State College Orthodontics for All Ages
Smiles for Every Age
At State College Orthodontics, we provide orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages—from young children getting their first evaluation to teens and adults looking for a straighter smile. Dr. Ray and our team offer personalized care designed to fit your unique needs.
Orthodontics for Children
The Groundwork for Great Smiles
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Ray recommend that children in State College visit an orthodontist for an initial evaluation by age seven. But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your child will need braces immediately!
This first visit allows Dr. Ray to check your child’s developing teeth and jaw to ensure everything is on track. In most cases, no immediate treatment is needed, and we’ll monitor their growth over time.
However, if early signs of misalignment or bite issues appear, early orthodontic intervention can help guide jaw development and prevent more complex problems. At State College Orthodontics, we ensure your child’s smile grows strong and healthy at every stage!
The Power of Early Orthodontic Care
By age seven, your child’s mouth will start revealing important signs about jaw development and incoming permanent teeth.
Dr. Ray will evaluate your child’s growth, identify potential orthodontic concerns, and set the stage for a healthy, well-aligned smile.
Early assessments allow us to spot developing issues sooner, making it possible to use simpler, more effective, and often more affordable treatments than waiting until later in life.
Building a Strong Smile
After your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, Dr. Ray may recommend early intervention, also known as Phase 1 treatment, to address emerging concerns before they become more complicated.
Phase 1 treatment typically lasts 8 to 12 months and focuses on guiding the natural growth of the jaw and teeth. This proactive approach helps create space for permanent teeth and encourages proper facial development.
After Phase 1, your child will continue regular check-ups so we can monitor new tooth eruptions and determine whether Phase 2 treatment will be needed later
Perfecting the Smile
Phase 2 treatment typically begins between ages 11 and 14, once most of your child’s adult teeth have come in.
If further adjustments are needed, Dr. Ray will create a customized treatment plan to refine their smile and ensure proper alignment.
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
Helping Teens Smile With Confidence
A straight, healthy smile can significantly impact your teen’s confidence and self-esteem—and that confidence carries over into school, friendships, and beyond!
At State College Orthodontics, Dr. Ray understands how important it is to give teens great smiles. We create personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and lifestyles.
We also know that teen schedules are packed, so we make treatment as convenient and stress-free as possible, ensuring your family gets the best care without disrupting daily life.
Terrific Teen Treatments
Every teen’s orthodontic journey is unique, with most treatments lasting 14 to 24 months. At State College Orthodontics, Dr. Ray uses the latest advancements in orthodontic care to streamline treatment times while delivering outstanding results.
We offer various options, from traditional braces to clear aligners, ensuring a solution fits your teen’s lifestyle.
Whether in the classroom, on the field, or center stage, our goal is to provide comfortable, efficient treatment that helps them feel confident every step of the way.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an excellent option for teens who want a more discreet, flexible treatment. Designed specifically for growing smiles, Invisalign for teens includes features like special tabs to accommodate developing molars and ensure a precise fit.
Many Invisalign aligners for teens also have blue wear indicators, which fade over time to help track compliance and ensure they’re being worn as prescribed.
Plus, we provide extra sets of aligners—so if one gets misplaced, treatment stays on track without a hitch!
Custom Braces
With braces, we start with a quick and painless digital scan—no messy molds needed!
We use advanced software to determine the ideal bracket placement for the best possible results. Then, Dr. Ray applies your custom brackets using 3D-printed trays.
Because your braces are custom-designed for your smile, you’ll need fewer adjustments and appointments throughout treatment. That means less discomfort, inflammation, and even shorter treatment times—all while getting a beautifully aligned, healthy smile!