skipping retainers is how we see people's smiles shift back.
It's not that the braces didn't work.
It's that teeth naturally want to move.
Invisalign for Teens: Why It's Popular and When It Works
Invisalign has become super popular with teenagers because they can keep their smile looking normal throughout treatment.
No brackets, no wires, no metal in the mouth.
It sounds perfect, right?
Here's when Invisalign is actually a solid choice:
Your teen has mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues.
Their bite is relatively normal aside from tooth position.
They're old enough and mature enough to wear aligners 20 to 22 hours daily.
They're willing to remove aligners for eating and clean teeth after meals before putting them back in.
They won't lose the aligners or "forget" to wear them.
Here's when we usually recommend traditional braces instead:
Your teen has a complex bite problem or severe crowding.
They have rotated teeth that need more aggressive movement.
They're not reliable about wearing aligners consistently.
They play contact sports where removable trays get lost or damaged.
We're honest about this because we'd rather see your teen in braces that actually work than aligners they won't wear.
How Your Teen's Confidence Changes During Phase 2
One thing we notice that never gets old is watching teenagers' confidence shift as their teeth straighten.
It usually starts subtle.
Around month three or four, they start smiling differently in photos.
By month six, they're putting their teeth in selfies without hesitation.
By the time treatment finishes, they're grinning at absolutely everything.
It's not superficial either.
Better bite alignment means better chewing, better oral hygiene, and actually less jaw pain for some teens who had bite problems.
That confidence carries into school, social situations, and how they present themselves to the world.
Parents always tell us this was worth it for that reason alone.
Food, Brushing, and Daily Life With Phase 2 Braces
If your teen gets traditional braces, here's what actually changes about their daily routine:
Eating gets a little different for the first week while they get used to the feeling.
After that, they can eat almost anything except sticky candy, hard nuts, and foods that stick.
Not because braces can't handle it, but because brackets can pop off if there's too much force.
Brushing becomes more detailed because they need to clean around brackets and under the wire.
We recommend an electric toothbrush and floss threaders to make it easier.
Sports are totally fine with braces, though we recommend a mouthguard if they play contact sports.
Basically, life goes on pretty normally after the first adjustment period.
With clear aligners, the routine is different but often easier.
They remove them to eat, so no food restrictions.
They brush and floss normally because there's nothing bonded to teeth.
The trade-off is remembering to wear them 20 to 22 hours daily without exception.
Why Phase 2 Takes Longer for Some Teens Than Others
Treatment time varies based on several factors, and it's worth understanding why.
Severity of the bite problem is the biggest one.
A teen with mild crowding might finish in 18 months.
A teen with severe crowding, bite problems, and rotated teeth might need 30 months.
Bone density matters too.
Some teens' jaws move teeth faster, others move them slower.
We can't speed this up safely, but we can predict it ahead of time.
Compliance makes a huge difference with aligners.
If your teen wears them religiously, treatment moves forward on schedule.
If they take them out for half the day, it extends everything.
Orthodontic emergencies can add time too.
If a bracket breaks or a wire pops, we fix it fast, but it can shift the timeline slightly.
The Cost of Phase 2 Orthodontics and Payment Options
Phase 2 treatment for teens and young adults typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000, depending on complexity and whether you're using braces or aligners.
If your teen had Phase 1 treatment with us, Phase 2 usually costs less because we're continuing care they already started.
Most dental insurance plans cover 50 percent of orthodontic treatment, with a yearly max and lifetime max.
We verify all coverage upfront so you know exactly what your out-of-pocket cost is before we start.
We offer payment plans that spread treatment costs over the length of care, so you're not paying everything upfront.
Many families find this more manageable than a lump sum.
For specific pricing details and braces costs, check our site or call us for a quote based on your teen's specific needs.
Working With Board-Certified Orthodontists Matters in Phase 2
Phase 2 is complex enough that it really matters who's doing the work.
Board-certified orthodontists have gone through years of specialized training beyond dental school.
They've passed rigorous exams and stay current with the latest techniques.
That's different from general dentists who offer braces on the side or corporate chain practices where one person makes the plan and different practitioners execute it.
Our board-certified orthodontists at SMILE-FX have the training, experience, and passion for getting Phase 2 right.
We see the whole picture of your teen's bite, jaw, and growth pattern.
We make detailed treatment plans based on their specific anatomy, not cookie-cutter protocols.
We can troubleshoot problems that show up during treatment because we understand the science deeply.
When Phase 2 Might Need Jaw Surgery Later
This applies to a small percentage of cases, so don't worry if it doesn't apply to your teen.
Some severe bite problems, usually underbites or extreme overbites, can't be fully corrected with braces alone.
The jaw relationship is just too far off for teeth-only movement to fix it safely.
