Beautiful Smiles For Everyone
At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves the smile of their dreams, no matter their age. That’s why we provide orthodontics for the whole family—kids, teens, and adults.
Orthodontics for Children
Start at Age 7
Your child can avoid many dental problems later in life by receiving appropriate orthodontic treatment while they are young. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, your child should meet with an orthodontist like Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders by the age of seven.
The younger your child is when they start orthodontic treatment, the easier it is to shift their teeth into gear. When kids are young, their jaws are constantly growing to accommodate new teeth.
During this time, the teeth move easily with treatment, allowing for a shorter treatment time—especially in patients who undergo early treatment.
Two-Phase Treatment
Two-phase orthodontic treatment is Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics’s method for aligning a child’s teeth and producing a functional bite in two main steps. Usually, two-step orthodontic treatments begin between the ages of seven and nine, when many primary teeth remain in a child’s mouth.
At this age, your child will wear braces for a year or two during a period we call active treatment. Then, Dr. Mahlmann or Dr. Borders will remove them, and your child will wear a retainer for about three years during a phase we call retention.
Orthodontics for Teens
For Richmond-area teens, adolescence is the most popular time for orthodontic treatment. Our comprehensive services can help your teen achieve a healthy, beautiful smile comfortably and effectively.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range. Also, your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.
At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, your teen can choose between Invisalign clear aligners, 3M Clarity aligners, metal braces, or clear ceramic braces. Each of these choices offers unique benefits while transforming your teen’s smile.
Orthodontics for Adults
Did you know that one in every five Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics patients is an adult? At Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics, we offer treatment plans for people of all ages. There’s no better time than now to get started on a beautiful smile!
It's Never Too Late!
There is no such thing as being too old for orthodontic treatment. More adults than ever are seeking straighter teeth for many more reasons than one.
From advancements in modern dentistry that allow for more discreet and less invasive orthodontic treatments to addressing other health issues, braces aren’t becoming popular for cosmetic reasons alone.
Orthodontic Treatment: What to Expect
During your orthodontic screening, you will undergo an examination and digital imaging to determine the position of your teeth and bite. Dr. Mahlmann and Dr. Borders will map out a treatment plan designed to give you the straightest teeth possible in the least amount of time.
Depending on the type of braces you choose – traditional or removable – you’ll be fitted for your appliance and given instructions on how frequently to return for follow-up appointments.