Skip to content
  • 806.355.9732
  • Payment Calculator
  • Patient Forms
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Sparkman
    • Meet Dr. Lyons
    • Meet Dr. Clifton
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
    • Join Our Team
    • A Community of Smiles
    • Sponsorship Request
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Treatment
        • Braces
          • Types of Braces
          • Braces for Kids
          • Braces for Teens
          • Braces for Adults
          • Braces FAQ
          • Payment Calculator
        • Clear Aligners
          • What are Clear Aligners?
          • What is Invisalign?
          • Types of Clear Aligners
          • Clear Aligners for Kids
          • Clear Aligners for Teens
          • Clear Aligners for Adults
          • Clear Aligners FAQ
          • DentalMonitoring
          • Payment Calculator
        • Orthodontics
          • Types of Orthodontic Treatments
          • Common Orthodontic Issues
          • Foods to Avoid
          • Life After Braces
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Rewards
    • Education Videos
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule Free Consult
  • 806.355.9732
Schedule Free Consult
  • Our Practice
    • About Us
    • What Sets Us Apart
    • Meet Dr. Sparkman
    • Meet Dr. Lyons
    • Meet Dr. Clifton
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
    • Join Our Team
    • A Community of Smiles
    • Sponsorship Request
    • Technology
    • Patient Testimonials
  • Treatment
    • Braces
      • Types of Braces
      • Braces for Kids
      • Braces for Teens
      • Braces for Adults
      • Braces FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Clear Aligners
      • What are Clear Aligners?
      • What is Invisalign?
      • Types of Clear Aligners
      • Clear Aligners for Kids
      • Clear Aligners for Teens
      • Clear Aligners for Adults
      • Clear Aligners FAQ
      • Payment Calculator
    • Orthodontics
      • Types of Orthodontic Treatments
      • Common Orthodontic Issues
      • Foods to Avoid
      • Life After Braces
  • Patient Resources
    • Your First Visit
    • Emergency Care
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Rewards
    • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • 806.454.7551
  • Payment Calculator
Schedule Free Consult
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Home » Orthodontics » Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Early Treatment

You probably know that it’s never too late to begin orthodontic treatment — but when it comes to your youngster’s teeth, did you know that earlier may be better than later? According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have an initial orthodontic screening at age 7. What makes early evaluation — and potentially, early treatment — so important?

There are several ways that kids can benefit from seeing an orthodontist at an early age. But it’s important to recognize that early evaluation isn’t necessarily followed by early treatment; in most cases if orthodontic work is needed, we simply monitor your child’s growth patterns until we see that it’s time for treatment to begin. This gives us an opportunity to get the best results in the most efficient way, and to help prevent future problems.

Although every child’s development is different, in most kids the first adult molars have typically started to emerge by around age six. This, along with other developmental markers, lets us get a handle on the basic alignment of the teeth, from front to back and side to side. It may also be possible at this point to determine whether there is adequate room in the mouth for all of the permanent teeth — and, if not, to take action.

When Earlier Treatment Is Better

Treatment for common orthodontic problems typically begins around age 9-14, when all of the baby teeth are gone and many of the permanent ones are in place. But there are some conditions that are much easier to treat if they’re caught at an early age, when a child’s natural growth processes are going full speed ahead.

One is severe crossbite, a condition where the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth. To treat this problem, a device called a palatal expander can be used, which gradually and painlessly widens the upper jaw; it’s especially effective when the jaw itself hasn’t fully developed. If we wait too long, a more complicated treatment — or even oral surgery — might be required to correct the problem.

Another condition that may benefit from early treatment is severe crowding. This occurs when the jaws are too small to accommodate all of the permanent teeth. Either palatal expansion or tooth extraction may be recommended at this point, to help the adult teeth erupt (emerge from below the gums) properly. Even if braces are required later, the treatment time will likely be shorter and less complicated.

Early intervention may also be helpful in resolving several other problems. Protruding teeth, especially in front, can be prone to chipping and fractures; they may also lead to problems with a child’s self-image. A severe underbite, caused by the lower jaw growing much larger than the upper jaw, can result in serious bite problems. Orthodontic appliances, including braces and headgear, can be successfully used to correct these problems at this stage, when the child’s development is in full swing, thereby increasing the chances that surgery can be avoided.

Correcting Bad Habits

At one time or another, anyone may pick up a bad habit. But there are some situations where a youngster’s parafunctional (detrimental to health) habits can actually influence the development and function of his or her teeth, jaws, and mouth. Some examples of these are persistent thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.

