Orthodontic Services in Apex
Last updated
Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides orthodontic care for children and teens in Apex. Treatment may address crowded or widely spaced teeth, bite concerns, tooth eruption, and jaw development. Depending on the patient’s age and dental development, care may involve early intervention, braces, Invisalign® treatment, other clear aligners, or retainers.
Dr. Michael Kim evaluates each patient’s tooth alignment, bite development, jaw relationships, and stage of growth before recommending a personalized treatment plan. Because pediatric dental and orthodontic services are available in the same practice, growing patients can receive coordinated care throughout each stage of their dental development.
Early Intervention
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children in Apex: Early evaluations can identify developing concerns while a child’s jaws are growing and permanent teeth are beginning to erupt. When appropriate, Phase 1 treatment may guide dental development, create space for incoming teeth, address certain oral habits, or improve specific bite relationships.
Not every child needs early treatment. Dr. Kim may recommend treatment, periodic monitoring, or waiting until additional permanent teeth have erupted. The goal is to provide care at the most appropriate stage of the child’s development.
Braces
Phase 2 Braces Treatment for Children and Teens in Apex: Phase 2 treatment generally begins after most or all permanent teeth have erupted. Brackets and wires apply carefully controlled pressure to move the teeth into planned positions. Braces may be recommended to address crowding, spacing, rotated teeth, or more complex bite concerns.
Braces treatment is available by appointment. An evaluation is required to determine whether braces are appropriate and create a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s dental development and needs.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® Clear Aligner Treatment for Teens in Apex: Invisalign® treatment uses a planned series of removable, transparent aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. Because the aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, they may offer greater flexibility for qualifying teenage patients.
Consistent daily wear is essential for treatment to progress as planned. Dr. Kim evaluates dental development, tooth position, bite relationships, treatment complexity, and the patient’s ability to follow wear instructions before recommending Invisalign® treatment.
Clear Aligners
Clear Aligner Treatment for Teens in Apex: Clear aligners provide a removable and less noticeable alternative to traditional braces for appropriately selected teenage patients. Each set of aligners is designed to make small, controlled changes to tooth position as treatment progresses.
Clear aligners may not be appropriate for every patient or orthodontic concern. Treatment recommendations depend on dental development, tooth position, bite relationships, case complexity, and the patient’s ability to wear and care for the aligners as directed.
Retainers
Custom Retainers for Children and Teens in Apex: Retainers help preserve tooth position after braces or clear aligner treatment. Because teeth can gradually shift after active treatment, consistent retainer wear is an important part of maintaining the results.
Removable or fixed retainers may be recommended based on the patient’s treatment history and long-term needs. Patients should follow their prescribed wear schedule and bring their retainers to follow-up visits when requested.
“Orthodontic care is about supporting healthy dental development as well as improving tooth alignment. By evaluating each child’s growth, bite, and individual needs, we can recommend the right approach at the right time, whether that involves early intervention, braces, clear aligners, or continued monitoring.”
Dr. Michael Kim
Read Verified Reviews From Apex Parents
“My kids have been going to this practice since they were toddlers, and having one doctor who understands their complete dental history and growth patterns has made such a difference. Dr. Kim treats them like they’re his own children and recommends only what’s truly necessary. The convenience of having both their regular checkups and orthodontics in one place has been a game-changer for our family.”
“What impressed me most was how honest the doctor is about treatment recommendations. He explained exactly why each step was needed and never pushed unnecessary procedures. Having someone I trust completely managing both my kids’ dental and orthodontic care gives me peace of mind. The staff is incredibly kind and patient with nervous children.”
“We switched practices specifically because we wanted someone who could handle both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. The continuity of care is amazing, and our kids actually look forward to their appointments. The whole team treats every patient like family, and the clinical expertise is evident in every interaction.”
