Straighter Teeth, Better Health
A well-aligned smile is about more than looks. Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth are harder to clean, wear down unevenly, and can contribute to jaw pain, grinding, and long-term dental problems. Orthodontic dentistry addresses all of that, giving you a smile that functions better and lasts longer.
At Southern Smiles, Dr. Bethany Burton offers orthodontic treatment for children, teens, and adults in Jacksonville, FL. Whether you're dealing with a bite issue that's bothered you for years or noticing your teenager's teeth coming in crooked, our team will walk you through your options and help you find the right approach for your goals and your schedule.
Treatment has come a long way. Today's options are more comfortable, more discreet, and faster than the orthodontics most adults remember from childhood. Call 904-389-3451 to schedule an orthodontic consultation at our Jacksonville dental office. We welcome patients from Orange Park, St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and surrounding communities.
Choosing Southern Smiles for Your Dental Care
At Southern Smiles, we treat the person, not just the teeth. Dr. Bethany Burton and our dedicated team bring decades of trusted care to Jacksonville families, combining top-quality dentistry with a warm, welcoming environment where you actually want to come back.
From routine cleanings to cosmetic dentistry and IV sedation, Dr. Burton offers comprehensive care for patients of all ages. We're always welcoming new patients, and we'd love to help you put your best smile forward.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Orthodontic issues don't just affect how your smile looks. Left untreated, misalignment and bite problems can lead to a range of complications that get harder to address over time:
- Crowded or crooked teeth create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria accumulate, raising the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Bite misalignment puts uneven pressure on teeth, leading to accelerated enamel wear
- An uneven bite can stress the jaw joint and contribute to TMJ disorder and chronic discomfort
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) is often linked to misalignment and can cause significant damage if left unprotected
- Misaligned teeth can affect how food is chewed and broken down, which impacts digestion
- Crooked teeth have been linked to speech difficulties in both children and adults
Addressing these issues with orthodontic treatment produces results that go well beyond a straighter smile. Teeth that are properly positioned are easier to clean, wear more evenly, and put less strain on the jaw.
Orthodontic Services at Southern Smiles
Dr. Burton offers a range of orthodontic services under one roof. Here's an overview of what's available:
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses a series of custom-fitted clear plastic trays to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Trays are swapped every one to two weeks and worn 20 to 22 hours per day.
Invisalign is a strong fit for patients who:
- Want a nearly invisible option with no metal brackets or wires
- Prefer to remove their appliance for eating, drinking, and cleaning
- Have mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite concerns
- Are teens 12 or older, or adults of any age
Treatment typically takes 12 to 18 months, with fewer office visits than traditional braces.
Retainers
Retainers hold teeth in their corrected positions after active orthodontic treatment ends. Without a retainer, teeth naturally drift back toward their original positions over time as the periodontal ligament continues to exert pressure.
Retainers may be fixed (bonded behind the teeth) or removable. Dr. Burton will recommend the best type based on your treatment history and how your teeth respond after alignment is complete. Most patients wear retainers nightly long-term to protect their results.
Additional Bite-Related Services at Southern Smiles
Night Guards
A night guard is a custom-fitted oral appliance worn while sleeping to protect teeth from the damage caused by grinding (bruxism). Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it, and the cumulative effect on enamel, restorations, and the jaw joint can be significant.
Custom night guards from Southern Smiles are made from precise impressions of your teeth, providing a comfortable, effective fit that over-the-counter options can't match. They're recommended for patients with signs of grinding, such as worn enamel, jaw soreness, or frequent morning headaches.
Bite Guards
Bite guards are protective appliances designed to cushion the teeth and reduce jaw strain for patients dealing with bite-related discomfort, clenching, or TMJ symptoms. Like night guards, they are custom-fabricated to fit your bite precisely and are typically worn during sleep or during activities that trigger symptoms.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Not sure which approach is right for you? Here's a quick comparison to help guide the conversation at your consultation:
Visibility
Invisalign uses nearly invisible clear trays. Traditional braces use metal or ceramic brackets.
Removability
Invisalign is removable for eating and cleaning. Traditional braces are fixed throughout treatment.
Best For
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate issues, teens 12+, and adults. Traditional braces are better suited for complex cases, younger patients, and severe bite problems.
Food Restrictions
Invisalign has none. Traditional braces require avoiding hard and sticky foods.
Oral Hygiene
With Invisalign, you brush and floss normally. Traditional braces require special tools to clean around brackets.
Typical Curation
Invisalign treatment runs 12 to 18 months. Traditional braces typically take 18 to 24 months.
Office Visits
Invisalign requires check-ins every six to eight weeks. Traditional braces require visits every four to eight weeks.
Every case is different. Dr. Burton will review your bite, alignment, and treatment goals and recommend the approach that gives you the best outcome for your specific situation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is appropriate across a wide range of ages and alignment concerns. There's no single profile, but some common indicators that a consultation makes sense:
- Teeth that are visibly crowded, overlapping, or twisted
- Gaps or noticeable spaces between teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
- Overbite, underbite, open bite, or crossbite
- Jaw soreness, clicking, or uneven jaw development
- Teeth that have shifted after previous orthodontic treatment
- Signs of grinding, such as worn enamel or morning jaw pain
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive a first orthodontic evaluation around age seven. Most don't begin active treatment until ages nine to fourteen, but early evaluation allows Dr. Burton to monitor development and plan. Adults respond well to orthodontic treatment, too; the bones of an adult jaw still respond to the gentle pressure these appliances apply.
Orthodontics Cost & Financing
Orthodontic treatment costs vary depending on the type of treatment, case complexity, and how long treatment takes. At Southern Smiles, we work to make orthodontic care accessible for Jacksonville families.
- Dental insurance: Many plans include orthodontic benefits covering braces and Invisalign at comparable levels, typically around 50% up to a lifetime maximum. Our team will verify your coverage before treatment begins.
- In-house membership plan: Southern Smiles offers an in-house dental membership that includes preventive care and a 15% discount on most procedures, including orthodontic services. Plans are available for children ages 0 to 13, adults, and periodontal patients.
- Flexible financing: Payment plans are available to spread treatment costs over time. Ask our team about monthly options at your consultation.
- HSA and FSA funds: Orthodontic treatment is generally an eligible expense, so you can use pre-tax funds to offset costs.
We'll provide a clear cost estimate at your consultation so there are no surprises before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child have a first orthodontic evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends age seven. Most kids don't start active treatment until nine to fourteen, but early evaluation lets Dr. Burton track jaw development and time treatment for the best outcome.
Does orthodontic treatment hurt?
Most patients experience mild soreness for a day or two after adjustments or when switching to a new Invisalign tray. This is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief and soft foods and fades as teeth adjust.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It depends on the case. Invisalign typically takes 12 to 18 months; braces usually take 18 to 24 months. Simpler cases may finish faster. Dr. Burton will give you a realistic timeline at your consultation based on your specific needs.
Can adults get orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely. Adult patients make up a significant portion of orthodontic cases. The jaw bones of adults respond well to orthodontic pressure, and modern options like Invisalign make treatment more discreet and convenient than ever.
Do I need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Once active treatment ends, a retainer is necessary to keep teeth in their new positions. Without one, teeth will gradually shift back over time. Most patients wear a retainer nightly on a long-term basis.
Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation in Jacksonville, FL
Whether you're looking into Invisalign, exploring options for your child, or dealing with grinding or bite discomfort, Dr. Bethany Burton and the Southern Smiles team are ready to help.
Call 904-389-3451 or contact us online to book your Jacksonville Invisalign consultation. We serve patients from Jacksonville and the surrounding communities of Orange Park, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville Beach.
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