In these cases, Phase 2 orthodontics aligns the teeth as much as possible, and then jaw surgery is done when your teen is older and their growth is complete (usually age 18 or older).
After surgery, Phase 2 braces finish the job.
This is not common, and we'd talk through this scenario with you early if we saw it coming.
Most teens never need this.
Real Stories From Pembroke Pines Teens
One seventeen-year-old came to us with a significant underbite and deep bite.
She was self-conscious about her smile and jaw appearance.
We put her in braces, and 26 months later, her bite was corrected, teeth perfectly aligned, and she went to college grinning.
Her mom told us the confidence shift was life-changing.
Another teen chose Invisalign because he plays baseball and didn't want the look of braces during season.
He stuck with wearing them all the time, and 22 months later, he had a perfect smile nobody even knew was being straightened.
A third teen's parents had her in Phase 1 as a kid.
When Phase 2 started at age 12, it only took 20 months because the groundwork was already laid.
These are the kinds of outcomes we see regularly when families commit to the process.
Getting Started With Phase 2: What to Expect at Your First Appointment
If your teen is ready to start Phase 2 treatment, here's what happens:
We take updated 3D images and x-rays to see current tooth and bone position.
We do a thorough bite assessment to understand exactly what needs to move and why.
We take photos to document their starting point.
We explain the treatment options available for their specific case.
We show them how each option works and what the timeline would be.
We discuss cost, payment plans, and insurance coverage.
We answer every question they have because we want them informed and bought in.
The whole thing takes about an hour, and your teen leaves knowing exactly what to expect.
Other Treatment Options Besides Braces and Aligners
Sometimes teeth straightening isn't the whole story.
Other treatments might be recommended alongside or instead of braces depending on your teen's specific situation.
This could include palatal expanders if the roof of the mouth needs to be widened, elastics to help correct bite relationships, or habit-breaking appliances if tongue thrusting is affecting tooth position.
We explain all options upfront so you know the full picture.
Keeping Your Teen Comfortable Throughout Phase 2
The first week with braces is when most discomfort happens.
Teeth feel tender, cheeks might get irritated by brackets, and the whole sensation feels weird.
This is completely normal and passes within a few days.
We give clear instructions on managing this with wax for brackets, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
After that first week, most teens feel fine.
Aligners have almost zero discomfort because they move teeth gently and gradually.
Some teens feel slight pressure when they switch to a new tray, but nothing painful.
We also have a VIP tech environment designed to make orthodontic visits actually enjoyable.
This isn't just about comfort during appointments, it's about helping your teen feel like they're part of a team working toward their goal.
Invisalign vs Braces: The Real Comparison for Your Situation
Let's put this side by side so you can decide what makes sense:
Braces: Work for all bite problems, require no compliance beyond brushing, move teeth continuously, less expensive, more visible, can't be removed for sports.
Invisalign: Works for mild to moderate cases only, requires high compliance with wearing time, invisible, more expensive, removable for sports, tempting to remove too often.
The honest answer is that about 50 percent of teens are good candidates for Invisalign, and 50 percent get better results with braces.
We'll tell you which category your teen falls into.
Questions Parents Usually Ask About Phase 2
How long will my teen have braces?
Usually 18 to 30 months depending on complexity.
Will my teen need wisdom teeth extracted?
Sometimes, but not always.
We only recommend extraction if there's genuinely not enough space for teeth to move into proper position.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes, but wear a mouthguard.
What if a bracket breaks?
Call us, we'll fix it fast.
Do aligners really work as well as braces?
For the right cases, yes.
For complex cases, braces work better.
How much do braces cost?
Check our detailed braces cost breakdown for specific numbers.
What You Should Know About Treatable Bite Problems
Not every bite issue is the same, and not every one has the same treatment approach.
Our treatable cases page goes deep into the different bite problems we handle and how Phase 2 addresses each one.
Some problems are straightforward, others are more nuanced.
Understanding your teen's specific situation helps you make the best decision.
Technology We Use to Make Phase 2 Predictable
Modern orthodontics isn't guesswork.
We use cutting-edge technology including 3D imaging, digital treatment planning, and AI-assisted outcome prediction.
This means we can show your teen exactly what their smile will look like after treatment ends.
It's not a guess or an approximation.
It's based on their specific anatomy and the movements we're planning.
This certainty helps teens feel confident about the process.
Supporting Your Teen Through Phase 2 Treatment
Your job as a parent is mostly about making sure they're taking care of their teeth and wearing appliances as directed.
For braces: make sure they're brushing thoroughly and using floss threaders.
For aligners: remind them to wear trays 20 to 22 hours daily and keep them clean.
Don't make it a battle.
This is their smile, and they're usually pretty motivated once they see results.
