Family Orthodontics in New Braunfels
Care for Every Generation
New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates offers personalized orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages, from children to teens to adults. Dr. Layfield and our team are dedicated to creating smiles that are not only healthy but also boost confidence and happiness.
Orthodontics for Children
Bright Futures for Young Smiles
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Layfield recommend that children see an orthodontist for an evaluation by age seven. Don’t worry—this doesn’t mean your little one will need braces right away!
This first visit simply allows us to check your child’s dental development, ensuring their teeth and jaw are growing as they should.
Early evaluations often lead to a “wait and watch” approach, with regular check-ups to track your child’s progress. However, if certain issues appear, early orthodontic intervention can guide jaw growth and prevent more complex problems from developing.
How Early Treatment Works
By the age of seven, children’s mouths start to reveal early signs of jaw development and permanent tooth growth. Dr. Layfield will assess these signs, using digital scans and other technology to see if early planning is necessary to ensure a healthy smile in the future.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment Matters
If Dr. Layfield determines that your child could benefit from early treatment, you might feel uncertain about taking the next step — and we understand. Early orthodontic treatment can seem like a big commitment, but your child is in caring, experienced hands.
Our family-friendly office in New Braunfels is designed to help both you and your child feel comfortable. And to make things even simpler, we’ve gathered all the key details here, so you can make informed choices about your child’s smile and dental health.
Phase 1 Treatment
After an initial evaluation, Dr. Layfield may recommend early, or Phase 1, treatment to correct any potential orthodontic issues. Phase 1 treatment usually lasts between 8 to 12 months, focusing on guiding the development of your child’s teeth and jaw.
Once Phase 1 is complete, we’ll continue to monitor their growth to decide if Phase 2 treatment will be needed as they mature.
Precision With Phase 2
Phase 2 treatment generally begins when children reach 11–14 years of age after most of their adult teeth have come in.
Dr. Layfield will assess your child’s needs and create a custom treatment plan, ensuring their smile stays on the right path as they grow into adulthood.
Orthodontics for Teens
Supporting Your Teen’s Confidence
The teenage years are an ideal time to address orthodontic needs, and helping your teen get a confident, healthy smile is an invaluable gift. A beautiful smile can impact their self-esteem and interactions at school, sports, and social gatherings.
Whether they’re beginning treatment for the first time or transitioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2, we offer modern, efficient options that help teens feel great about their smiles. And with choices like clear braces and aligners, they’ll have options that fit into their busy lives.
The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment
Empowering Your Teenager
The teenage years are full of growth, memorable moments, and new social experiences. In a time when social media and peer interactions are at an all-time high, a confident smile can truly make a difference.
At New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates, we go beyond just straightening teeth — we create smiles that help teens feel self-assured and ready to embrace these pivotal years.
Building Lifelong Healthy Smiles
Teen orthodontics does more than enhance appearance; it sets the foundation for lasting oral health. Proper alignment improves function, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and helping to prevent future issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and TMJ disorders. Investing in orthodontics now can save your teen from more complex treatments down the road, giving them a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
Orthodontics for Adults
Never Too Late for Your Best Smile
Think braces are just for kids? Think again! Today, over one in four orthodontic patients are adults, and with a range of modern treatment options, there’s never been a better time to start your smile journey.
Whether you once had braces and forgot to wear your retainer or are considering orthodontic treatment for the first time, New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates offers customized options that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Reasons for Adult Orthodontics
Adult orthodontics offers transformative benefits beyond a straight smile. Our team at New Braunfels Orthodontic Associates is here to make your journey effective, comfortable, and life-enhancing. Here are a few reasons why braces or aligners are a great choice for adults:
Looking Good, Feeling Great
Dr. Layfield and our team use orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth or gaps you’ve been self-conscious about for years. A straight, beautiful smile can boost your confidence, so you get the freedom to enjoy every part of your personal and professional life with pride.
Shifting Teeth Are Common
Even if you had straight teeth in your youth, teeth can shift over time, leading to issues like jaw discomfort, difficulty brushing, or changes in your smile. Treatment from Dr. Layfield can correct these shifts, giving you back a comfortable, confident smile.
Supporting Dental Health
Misaligned teeth can increase your risk of dental issues, from tooth decay to gum disease. You may also notice abnormal wear on your teeth or difficulty chewing. Straightening your teeth with orthodontics helps prevent these issues.