Research on Youth Orthodontic Needs and Treatment Experiences
Patients Satisfied With Their Teeth at the End of Treatment
96%
Adolescents Satisfied With Their Dental Appearance
89%
Patients Remaining Satisfied With Their Teeth Later
84%
Adolescents Completely Satisfied With Treatment Results
74%
Adolescents Expressing a Desire for Orthodontic Treatment
69.6%
Adolescents Who Had Received or Were Receiving Treatment
42%
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| Orthodontic Research Finding | Percentage | What the Research Shows |
|---|---|---|
| Satisfaction with teeth at the end of treatment | 96% | A retention study found that 96% of participants were satisfied or very satisfied with their teeth when active treatment ended. |
| Adolescents satisfied with their dental appearance | 89% | A study of adolescents found that 89% were very or fairly satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. |
| Satisfaction with teeth at a later assessment | 84% | In the retention study, 84% of participants remained satisfied or very satisfied with their teeth at the time of the survey. |
| Adolescents completely satisfied with treatment results | 74% | In a study examining adolescents’ perceptions of completed orthodontic care, 74% reported being completely satisfied with the results. |
| Adolescents expressing a desire for treatment | 69.6% | A study of 704 adolescents found that 69.6% expressed a desire for orthodontic treatment. Perceived appearance and social factors influenced treatment interest. |
| Adolescents who had received or were receiving treatment | 42% | In a study of adolescents in eastern Finland, 42% had previously received or were currently receiving orthodontic treatment. |
Sources: Larsson and Bergström, “Adolescents’ Perception of the Quality of Orthodontic Treatment,” 2005; Mollov et al., “Patient Attitudes Toward Retention and Perceptions of Treatment Success,” 2010; Pietilä and Pietilä, “Dental Appearance and Orthodontic Services Assessed by 15–16-Year-Old Adolescents in Eastern Finland,” 1996; Feldens et al., “Desire for Orthodontic Treatment and Associated Factors Among Adolescents,” 2015; AAO, Orthodontic Guidance for Children and Teens.
KEY FINDINGS
Early Evaluations Support Planning
Evaluating children while they are growing can help identify developing tooth, bite, or jaw concerns and determine whether treatment or monitoring is appropriate.
Not Every Child Needs Early Treatment
Some children benefit from Phase 1 care, while others can be monitored until more permanent teeth have erupted.
Braces Provide Controlled Movement
Fixed braces may be recommended when precise tooth movement is needed to address crowding, spacing, rotations, or complex bite relationships.
Clear Aligners Require Responsibility
Removable aligners work best for teens who can wear them consistently and follow daily care instructions.
Coordinated Care Supports Growing Patients
Providing pediatric dental and orthodontic services in one practice allows the team to monitor oral health and dental development together.
Retention Is a Long-Term Commitment
Consistent retainer wear helps preserve the tooth positions achieved during active treatment.
Explore Your Child’s Orthodontic Options
Schedule an orthodontic evaluation at Green Level Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Apex. Dr. Michael Kim will assess your child’s tooth eruption, alignment, bite development, and jaw relationships before discussing early intervention, braces, Invisalign®, clear aligners, retainers, or continued monitoring.
Questions Apex Families Ask About Orthodontic Services
At what age should a child have an orthodontic evaluation?
The AAO recommends an initial evaluation by age seven. This does not mean every child will need immediate treatment. An early evaluation allows developing concerns to be identified and monitored while the teeth and jaws are still growing.
What is the difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatment?
Phase 1 treatment takes place while a child has a combination of primary and permanent teeth. It may address growth, space, oral habits, or developing bite concerns. Phase 2 treatment generally begins after most permanent teeth have erupted and focuses on comprehensive tooth alignment and bite correction.
Does every child need Phase 1 treatment?
No. Early treatment is recommended only when addressing a developing concern may benefit the child. Some children can be monitored through periodic evaluations until they are ready for comprehensive treatment.
Are clear aligners or braces better for teenagers?
The appropriate option depends on the teen’s dental development, tooth alignment, bite, treatment complexity, and ability to follow instructions. Clear aligners are removable and less noticeable, while braces may provide greater control for certain tooth movements.
Can younger children receive braces?
Braces may be recommended for younger patients in certain situations, but treatment timing depends on tooth eruption, jaw development, and the concern being addressed. An evaluation allows Dr. Kim to determine whether treatment or continued monitoring is appropriate.
How long will retainers need to be worn?
Retainer schedules vary, but long-term wear is commonly recommended because teeth can continue to shift after treatment. Patients should follow the prescribed schedule and bring their retainers to follow-up visits when requested.