Most teens become really invested in their treatment because they see the improvement happening.
Book Your Teen's Phase 2 Consultation Today
If your teen is ready for Phase 2 treatment, or if they're a young adult who never had early orthodontics and is ready now, let's get started.
Book a FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation here.
We'll evaluate their bite, explain options, discuss costs, and create a custom treatment plan.
No pressure, just honest expert advice from board-certified orthodontists who actually care about teenagers and their smiles.
We serve families throughout Broward County including Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Weston, Cooper City, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale.
Phase 2 orthodontics for teens in Pembroke Pines starts with a single conversation about what's possible for your teen's smile.
How Orthodontic Treatment Actually Works for Different Bite Problems in South Florida
You've probably noticed your kid's teeth aren't lining up right, or maybe you're staring at your own bite in the mirror wondering if something's off.
Here's the thing that throws most people off: not every bite problem gets fixed the same way.
A crowding issue doesn't look like an underbite, and they definitely don't get treated identically.
Understanding how orthodontic treatment actually works for your specific situation changes everything about making a decision.
At SMILE-FX Orthodontic & Clear Aligner Studio in Miramar, we see every type of bite problem you can imagine, and we've figured out what actually works for each one.
The best orthodontist for complex cases isn't just someone with a title.
It's someone who knows how different teeth move, how jaws grow, and how to match the right treatment method to the right problem.
Why Your Bite Problem Matters More Than You Think
Most people think orthodontics is purely about looks.
That's only like 30 percent of the story.
A bad bite affects how you chew, how your jaw joints work, your speech, and your long-term tooth health.
Someone with severe crowding can't properly clean between teeth, so decay and gum disease show up faster.
Someone with an overbite is wearing down their front teeth like they're grinding them constantly.
Someone with an underbite is probably dealing with jaw pain they don't even realize is connected to their bite.
This is why early detection matters so much.
When we catch these problems young, we fix them before they cause real damage.
For adults who didn't get treatment as kids, fixing your bite now prevents problems down the road.
How Crowding Gets Fixed and Why It Takes Time
Crowding is the most common bite problem we see.
Your teeth are literally too big for the space in your mouth, so they stack up like cars in a parking garage.
The fix sounds simple but takes precision.
We need to create space, then move each tooth into the right spot.
In kids with Phase 1 treatment, we use expanders to widen the jaw naturally while it's still growing.
This is genius because we're working with the body's growth, not fighting against it.
In older kids and adults, we typically use traditional braces or clear aligners to create space and move teeth.
Sometimes we recommend extracting one or two teeth if there's just not enough room, but we only do this when it's truly necessary.
The timeline depends on how severe the crowding is.
Mild crowding might take 18 months.
Severe crowding might take 28 months.
We use cutting-edge technology including 3D imaging to predict exactly how long your case will take before we even start.
Bite Problems That Most People Don't Understand
Let's talk about the bite issues that confuse people the most.
Crossbites happen when some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
This throws off how your whole jaw grows and functions.
Kids with crossbites often develop asymmetrical faces because one side of the jaw grows differently.
We fix this by moving specific teeth and sometimes using appliances that guide jaw growth back on track.
Open bites are wild because the front teeth literally don't touch when the mouth closes.
You can fit a pencil between the teeth.
This usually comes from tongue thrusting or thumb sucking habits.
We close the gap by moving teeth and sometimes using habit-breaking appliances.
Deep bites (or overbites) are when the top front teeth cover way too much of the bottom front teeth.
The bottom teeth end up hitting the roof of the mouth, which damages gum tissue.
We fix this by moving teeth and sometimes adjusting how the back teeth meet.
Underbites are the trickiest because the lower jaw sticks out past the upper jaw.
In kids, we can still guide growth and improve things.
In adults with severe underbites, sometimes surgery is the only real fix, but orthodontics for treatable cases can improve function and appearance significantly.
Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners: What Actually Gets Fixed Better
This is the question everyone's asking.
Both work, but they work differently for different problems.
Traditional braces are mechanical.
Brackets glue to teeth, wires run through them, and we tighten the wires to move teeth.
This gives us ultimate control over tooth movement in all three dimensions.
For complex bite problems, severe crowding, or teeth that need to rotate a lot, braces just move things more predictably.
Braces work 24/7 without needing your cooperation beyond basic hygiene.
Clear aligners work by taking a series of custom trays and changing them every week or two.
Each tray is slightly different, guiding teeth incrementally into position.
They're nearly invisible and removable, which is why people love them.
But they only work for mild to moderate issues, and they need compliance.
Your teen or adult patient needs to wear them 20 to 22 hours daily.
If they take them off too much, treatment just stops moving forward.
We're honest about this because we want you in the treatment that actually fixes your problem.
