Joplin & Pittsburg Orthodontics for All Ages
Orthodontic Care for Children, Teens, & Adults
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we provide expert orthodontic care for patients of all ages—from young children getting their first check-up to teens and adults ready to transform their smiles.
Orthodontics for Children
Bright Futures Start With Big Smiles
The American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. LaFerla, and Dr. Wilson recommend that children in Joplin and Pittsburg visit an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven.
But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your child will need braces right away!
This first visit allows LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics to check that your child’s teeth and jaw are developing correctly. Early evaluations usually begin an observation period, where we monitor their growth over the years and determine the best time to start treatment. However, if we spot any red flags, early orthodontic care can help guide jaw growth, correct bite issues, and prevent more complex problems down the road.
How Early Treatment Works
By age seven, your child’s mouth will start showing early signs of jaw development and emerging permanent teeth. Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson will assess your child’s growth and look for any signs that early intervention may be beneficial.
Starting treatment at the right time can make corrections easier, more effective, and often more affordable than waiting until later.
Laying the Foundation
After the first evaluation, Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson may recommend Phase 1 treatment to address developing orthodontic issues early.
Phase 1 usually lasts eight to 12 months, using personalized treatments to gently guide jaw and facial development.
After Phase 1, your child will have regular check-ups so we can track their growth and decide if Phase 2 treatment is needed.
Precision With Phase 2
Phase 2 treatment typically begins between ages 11 – 14, when most adult teeth erupt.
If additional alignment is needed, Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson will create a customized treatment plan to ensure every tooth is in its ideal position.
This phase typically involves braces or clear aligners to put the finishing touches on your child’s smile.
Why Early Treatment Matters
If Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson determine that early treatment would be beneficial, you might wonder if starting now is the right choice. We understand—it’s a big decision!
Early intervention can reduce the need for extractions or jaw surgery in the future. Plus, guiding jaw development early can help prevent crowding and alignment issues.
Addressing bite concerns early can improve speech, chewing, and overall facial harmony and early intervention can shorten or simplify future treatment.
Signs to Look for in Your Child’s Smile
Here are a few key indicators to look for to know if your child needs orthodontic treatment:
- Crowded or missing teeth
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
- Challenges in biting or chewing
- Speech difficulties
- Prolong pacifier use
- Narrow palette
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
Orthodontics for Teens
Confident Smiles for Everyone
A healthy, confident smile can make a big difference in your teen’s life—boosting their self-esteem, improving their oral health, and setting them up for success.
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we know how vital the teen years are, and we’re committed to making the orthodontic process smooth, stress-free, and effective for both teens and parents.
That’s why Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson create personalized treatment plans designed to bring out the best in every teen’s smile. We also understand that today’s teens (and their families) have packed schedules.
We offer flexible appointment options and efficient treatments that fit into their busy lives.
The Importance of Treatment
Empowering Your Teenager
The teenage years are full of personal growth, big milestones, and plenty of social moments. With social media and peer pressure playing a bigger role than ever, a new smile can make a huge difference.
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we do more than straighten teeth—we create healthy, beautiful smiles that boost self-esteem and help teens feel their best during these important years.
Lifelong Healthy Smiles
Teen orthodontics isn’t just about looks—it’s also about long-term oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and TMJ disorders down the road.
By addressing alignment and bite issues now, orthodontic treatment helps prevent more complex and costly dental problems in the future.
Treatments Made for Teens
Clear aligners offer the perfect balance of discretion, comfort, and flexibility for teens who want a low-profile orthodontic option.
The clear plastic trays blend in, so your teen feels confident during treatment. Designed for growing smiles: Some aligners have eruption tabs to accommodate developing molars.
Blue wear marks fade over time, helping ensure your teen wears them as prescribed. With removable aligners, your teen can quickly eat their favorite foods, brush, and floss, and keep up with sports and activities.
Plus, we provide extra aligner sets just in case one gets lost—so there’s no delay in their treatment progress!
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are great — especially if your teen prefers the discretion of transparency.
Clear aligners for teens are often designed for your teen’s specific needs. For example, the plastic aligners have special tabs at the back to accommodate your teen’s growing molars.
The aligners may also include blue markings on the plastic that wear off to ensure your teen is wearing their aligners as often as prescribed.
You’ll also get a few extra sets of clear aligners in case they get lost.
Phase 2 is all about designing a smile that’s straight, functions properly, and remains stable so your child will have healthy, beautiful teeth for the rest of their life. If Phase 1 is like the pitch, Phase 2 is like knocking it out of the park!
Damon Braces
Braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct bite problems and align teeth, and Damon braces make the experience faster, smoother, and more comfortable for both teens and their parents.
Instead of traditional elastic ties, Damon braces use a self-ligating system that allows the wire to slide more freely. That means less friction, fewer appointments, and often a shorter treatment time.
With fewer adjustments and lighter forces, Damon braces are also easier on your teen's teeth and gums, all while delivering the same beautiful, healthy results.
Orthodontics for Adults
It’s Never Too Late for a Confident Smile
Braces and clear aligners aren’t just for kids and teens—you deserve the healthy, confident smile you’ve always wanted!
At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we offer discreet, effective orthodontic solutions designed to fit seamlessly into your busy life.
Why Orthodontics Matters for Adults
Straightening your teeth isn’t just about looks—there are actual health benefits to getting orthodontic care at any age. Here are a few reasons why adults choose braces or aligners.
Looking Good, Feeling Better
A great smile does more than boost your confidence—it impacts how you carry yourself in social and professional settings. If you’ve been self-conscious about crooked teeth or gaps, Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson can help you achieve a smile you’ll love showing off.
Your Teeth Can Move
Teeth don’t stop moving just because you’ve reached adulthood. Over time, shifting teeth can lead to jaw pain, difficulty brushing, or bite problems. Straightening your teeth can relieve discomfort and prevent long-term dental issues.
Maintaining Dental Health
Misaligned teeth can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and uneven wear on your enamel. Correcting alignment issues now can protect your teeth, improve function, and make daily hygiene easier.
Advantages of Adult Treatment
Easy Treatment Options
From board meetings to special events, you deserve a treatment that won’t draw unwanted attention. That’s why we offer clear aligners and ceramic braces, which blend seamlessly with your smile while providing powerful results.
Customized for Your Goals
Every adult patient has unique concerns and goals, whether it’s correcting a previous orthodontic issue, improving oral health, or achieving a flawless smile for the first time. At LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics, we create customized treatment plans to address your needs.
Let’s Do This!
It’s time to invest in yourself and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Schedule your free consultation at LaFerla Wilson Orthodontics today! Dr. LaFerla and Dr. Wilson will review your options and create a treatment plan for you.