Orthodontics in Charlottesville, VA

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on properly aligning the teeth and jaws. At our practice, we combine our expertise in pediatric dentistry with comprehensive orthodontic care delivered by Dr. Nancy Stranix to ensure your child develops a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a lifetime.

How Orthodontics Can Help Your Child

Orthodontic treatment does much more than create straight teeth. When your child receives orthodontic care, they benefit from: Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss later in life. Better Function and Prevention of Future Dental Problems: Correct bite alignment improves chewing efficiency and prevents damage to the teeth such as wear of the enamel and tooth fractures that can occur over time when one’s bite is misaligned. Correct bite alignment can also reduce jaw pain, headaches and TMJ disorders.

Enhanced Speech: Addressing alignment issues can improve speech clarity and pronunciation. Boosted Confidence: A straight, healthy smile often increases self-esteem during crucial developmental years.

When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, permanent teeth are beginning to emerge, allowing us to spot potential problems early. At our practice, Dr. Stump, Dr. Smith and Dr. Dixon will actively monitor the development of your child’s teeth and will let you know when they are ready for an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Stranix.

Early Interceptive Treatment

Sometimes called “Phase I” treatment, this approach addresses significant problems early while your child still has baby teeth, often making later treatment shorter and less complex. This may be recommended if your child has a crossbite, significant crowding or spacing, oral habits like thumb sucking, early loss of baby teeth, missing or extra teeth, or a significant overbite or overjet. This is also done when growth guidance is needed (for example, if a patient has an underbite).

Benefits of Early Treatment:

• May reduce the need for tooth extractions
• Can shorten the time needed for later comprehensive treatment
• Guides facial growth during optimal development periods
• Addresses problems before they become more severe
• Can improve breathing, speech, and oral function
• Reduces risk of trauma to protruding teeth
• May eliminate the need for jaw surgery in severe cases

What to Expect:

Early treatment typically lasts 12-18 months and focuses on specific problems rather than complete alignment. After Phase I treatment, there’s usually a rest period where we monitor growth and development. Most children will need a second phase of treatment (Phase II) once all permanent teeth have erupted to achieve final alignment and bite correction.

Not every child needs early treatment, and we carefully evaluate each case to ensure intervention is truly beneficial. We’ll only recommend early treatment when children are ready and the benefits clearly outweigh waiting for all permanent teeth to emerge.

Comprehensive Treatment (Phase II)

This is the most common type of orthodontic treatment, typically beginning when most or all permanent teeth have erupted (usually between ages 11-14). Comprehensive treatment addresses all aspects of tooth alignment, bite correction, and facial harmony.

What Comprehensive Treatment Addresses:

• Complete tooth alignment and straightening
• Bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
• Functional improvements for chewing and speaking
• Facial balance and aesthetic harmony
• Long-term oral health optimization

Duration and Expectations:

Comprehensive treatment typically lasts 18-30 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Regular appointments every 6-8 weeks allow us to monitor progress and make adjustments. The result is a beautifully aligned smile with proper function that will last a lifetime.

The Treatment Process

Initial Consultation: We’ll examine your child’s teeth, take X-rays if needed, and discuss any concerns you have about their smile. Custom Treatment Plan: If treatment is recommended, we’ll create a personalized plan explaining the recommended approach, timeline, and what to expect.

Active Treatment: Regular appointments (typically every 6-8 weeks) allow us to monitor progress and make adjustments.

Retention: After active treatment, retainers help maintain the beautiful new smile and healthy bite

Most Common Orthodontic Treatments We Offer

Traditional Metal Braces

The most common and effective treatment for comprehensive tooth movement. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.

Clear Ceramic Braces

A more aesthetic option that works like metal braces but uses tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend with natural teeth, which makes the braces less noticeable.

Clear Aligners

Clear removable aligners offer a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth with the convenience of being removable for eating and cleaning.

Space Maintainers

When baby teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers hold the proper space for permanent teeth to emerge correctly.

Palatal Expanders

These devices gently widen the upper jaw when needed, creating room for proper tooth alignment and improving breathing.

Carriere Motion Appliance

A specialized appliance that is worn before braces or clear aligners to correct bite relationships (both when the upper front teeth protrude significantly in front of lower front teeth and when there is an underbite where the lower front teeth protrude out in front of the upper front teeth).

Why Choose Our Practice?

Our unique combination of pediatric dentistry and orthodontic expertise means your child receives comprehensive care from doctors who understand the specific needs of growing children. We create a comfortable, friendly environment where children feel at ease, and we work closely with parents to ensure the best possible outcome for every smile.

Questions About Your Child’s Smile?

Every child’s orthodontic needs are unique. We invite you to talk to Dr. Stump, Dr. Smith or Dr. Dixon at your child’s next cleaning to see if they would recommend an orthodontic consultation. You can schedule a complimentary consultation with our orthodontist, Dr. Stranix, where she and her team can evaluate your child’s specific situation and discuss the best plan forward for their developing smile.