The sucking reflex is natural in early childhood; it usually disappears between ages 2 and 4. But if it persists much later, the pressure of the digit on the front teeth and the upper jaw can actually cause the teeth to move apart and the jaws to change shape. This can lead to the orthodontic problem called “open bite,” and may impair speech. An open bite can also be caused by the force of the tongue pushing forward against the teeth (tongue thrusting).

Mouth breathing — an abnormal breathing pattern in which the mouth always remains open, passing air directly to the lungs — is related to alterations in the muscular function of the tongue and face. It may cause the upper and lower jaw to grow abnormally, which can lead to serious orthodontic problems. Although mouth breathing may start from a physical difficulty, it can become a habitual action that’s hard to break.

Various orthodontic treatments are available to help correct these parafunctional habits — and the sooner they’re taken care of, the less damage they may cause. But these potential problems aren’t always easy to recognize. That’s one more reason why you should bring your child in for early orthodontic screening.

Phase II & Adolescent Treatment

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage: They’re one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time — along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.

There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There’s no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It’s easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

There’s even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, you’re not alone! Chances are you’ll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When it’s done, you’ll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process

What can you expect when you come in to our office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. The first time you come in, we will take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly take a scan through our newer technology for a model of your bite. Then, we’ll develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular braces, with or without elastics (rubber bands). We might also recommend that you use a specialized appliance for a period of time. Here are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:

Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to find they’re smaller and lighter than ever. They may even offer some customized options, like colored elastic ties on the brackets.

Clear Braces feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials which blend in with your teeth, making them harder to notice. They’re suitable in many situations, but they cost a little more.

Clear Aligners for teens is a series of removable, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as they’re worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended only for adult patients, they now come with special features — like compliance indicators to tell how often you’ve been wearing them — that make them appropriate for teens in some situations. The advantage: they’re practically invisible!

Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But don’t worry: You’ll get used to them, and they’re temporary — but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.

How Long Will I Wear Them?

There’s no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what we need to do in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterward, you will wear a retainer for another period of months. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile we’ve worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.

Adult Treatment

We’re seeing more and more adult orthodontic patients these days, and it’s not hard to figure out why. Appliances that are barely noticeable have been developed to give adults more discreet choices when it comes to orthodontic treatment. And many adults realize that investing in a smile makeover can have significant benefits, socially and professionally. Straightening teeth can be an important part of that confidence-boosting makeover process.

Adult orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so there’s no such thing as being too old for braces. However, orthodontic treatment for adults is different in two important respects: For one thing, the growth and development of the jaws is complete in adults, so changes in actual jaw structure can’t be accomplished with orthodontic appliances in the way they can with a growing child.

Secondly, periodontal (gum) disease is more prevalent in adults than in children. While you are wearing the orthodontic appliances, gentle forces will be applied to your teeth so they can move through their surrounding bone. Periodontal health plays a key role in all of this; if the gum tissues are not healthy during orthodontics, bone loss can result and weaken the long-term prognosis of your teeth. So any gum disease must be brought under control before orthodontic treatment begins. And to maintain your periodontal health, you will need to make sure to have regular professional cleanings during the orthodontics while maintaining good oral hygiene at home.

patient REviews

Our 5-Star Experience

We’re thankful for the opportunity to serve our community by making them smile every day. Hear what our patients are saying about their experience with us!