About 40 to 50 percent of our patients do great with Invisalign or other clear aligners.
The other 50 to 60 percent need braces for real results.
What Insurance Actually Covers for Bite Treatment
This is where reality hits a lot of people.
Most dental insurance plans cover orthodontic treatment, but not completely.
They typically cover 50 percent of the cost, with an annual maximum (usually $1,000 to $1,500 per year) and a lifetime maximum (usually $2,000 to $2,500).
This means if your treatment costs $6,000, insurance might cover $2,500 and you pay $3,500.
Some plans don't cover treatment if the issue is purely cosmetic, but most bite problems are functional, so coverage is there.
The question people always ask is "Does insurance cover braces?"
The real answer is yes, but not all of it.
We verify your coverage upfront and show you exactly what's covered before we start anything.
No surprises, just honesty about money.
Why Orthodontists Recommend Different Treatment Plans
Here's something that seems to confuse people.
You visit one orthodontist who recommends braces, another who recommends aligners, and a third who says you need extractions.
Who's right?
The answer is usually that more than one approach could work, but some approaches work better.
A board-certified orthodontist trained to high standards looks at your specific anatomy and recommends what will actually work best.
If we recommend something, we can explain why.
Not because we make more money that way (we don't), but because it's what your bite needs.
This is where working with board-certified specialists makes a real difference.
We've spent thousands of hours studying how teeth move, how jaws grow, and how different problems interact.
Spacing Issues: The Opposite Problem That Needs Different Fixes
Sometimes teeth aren't crowded, they're spaced out.
There's too much space between teeth instead of too little.
This happens when the jaw is larger than the teeth that fill it, or when teeth are missing.
The fix is almost the opposite of crowding treatment.
We use braces or aligners to move teeth closer together and close the gaps.
In some cases, we need to address why there's extra space in the first place.
Sometimes it's a frenum (tissue between the upper front teeth) that's too thick, and we need to address that surgically before closing the gap permanently.
Other times it's just jaw size, and closing the space is the whole fix.
The Role of Growth in How We Treat Bite Problems
This is massive and most adults don't realize it.
Kids' jaws are still growing.
A five-year-old's jaw is going to grow for another 15 to 20 years.
That growth is either going to help us fix a bite problem or make it worse.
In Phase 1 treatment, we use that growth to our advantage.
We guide it toward fixing crowding, crossbites, or jaw relationship problems.
In adults, there's no growth happening, so we're just moving teeth within the fixed jaw size we have.
This is why the same bite problem might get treated totally differently in a child versus an adult.
A kid with an underbite might just need growth guidance and some light correction.
An adult with the same underbite might need full braces or even jaw surgery.
Why Some Bite Problems Need Multiple Stages of Treatment
Remember how we talked about Phase 1 and Phase 2?
This isn't just because we like doing things twice.
Some bite problems are too complex to fix all at once.
Phase 1 gets things started right while the jaw is still growing.
Phase 2 finishes everything when all permanent teeth are in.
This two-stage approach actually cuts down on total treatment time and usually gives better results than trying to fix everything in one shot.
Some bite problems that need this approach include severe underbites, extreme overbites with crowding, or situations where both jaw position and tooth position need correction.
How Your Lifestyle Affects Treatment Choice
This is real and it matters.
Your job, your sports, your habits, all of it affects which treatment makes sense.
Someone who plays contact sports might do better with fixed braces because aligners get lost or damaged.
Someone who has a job where appearance matters a lot might prefer clear aligners even if braces would be slightly faster.
Someone who's forgetful shouldn't pick aligners because they won't remember to wear them.
We talk about this stuff because the best treatment is the one you'll actually follow through with.
Working With the Top Rated Orthodontist Near You
Finding the best orthodontist near me in South Florida takes more than a Google search.
You want someone who's board-certified, someone with solid patient reviews, and someone who actually explains things clearly.
We're the top-rated orthodontist Fort Lauderdale and top-rated orthodontist Miramar because families keep coming back and other dentists keep referring their own families to us.
That's not marketing.
That's real relationships built on actually getting people's bites fixed right.
Check our patient reviews if you want to see what people actually say about working with us.
Getting Your Bite Problem Properly Diagnosed
You can't fix what you don't understand.
The first step is getting a real diagnosis from someone trained to see bite problems.
This means 3D imaging, detailed bite analysis, and someone explaining what they see in regular language.
At SMILE-FX, our first appointment gives you clarity.
We show you exactly what's going on with your bite, why it matters, and what options exist to fix it.
No pressure to move forward, just information so you can make a real decision.
Book your FREE 3D scan and VIP smile consultation to get started understanding your bite problem and how orthodontic treatment could improve your function, health, and confidence.
We serve families throughout South Florida and we're ready to help you or your child get the bite correction that actually works.