4000 SW 34th Ave #B, Amarillo, TX 79109
Every Age, Every Smile, One Personalized Approach
Orthodontic needs change significantly from childhood through adulthood, which is why treatment planning at Dental Group Orthodontics starts with a close look at each patient's stage of development. A seven-year-old with a developing jaw needs a very different plan than a teenager finishing up growth, and an adult revisiting orthodontic care decades after their last set of braces needs something different still.
Dr. Gary Chapman evaluates jaw growth, tooth eruption, bite alignment, and personal goals before recommending a treatment path, ensuring that timing and treatment type are matched to what each patient actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Orthodontics for Children
Childhood is a window of opportunity in orthodontic care, since the jaw is still growing and can often be guided into a healthier shape and size. An early orthodontic evaluation, recommended by age seven, allows potential issues such as crowding, crossbite, or airway related concerns to be identified while there is still time to influence how permanent teeth and jaw structure develop.
Not every child evaluated at this age needs treatment right away. In many cases, Dr. Chapman recommends monitoring growth over time and beginning treatment only once it offers the most benefit. When early treatment is recommended, it is often referred to as Two-Phase Treatment, designed to guide growth first and finish alignment once more permanent teeth have come in.
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Orthodontics for Teens
The teenage years are the most common time for orthodontic treatment, since most permanent teeth have erupted and enough jaw growth remains to allow for efficient, effective treatment. Teens at Dental Group Orthodontics have several treatment options to choose from, including traditional braces, and Spark aligners, depending on their specific alignment needs, lifestyle, and personal preference.
Treatment during the teenage years often addresses crowding, spacing, and bite issues before they become more difficult to correct in adulthood, while also giving teens a smile they feel confident about during school, sports, and social activities.
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Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids and teens. A growing number of adults pursue treatment every year, whether to correct issues that were never addressed earlier in life, to fix relapse after previous orthodontic treatment, or simply because they are finally ready to invest in the smile they have always wanted.
Adult treatment often comes with additional considerations, such as previous dental work, gum health, or a busy professional schedule, all of which Dr. Chapman factors into a personalized treatment plan. Traditional braces, and Spark aligners are all viable options for adult patients, depending on the complexity of the case and personal preference for visibility and convenience.
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Why the Right Timing Makes a Difference
Starting orthodontic treatment at the right time, not too early and not too late, plays a major role in how efficient and effective care can be. Beginning treatment while the jaw still has room to grow allows certain corrections to happen with less intervention later, while waiting until all permanent teeth have erupted allows for a complete, comprehensive plan for other cases.
This is why Dental Group Orthodontics recommends an initial evaluation by age seven, even if treatment is not needed right away. Establishing a relationship with an orthodontist early allows growth and development to be monitored over time, so treatment, when it is needed, can begin at the point where it will do the most good.
A Personalized Plan for Every Stage of Life
Whether you are scheduling your child's first evaluation, exploring options for a teenager, or finally pursuing treatment as an adult, Dental Group Orthodontics builds a plan around your specific needs and goals.
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