Rachel H.
Amazing staff! Everyone is always friendly and professional and I love that they set you up with the whole plan and payments from the beginning so no surprises. They explain everything before they do it and that helped a lot with my kiddos anxiety too. Love them all! Highly recommend!
Mags A.
Love Sparkman Orthodontics! From the start, they made the process of getting Invisalign for my 11 year old son worry-free. I was concerned about having to work in multiple appointments over the course of the treatment, but fortunately, we are able to do our scans from home! Communication was quick and we've just moved to our last aligner for this phase of treatment and his teeth look great! Highly recommend.
Jacqueline M.
The whole staff is super nice, and they all made my son feel as comfortable as possible. By far this has been the place with most patience for him. They always make sure he knows exactly what to expect.
Suzy Q
Being a busy mom of four children and working full time appointments are hard to make. Sparkman orthodontics offers a scan at home which has been amazing! Super easy process to getting a straight and beautiful smile!!
6NZ_Alexis
amazing service great customer service, in and out quickly 30 mins tops
Marissa B.
Absolutely caring and professional!! Made the braces journey easy and enjoyable! Friendly staff and doctors! Answer all questions and are very knowledgeable!
Breanna M.
Sparkman has seriously been amazing with all four of my kiddos! Everyone is so thorough and friendly! I will always recommend Sparkman!
Michael V.
Very responsive and helpful through the whole process.
Camila
They did a great job on my son, highly recommend!👍
Debi L.
Love the doctors and staff..Jonathan was amazing today 😍
Sarah N.
5 stars! My daughter just got her braces off after 18ish months and her teeth are absolutely perfect. The doctors and all of the staff are very prompt & kind. Every appointment was quick & painless. I highly recommend Sparkman to anyone looking for help with their smile.
Rachel W.
Sparkman Orthodontics has a very friendly staff and care about their patients. Their doctors are fantastic! I highly recommend them as an orthodontist.
Daniel S.
Dr. Sparkman recommended my 9 year old son to get Invisalign and I was skeptical at first. But it has been great! My son is way more responsible with them than I thought he’d be and we haven’t had to come into the office for broken brackets or other problems you’d have with normal braces. I definitely recommend Dr. Sparkman and his staff for all your braces needs!
Whitney G.
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Sparkman Orthodontics! From the very beginning, everyone has been incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. They always take the time to explain everything in a way that both I and my 8-year-old can understand, which has made the whole process so much easier and less intimidating.

We decided on Invisalign for her phase one treatment, and it’s been such a great decision for our family. Not only has it saved us from unexpected office visits for emergencies, but it also fit so well into our busy routine. The team was so thoughtful in helping us decide if Invisalign was the right choice, and we’ve felt supported every step of the way.

Now that she’s finishing up phase one, her smile looks absolutely beautiful - and seeing her confidence grow has been the best part of all. We are so grateful for the care and attention Sparkman Orthodontics has given our family!
Mary L.
Sparkman Orthodontics is absolutely amazing. I brought my daughter here, and we were met with a phenomenal team of workers. Everyone from the receptionist to the doctors were friendly and professional. Thank you! We highly recommend Sparkman Orthodontics!
Read more
follow us

Get Social With #sparkmanSmiles

Stay connected with us through social media and see how we’re making people smile every day!

Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18069389198328150
This week we celebrated Dr. Clifton’s 34th birthday with his favorite dessert from @girasolcafeandbakeryama — their famous key lime pie! 🥧🎉 We’re so grateful for all the smiles he brings to our patients every single day. 💙   #HappyBirthday #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #DrClifton
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18090362722783885
✨ Transformation Thursday ✨ Check out this amazing before & after! 😁 Orthodontic treatment can do wonders — not just for your smile, but for your confidence too.  Ready to start your transformation? Call us today at (806) 355-9732!  #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #TransformationThursday #BracesLife #BeforeAndAfter
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18096655210633480
🎉 Congratulations to Jonathan Uranga on 1 year with Sparkman Orthodontics! 🎉 Jonathan is one of our Orthodontic Assistants who helps create confident smiles every single day. We’re so grateful for his hard work, dedication, and positive energy that brightens our office!  Help us celebrate Jonathan in the comments! 👏  #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #TeamSparkman #WorkAnniversary #BracesLife
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17997888632818355
🎉 Help us welcome Karla Marrufo to the Sparkman Orthodontics team! 🎉 Karla has officially completed her 90-day training and is now a full member of our Patient Care Center team. She works hard behind the scenes scheduling appointments and keeping our days running smoothly.  We’re so excited to have her on board — make sure to say hi when you see her! 👋  #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #TeamSparkman #WelcomeToTheTeam
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18073093253279387
✨ We’re BACK! ✨ We hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day weekend! Our team is recharged, smiling, and ready to welcome you back into the office. Let’s make this week full of confident smiles! 😄🦷  📞 Call us at (806) 355-9732 or book online to schedule your next visit. #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #BackInOffice #Braces #ClearAligners
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18137304955429066
🎉✨ Help us wish Dr. Corbin Clifton a very Happy Birthday! ✨🎉  We’re so lucky to have his expertise, kindness, and passion for creating beautiful smiles here at Sparkman Orthodontics. Thank you, Dr. Clifton, for everything you do for our patients and team — we hope your day is as amazing as you are!  #SparkmanOrthodontics #HappyBirthday #TeamSparkman #SparkASmile #DrClifton
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18037829681456078
🎉✨ Happy Birthday, Kacie! ✨🎉 Join us in celebrating Kacie Flores, one of our amazing Treatment Coordinators here at Sparkman Orthodontics! 🦷 We’re so lucky to have her on our team helping create beautiful smiles every day.  Drop her a birthday message below to show her some love! 🎂🎈  #HappyBirthday #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18088953397698229
📢 Holiday Hours Alert! We’ll be closed for Labor Day Weekend. 📅 Friday, August 29 – Monday, September 1 We’ll reopen Tuesday, September 2 for regular business hours!  Enjoy the long weekend with your loved ones, and we’ll see you back with smiles next week! 😁✨  #LaborDayWeekend #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17870986473340257
When Taylor & Travis said YES… at Sparkman Orthodontics! 😉✨ We couldn’t resist a little Photoshop magic to celebrate the news — even superstar smiles deserve to #SparkASmile!   #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #TaylorAndTravis #EngagementGoals #OrthodonticsWithStyle
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 17932130096965862
🎉 Welcome to the Team, Thanya! 🎉  We’re so excited to officially welcome Thanya Banda to Sparkman Orthodontics! She’s joined us as one of our Treatment & Finance Coordinators and has been doing an amazing job during her first 90 days with us. We’re so glad to have her on our team! 💛  #SparkmanOrthodontics #WelcomeToTheTeam #SparkASmile #AmarilloTeam
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18079868071931924
✨ Transformation Thursday ✨ Check out this incredible before & after! From crowded teeth to a confident, healthy smile—this is what Sparkman transformations are all about. 😁  #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #Braces #ClearAligners #BeforeAndAfter #SmileTransformation #AmarilloTexas
Open post by sparkmanorthodontics with ID 18195395101315930
🎓✨ Congratulations to Kameron Wolff, the recipient of this year’s Sparkman Orthodontics Scholarship for Amarillo High!  Cameron is not only an outstanding student but also a wonderful family friend of Dr. Sparkman, which makes this moment extra special. We’re so proud to support our local students as they take the next step in their journey!  #SparkmanOrthodontics #SparkASmile #Scholarship #AmarilloHigh #AmarilloTexas
Follow Us:
Facebook-fInstagram

Voted “Best Of”

by Amarillo Globe News, Channel 10 News & the Pampa News!

Best of Pampa 2024
Best-of-Clovis-2023

Get Started Today

We look forward to meeting you and helping you get started with treatment that is customized to your specific needs.

Schedule Free Consult
Sparkman ortho - ada
Sparkman ortho
Sparkman ortho - logo
Sparkman ortho - iTero
our Locations

Come Visit Us

Come by one of our locations and meet our friendly team! We’re ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams! We look forward to meeting you soon!
Amarillo, TX

7701 S.W. 45th Ave.
Amarillo, TX 79119

806.355.9732

Pampa, TX
3000 Perryton Pkwy.
Pampa, TX 79065

806.355.9732
Canyon, TX

2 Glorieta Dr,
Canyon, TX 79015

806.355.9732

Clovis, NM
901 E. 21st St.
Clovis, NM 88101

806.355.9732
Schedule Free Consult

Follow Us

Facebook-fInstagramYoutube

Quick Links

Main Menu
  • Our Practice
  • Braces
  • Clear Aligners
  • Orthodontics
  • Patient Resources
  • Contact Us

Contact Us

  • Amarillo, TX
  • Pampa, TX
  • Canyon, TX
  • Clovis, NM
  • 806.355.9732
© Copyright 2025 Sparkman Orthodontics | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices

Marketing & Web Design by HIP

orthodontist clovis, sparkman orthodontics clovis nm, types of orthodontic treatments, orthodontist treatments, orthodontic treatment types, types of orthodontics, type of orthodontic treatment, straight teeth clovis, types of orthodontic treatment, types orthodontic treatment, orthodontic treatments in texas, tooth extraction pampa tx, different orthodontic treatments, orthodontic treatment clovis, best orthodontic treatment planner, orthodontic treatment in clovis, clovis braces, can braces cause breathing problems, orthodontist treatment, sparkman orthodontics clovis, body image is harder to maintain during adolescent years because, range movement clovis nm, sparkman orthodontics pampa tx, clovis orthodontic treatment, types of orthodontists, types of orthodontist, palatal expander clovis, palatal expander clovis ca