Treatment Info

Some people like to show off the fact that they’re in treatment. Others like to keep the fact that they are improving their smile more inconspicuous. We get it! That’s why we offer treatment options to fit every lifestyle and personality, from metal or clear braces to Invisalign® Clear Aligners. Plus, we have options for younger children and adults of all ages. You’re never too old the love your smile.

On this page, you can get some additional information on the treatment options we offer, as well as some great advice on how to have a great experience while you’re in treatment. For more details, and to find out what option is best for you, or any member of your family, schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Leah Walker today.

Treatment For Younger Kids

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that young children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7. That’s one of the reasons we offer a complimentary initial exam. It’s a great way to find out if your child has biological, functional or space issues with their teeth and jaw so that their treatment plan can be the least invasive. In many instances, early treatment can have a positive impact.

Treatment For Teens & Adults

Our options for adolescents include metal braces, clear braces, clear aligners and other tools that help us move the jaw into its proper position and more. All of our approaches are designed to make treatment as comfortable and efficient as we can, so we can get you to your new smile as fast as possible.

Like adults, teens can choose from metal or clear braces, or Invisalign. But no matter what you choose, at Leah Walker Orthodontics you’ll have the benefit of customized treatment.

A healthy bite is as important for adults as it is for kids. In fact, over 25% of our patients are adults. Although most choose treatment to achieve a straight smile, orthodontics also positively affects overall health. Crooked, crowded teeth are hard to clean and maintain which negatively impacts oral health. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, research has shown a strong link between crooked, unhealthy teeth and periodontal disease, heart disease, stroke, and more. A straight, healthy smile can not only help boost your self-esteem; it can help prevent these types of diseases from occurring. Orthodontic treatment is a smart investment for your dental, physical and emotional wellbeing. A straight, healthy smile can be yours at any age.

Imagine a treatment that doesn’t use wires or metal brackets, a treatment that is virtually pain-free and doesn’t require you to change your current lifestyle. With Invisalign, you can straighten your teeth and experience the benefits of a great smile without braces!

The process starts when we take a digital impression of your teeth using our iTero intraoral scanner. Then your aligners, a series of clear aligners, custom-made for you, are created. Each aligner is made of lightweight, clear plastic that move your teeth into the position Dr. Walker has prescribed. You’ll wear each aligner for 1-2 weeks. Then, before you know it, you’ll be enjoying your beautiful new smile.

Whether you’re in school, working, or active in sports, Invisalign can easily fit into your busy life.

The Pitts 21 System

Pitts 21 braces are the future of orthodontic care, and we are proud to offer our patients this low-friction Pitts21 orthodontic option. Even better, because it encourages a more natural and comfortable tooth movement throughout the course of your treatment plan. We’ll still have regular check-ups to monitor your progress, but your braces will always be gently encouraging your teeth to move into an ideal position.

Facial Balance

Digital Imaging Technology

Dr. Walker believes that better information at the start of your treatment means a better experience along the way and better results in the end. That’s one reason she offers the latest in 3-dimensional digital scanning using the i-Cat Flex (pictured) and the iTero Element. With the i-Cat 3D Cone Beam Scanner, she gets incredible details with lower exposure than traditional x-rays. With the iTero Scanner, she can create a 3D map of your teeth and bite without the use of goopy impression trays. Patients love it!

Impressionless Orthodontics

Learn More About Impressionless Orthodontics

With the iTero Scanner, we create a 3D map of your teeth and bite without the use of goopy impression trays. Dr. Walker uses the iTero for Invisalign® and other treatment options and patients love it.

Plus, the iTero Scanner, created by the makers of Invisalign®, enables us to keep a digital copy of your teeth and bite at the end of treatment. This makes it easy for us to make you new retainers and keep your smile looking great over time.

Life With Braces

One of the biggest lifestyle changes you’ll need to make while wearing braces is diet. Certain foods run the risk of breaking off brackets, getting stuck in your archwires, or otherwise damaging your braces, so you’ll need to take care to avoid these foods during treatment.

Foods You Can Enjoy With Braces

Grains: Pasta or soft-cooked rice
Dairy: Soft cheeses, pudding, and milk
Bread: Any soft bread like tortillas, pancakes, or nut-free muffins
Vegetables: Soft or cooked veggies like mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, or beans
Fruits: Bananas, seedless berries, applesauce, fruit without pits, and sliced fruit
Seafood: Any soft fish like tuna, salmon, or crab cakes
Meat: Soft meats like lunch meat, meatballs, or soft-cooked chicken
Desserts: Cake, milkshakes, ice cream, or Jell-O

Foods To Avoid With Braces

Hard or Crunchy Foods: Popcorn, hard candy, nuts, or chips
Sticky or Chewy Foods: Licorice, gum, caramel, or even bagels
Foods That Are Difficult to Bite Into: Corn on the cob or whole apples or carrots
Sugary Foods & Beverages: Any sodas or foods with lots of sugar

We recommend you use a soft bristled tooth brush with a small head. Electric and sonic tooth brushes are also acceptable.
Brush your teeth after meals and snacks.
If you have eaten while away from home, use your interdental brush to dislodge any food that may get caught around your braces.
Rinsing with water is another way to dislodge food from your braces, and to keep sugar from sitting on your teeth.
Floss your teeth at least once a day.
We recommend that you have a check up with your dentist every 6 months.